Medications for angular cheilitis

Angular cheilitis or sometimes called angular stomatitis is a condition characterized by lesions found in both corners of the mouth, which usually look like splits or deep cracks. The cause of the problem is inflammation, provoked by the cold weather, weakened immune system due to nutritional deficiencies or teeth problems. It can also be associated with some bacteria or fungi, or in certain cases with medications which dry the skin. The condition is very unpleasant and painful for the person experiencing it. These people can experience intense pain and even bleeding from the lesions with the tiniest movement of the lip.

Preventive Measures

Take care of your teeth and make sure that your dentures fit properly. Visit your dentists and consult him or her about your dentures, because if they don’t fit correctly you may end up having problems with angular cheilitis. Sun and cold wind are also identified as the possible causes of the dry and cracked lips, which can also lead to lip inflammation.

Possible Cures

Although chapped lips are one of the symptoms, they are also the least painful to deal with. You might feel the urge to lick them on the cold weather, but it won’t be a good idea. Licking the lips may bring momentarily relief, but it can also worsen the problem, feeding the bacteria and fungi in the lip lesion. So, use some lip balms or ointments based on paraffin to treat your lips every time you have to be outside on the cold day, to prevent future problems. You need to visit your doctor and determine the cause of your problem with the mouth. In most cases, he or she will prescribe some anti-fungal medication, which will help you resolve angular cheilitis. He or she will probably recommend some of the following drugs: nystatin, triazole, ketoconazole and amphotericin B, because they are common medications for this type of problem. Nystatin (Nilstat, Mycolog or Mycostatin) can be sold as tablet or as the liquid. It is often used 3 times per day, but the dose can be increased if your doctor recommended so. Ketoconazole can be found in pharmacies as Monista, Mycelex or Nizoral. The drug damages the cell wall of the fungi, causing them to be destroyed. Fluconazole or Itraconazole are triazole anti-fungal drugs, used for several weeks and up to 3 months. Amphotericin B can be purchased as Apothecon, Adria or Fungizone. This powerful anti-fungal medication should be used very carefully, because it can both cure and worsen your current condition.