Angular cheilitis
What is it? What causes it?
Angular cheilitis is an inflammatory condition that causes red, swollen patches on the corners of the mouth. It is often caused by a fungal infection from Candida albicans, also known as a yeast infection. This fungus may begin growing when excess saliva gathers where the lips meet, resulting from poor oral hygiene, improperly fitted dentures, a loss of teeth, or other causes.
Angular cheilitis can also be caused by contact dermatitis from excess saliva, dry, chapped lips, bacterial infection, or vitamin deficiencies. Sometimes, a cause can't be determined, referred to as idiopathic angular cheilitis [1].
Herpes
What is it? What causes it?
Herpes is a condition caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once a person has contracted the virus, they'll carry it for life. It's common for those who have the herpes virus to develop cold sores on the face, especially near the mouth. However, not everyone with the herpes simplex virus develops cold sores. Close contact with cold sores — such as through kissing, sharing food, or having oral sex — can pass the herpes virus even before sores become visible. While herpes can't be cured, it's a common condition, and treatment can manage symptoms [1].
Treatment
Angular cheilitis and herpes, also known as cold sores, are two different conditions that require various treatments.
Treating Angular cheilitis
Angular cheilitis can clear up independently if you keep your mouth clean. For moderate cases, treatment can be sped up by applying lip balm or ointment to keep dry, cracked skin moisturized, using topical antiseptics to clean the affected area, applying topical antifungal cream if you have a yeast infection, taking oral antifungal medication if you have a yeast infection, and applying topical prescription steroid cream to reduce inflammation [1].
In some cases, a 1% isoconazole nitrate (ISN) and 0.1% diflucortolone valerate (DFV) ointment is the most consistent treatment for angular cheilitis due to the broad spectrum of ISN against many species of dermatophytes and bacteria, and the anti-inflammatory properties displayed by DFV [2].
Treating Herpes
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Prevention
Angular cheilitis, as previously discussed, is often caused by a combination of factors, including bacterial or fungal infections, nutritional deficiencies, and certain systemic conditions. To prevent angular cheilitis, good hygiene and strict skin care are essential. Keeping the skin around your mouth moist and free from irritation can help reduce the likelihood of bacterial or yeast buildup [3].
Applying petroleum jelly or coconut oil to the corners of your mouth can form a barrier against saliva, and using lip balm regularly can help prevent dry, chapped lips. It's also important to avoid substances known to worsen the condition, such as dental metals, fragrances, and other allergens. Using xylitol gum or mouthwashes can help prevent dry mouth, and applying barrier ointments, such as petroleum jelly or zinc oxide-containing ointments, can prevent moisture loss [4].
Herpes, on the other hand, is a viral infection that can cause cold sores around the mouth. Once people have contracted the herpes simplex virus, they carry it for life. Close contact with cold sores can pass the virus even before sores become visible. While herpes can't be cured, its symptoms can be managed through treatment. Preventing herpes involves avoiding direct contact with cold sores and using antiviral medications as preventive therapy if you're at high risk of infection [1, 5].