What Is Angular Stomatitis And What Causes It?
Angular stomatitis, also referred to as angular cheilitis, perleche or cheilitis, is an inflammatory lesion located at the corner of the mouth. The lesion is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. In addition to the lesion, another symptom that an individual may experience is inflammation of the lips. In more severe or persistent cases, the lesion eventually creates deep cracks or splits in the skin of the cheek and lips. Bleeding may occur along with shallow ulcers. One of the main causes for angular stomatitis is due to contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction due to exposure to substances that the individual is allergic to, such as toothpaste, lipstick or chapstick. In less severe cases, specifically during winter months, chapped lips are a form of angular stomatitis. This is experienced most frequently by children and young adults. The condition only worsens when the effected person licks their lips. Other causes of angular stomatitis are excessive lip sucking,
