What is The Cause of Angular Cheilitis?

Cause of Angular Cheilitis or as it is often called Perleche is so far unknown. However the cracks caused by it are often infected by fungus or bacteria (Candida albicans). Some recent medical studies connect flare up of Angular Cheilitis with bad diet lacking vitamin B2, iron and zinc.

It can also be connected with symptoms like glossitis, upper esophageal web, anemia caused by iron deficiency and cheilosis.

It is most frequent in older population because loss of teeth causes loss of vertical dimension, which again causes over closure of the mouth. Similar to cold sores, it can also be triggered by cold weather and is often misinterpreted as having chapped lips.

Teenagers and small children are mostly affected by this problem, they may try to moisten the lips but this actually only serves as fuel for fungi and bacteria causing more severe Angular Cheilitis flare up.

Click here to read review of the top three Angular Cheilitis treatments.