Angular Cheilitis: What Causes Cheilitis?

To the untrained eye, Angular Cheilitis appears to be nothing more than a very severe case of chapped lips. But actually, it is a medical condition produced by a bacterial infection, which causes the tissue of the lips to split and tear. Obviously, this can produce severe discomfort in the sufferer, and even make it difficult to talk or eat.

Unlike a regular case of chapped lips, Angular Cheilitis is contracted bacterially, and not caused by exposure to cold air or wind. Nearly all of us get chapped lips from time to time, and if you're unfamiliar with the condition, it can be difficult to tell the difference between chapped lips and Angular Cheilitis -- at least in the beginning stages of the condition.

Angular Cheilitis tends to produce cracking and bleeding, and in extreme cases the lips can even develop painful sores filled with pus. Other symptoms include a warm face, headaches, and a general fever throughout the body which can sometimes result in chills.

One of the most common causes of this condition is dentures or other dental fixtures that are not correctly fitted to the mouth. If a set of dentures do not offer good support to the muscles surrounding the mouth, they will allow a constant pool of moisture to accumulate in the corners of the mouth. It is this moisture that attracts bacteria which can eventually develop into an infection.

But there are other causes of Angular Cheilitis as well. Many researchers have pointed out that deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, as well as general anemia, can increase the likelihood of contracting the condition.

A lack of iron in the body, for example, has been shown to have a detrimental effect upon the immune system, and can provide a breeding ground for the bacteria which cause Angular Cheilitis to develop. Using iron supplements, and other minerals and vitamins, can often help fight off the condition.

Other things that have been known to cause Angular Cheilitis include poor personal habits such as incessantly licking the lips, lip biting, and obsessively wiping around the corners of the mouth. And although it has not been confirmed, some researchers believe that certain smoking habits can also lead to the bacterial infection that causes the condition. However, more research will have to be done to know for certain if this particular bad habit is correlated with Cheilitis.

Demographically speaking, Angular Cheilitis is more common in the older generation than with young people. One obvious reason for this is that older people more often have dentures or dental fixtures, which are a primary cause of the condition. But young people, and even teenagers, can develop this uncomfortable disease, particular those who are anemic or do not get enough necessary vitamins and minerals from their diet.

Angular Cheilitis can severely disrupt everyday life, making it a chore just to carry on a conversation or enjoy a simple meal. And unfortunately, even though the condition is curable, it can often linger for days or even weeks before gradually fading away.

Protecting oneself from contracting Angular Cheilitis in the first place is the best strategy, by maintaining proper oral hygiene, ensuring that all dentures fit properly, and eating a balanced and nutritious diet.