In this article we will be looking at what causes angular cheilitis as well as some orthodox and natural cures. Angular cheilitis is a fungal infection which is started when there is an over abundance of saliva in the corners of the mouth. The saliva is a breeding ground for the fungus and bacteria, and causes ulcerations and cracks on the mouth. These ulcerations can be very painful and develop a crust over time if not treated. Despite the pain one feels, angular cheilitis or often known as a severe form of chapped lips can be very embarrassing. Angular cheilitis is a form of rheumatism and can be treated in many different ways. If treated properly the infection can clear up within a matter of days and there are many angular cheilitis remedies around, but if left untreated the infection could last for months. If the initial cause of angular cheilitis is not resolved; such as in the case of poorly fitted dentures then the condition could flare up again at a later stage. As many people who testify to having this problem for a long time, say that it flares up at different intervals. Prevention is better than cure.
Angular cheilitis can be prevented, with the proper precautions but if this is not possible, then you can try one of the many cures for angular cheilitis. One of the reasons for angular cheilitis is when one has dentures that do not fit properly, resulting in the mouth not closing tightly enough and the saliva forming at the cracks of the mouth. Also using an antibacterial mouth wash on a regular basis is an effective preventative measure.
As with all illness or infections there are the orthodox cures which work for a majority of people and there are also natural and herbal cures. Many of the remedies can be found at the chemists or even online; as there are many people selling online products for angular cheilitis, which claim that the product or remedy will clear up the infection within a matter of hours.
Orthodox methods:
When going to a dermatologist or doctor you will likely be prescribed a topical anti-fungal or a topical steroid cream which when applied will kill the fungus or bacteria within a few days. However if the condition is persistent an oral anti-fungal treatment will be given.
Natural remedies:
Natural remedies can be as simple as letting the mouth dry naturally without wetting it, as the bacteria need the moisture to thrive so by drying out the area the bacteria or fungus die and the infection clears up. Tea tree oil is powerful anti-bacterial oil which is to treat all types of bacterial or fungal infections. A treatment using tea tree oil would be to mix a few drops of the oil with Vaseline and to use it as a lip balm. A different type of treatment is using ordinary baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). Dab the powder onto the sores and leave- do not apply moistures.
If you have dentures, then soak your dentures in a 10 to 1 part water solution of house hold bleach which disinfects. Remember, however, that even if you have disinfected your dentures you still need to kill the fungus in and around your mouth, otherwise the dentures will just get re-infected.
It is quite common for the angular cheilitis to be caused by a vitamin B deficiency and if so, a treatment of vitamin B complex will cure the infection.