Angular Stomatitis: More Than Just a Vitamin B Deficiency
An in-depth look at the causes and treatment options for angular stomatitis
Angular stomatitis, commonly experienced during seasonal changes, is often attributed to a deficiency in vitamin B complex. However, according to Dr. Zhu Yuying, an attending physician in the Department of Plastics and Traumatology at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, there are various factors that can contribute to this condition. Lip fungus and bacterial infections are the most common culprits, but allergies to certain foods and frequent lip licking can also play a role. Dr. Yuying emphasized that angular stomatitis is not limited to a single cause and can affect adults between the ages of 30 and 60, sometimes resulting in chronic discomfort.
Posting on the Facebook page “Zhu Yuying Plastic Surgeon Notes,” Dr. Yuying revealed that angular stomatitis is more prevalent than commonly believed, accounting for 0.7% to 3.8% of oral mucosal lesions in adults regardless of their race or gender. The symptoms often include skin tearing and itching around the mouth, accompanied by pain. Over time, these symptoms may persist and become chronic.
When it comes to the causes of angular stomatitis, Dr. Yuying outlined four main types, often a combination of multiple factors:
- Lip fungus and bacterial infection: Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus are responsible for the majority of cases.
- Allergic factors: Toothpaste, lipstick, and irritating foods can trigger this condition.
- Irritating factors: Ill-fitting dentures, frequent lip licking or drooling, mouth breathing, excessive sun exposure, lip smacking, smoking, and friction trauma can contribute to angular stomatitis.
- Other factors: Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of zinc, iron, or vitamin B complex, as well as reduced immune function, can play a role.
Dr. Yuying highlighted the importance of identifying and treating the underlying cause of angular stomatitis. For bacterial infections, oral or topical antibiotics are recommended, while antifungal drugs are used for candida infections. Correcting ill-fitting dentures or damaged teeth may be necessary, and addressing nutritional deficiencies through a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamin B complex is crucial. Additionally, individuals suffering from oral cracks can find relief in topical steroid creams and fragrance-free lip balms.
When it comes to prevention, Dr. Yuying advises avoiding contact with skin allergens and inflammation, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, reducing lip licking, quitting smoking, and avoiding expired cosmetics to minimize the risk of angular stomatitis.
By understanding the various causes and treatment options for angular stomatitis, individuals can take proactive steps to prevent and manage this common condition, ensuring optimal oral health and overall well-being.
★ “China Times News Network” takes care of you: Smoking is harmful to health! Stop smoking helpline: 0800-636363.
Doctor Zhu Yuying pointed out that angular stomatitis is by no means just a deficiency of B complexity. In fact, there are many possibilities. (Image/Shutterstock)
Many people have experienced angular stomatitis, which occurs especially during the change of seasons, it is often believed to be caused by insufficient B complex in the body. In this regard, Zhu Yuying, an attending physician in the Department of Plastics and Traumatology at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, who is an assistant professor, pointed out that angular stomatitis is by no means just a group B deficiency. In fact, there are many possibilities, such as lip fungus and bacterial infection, which are the most common, and others There are allergies to irritating foods, frequent lip licking, etc. He mentioned that it occurs most often in adults between 30 and 60 years old, and can be associated with pain or itching. After several days, it can even become chronic.
Zhu Yuying posted on the Facebook page “Zhu Yuying Plastic Surgeon Notes” that angular stomatitis is actually very common, accounting for 0.7% to 3.8% of oral mucosal lesions in adults, and regardless of race or gender, about Adults aged 30 to 60 Most common. The symptoms include tearing and scratching of the skin on one or both sides of the mouth, which can be associated with pain or itching. After several days, it can even become chronic.
Speaking about the causes of angular stomatitis, Zhu Yuying explained that they are mainly the following 4 types, and usually a combination of multiple factors:
1. Lip fungus and bacterial infection: This is the most common cause, Candida albicans causes the former, and Staphylococcus aureus causes the latter.
2. Allergic factors: toothpaste, lipstick and irritating foods may be involved.
3. Irritating factors: including ill-fitting dentures, frequent lip licking or drooling, mouth breathing, excessive sun exposure, excessive lip smacking, smoking, and friction trauma.
4. Other factors: including nutritional deficiencies, such as lack of zinc, iron, vitamin B complex or reduced immune function.
Regarding the treatment of angular cheilitis, Zhu Yuying said, as long as the main cause of angular cheilitis is found and treated. If it is a bacterial infection, use oral or topical antibiotics; if it is a candida infection, use antifungal drugs; if you have dentures that don’t fit well or if the teeth themselves are damaged, you may need to correct them; if you are deficient. specific nutrients, you should improve your diet Note that it is recommended to eat more protein, iron and vitamin B complex. In addition, a topical steroid cream can relieve the redness, swelling and pain of oral cracks, and you can also use a lip balm without added coloring or fragrance to support your lips.
Regarding how to prevent angular stomatitis, Zhu Yuying said that you should avoid contact with skin allergens and inflammation; pay attention to a balanced diet and drink more water; keep your lips moist, but use less saliva to lick them; stop smoking; try not to use expired cosmetics Reduce the chance of illness.
★ “China Times News Network” takes care of you: Smoking is harmful to health! Stop smoking helpline: 0800-636363.
#Angular #stomatitis #necessarily #caused #Bcomplex #deficiency #Doctors #reveal #reasons #chronic #Health #Zhongshi #News #Network
