With Reflexologist Nuria Weaver
Home Remedies for Angular Cheilitis
Angular cheilitis is an inflammatory lesion that occurs at the corner of the mouth. The condition is also known as angular stomatitis. It is marked by deep cracks which can split and in extreme case when the mouth opens. The split or the crack can bleed at times. Nevertheless, you can try out some very effective home remedies for angular cheilitis.
Causes for Angular Cheilitis:
Initially it starts like a normal cold sore but within a short span of time the infection spread across the lips and mouth. The condition is caused by a fungus called the candida albicans or by bacteria. This may be a result of the accumulation of the saliva around the sides of the lips. This becomes a favorable condition for the fungus or the bacteria to thrive. Other causes of angular cheilitis are:
- People suffering from iron deficiency can likely suffer from this condition.
- Vitamin B-2, B-6 and B-12 deficiency can be another reason for infection.
- Older people who use dentures and in any case if these are not fitted well, in such a situation then the saliva can sit in the corner of the mouth and ultimately lead to the infection.
- Habits such as licking the lips or biting can lead to this condition.
- Excessive wiping of the corner of the mouth can also cause the infection.
Symptoms of Angular Cheilitis:
Although, angular cheilitis affects the older people but it has found that even younger people can suffer from it especially during winter when the temperature falls drastically. If you suffer from the infection then you may observe the following symptoms such as:
- Cracks at the corner of your mouths
- Hurt will depend on the severity of the crack
- Bleeding may result when the mouth is wide open
- In some cases you may notice bumps as well
- The skin becomes dry and flaky
Angular cheilitis is not a life threatening condition and can be easily treated at home. Some of the suggestion tried by many people and experts are listed below:
- In the morning, take a cup of water; add 3 tablespoon of white vinegar and a teaspoon of salt. Mix this well and use it for the purpose of mouth rinsing. Follow this routine of mouth rinsing until the symptoms of angular cheilitis subsides.
- Another method you can try out is to wet an ear bud with some solution of hydrogen peroxide and gently dab the infected area. Finally spread some petroleum based ointment over the chapped and affected lips.
- At night, you can dab some hydrogen peroxide and then use some baking soda on the affected area. Allow this to dry and for best result keep this overnight. The baking soda is used because it helps to dry the area quickly.
- You can also rub some salt on the affected area with some olive oil to reduce the infections and to speed up the healing process
- Cocoa butter is also effective for the lips and its related problems such as angular cheilitis.
- Vitamin E can be used directly on the area of infection to reduce the problem considerably.
- As we all know honey has some antibacterial and anti fungal properties. Therefore it is very handy when it comes to reduce the infection. For this you simply need to rub some honey on the infected area. Intake of honey is also effective as it is rich in vitamins, amino acids and minerals that can help to heal the condition from within the body.
- Cucumber can also reduce the pain and cool the area if you feel any burning sensation. You simply have to cut a slice of the cucumber and gently apply on the infected area.
- Aloe Vera too works well to cure the infection in the mouth. All you need to rub some amount of this on the affected area.
All the remedies mentioned above are no doubt helpful but this may become temporary unless you have a healthy diet.
- Regular and proper intake of water is necessary to make up to the loss liquid from the body. This helps to cope with the cold environment as there is a greater loss of liquid from the skin due to evaporation and constant urination.
- Lack of vitamins in the body may lead to angular cheilitis. Hence take vitamin B supplements. This is often recommended by doctors when they notice your dry skin.
- Food such as beans, green leafy vegetables and nuts like peanuts are all rich and natural sources of vitamin B.
- Sea foods, liver, lean meat provide with the required iron in the body. This will help to keep your body and skin healthy and prevent any kind of skin infection.
Preventive measures and tips for angular cheilitis:
- Avoid using lip moisturizers as these may contain some harmful chemicals that can make your condition worse. Instead go for some natural products for instances the lip balms, olive oil and Vaseline.
- For older people who are in the habit of using dentures. Wear them correctly and clean them regularly to avoid any kind of fungus and bacterial accumulation that may ultimately result in angular cheilitis.
- Avoid having junk and spicy food as this make your condition worse.
- Avoid smoking as this may irritate the infection.
Although, the infection spread rapidly, but nevertheless you can treat it by following these simple home remedies for angular cheilitis. However, if the infection persists and does not show any healing sign when using these remedies, do consult the doctor immediately.
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