Angular Cheilitis Treatment

[kitkat12012]

I think I have Angular Cheilitis treatment and have had it for about a month now.

At first I thought it was just chapped lips, and I have this habit of licking my lips which might have made it worse.  I think I also drool at my sleep when I lay to the side, and the side with the Angular Cheilis is also consistent with which side I usually lay on (side I usually drool at)

Since at first I thought it was just chapped lips, I bought a Neutrogena Skinaid (Glycerin and Pramoxine Hydrochloride) which the box says should relieve minor cuts, chapping, cracking, etc..


I then did some research when I got home and found out that it was Angular Cheilitis, and not chapped lips.


My question is, would this Neutrogena Skinaid cream, together with a Blistex brand lip balm and not drooling cure this angular cheilitis?

If not, are there any other over the counter stuff I could use instead?  Or maybe some homemade/natural treatments?  Or do you guys have any other suggestions?


Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

This could be a part of Cheilitis, which is a medical condition involving inflammation of the lip. Or a bad case of Chapped lips , a condition whereby the lips become dry and possibly cracked. It may be caused by the evaporation of moisture.

Lip balm can often provide temporary relief, though it should not be used extensively.  One should avoid licking their lips as saliva contains the enzyme amylase, which can damage the already compromised lip tissue.
Honey can be used on the lips as a natural remedy.


Cheilitis is associated with many conditions from Vitamin B12 deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, be a symptom of allergies.can also be caused by taking the (retinoid) drug Isotretinoin (brand name Roaccutane).

Applying protective paraffin-based ointment (such as Vaseline) or lip balms to the lips is normally very effective. Also take Vitamin B supplements.

If nothing works you can have a biopsy done to find out the cause.
ref:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapped_lips

Some causes of the symptoms you mention, could be lip biting, lip licking, Vit.B2 deficiency, smoking, overexposure to sun and ill fitting dentures. In extreme cases, this could be due to bacterial or fungal skin infection.

You need to drink plenty of water daily – around 1.5 – 3 litres per day and eat a balanced diet. Do not keep your lips dry; apply lip balm which contains sunscreen – preferably a medicated one.

If the symptoms still persist, consult your skin specialist or dermatologist.

Let us know about how you are doing and if you have any other doubts.

Regards.