Angular cheilitis over 20 yrs

I am a 30 yr old insulin dependent diabetic. I grew up not paying attention to it and was frequently in the hospital, not eating right, DKA, etc. I always had high blood sugars until I began taking care of it in my 20's. I had angular cheilitis at a young age and didn't do anything about it except opening my mouth which made it feel better temporarily. Eventually after 10 yrs, I decided to do something about it and saw a doctor that prescribed me mycolog. It relieved the problem about 50%. Through the years I had tried numerous antifungal creams, but if I didn't see an improvement within 48 hrs, I would become discouraged and stopped treating it. The corners of my mouth are red with fissures on a constant basis and nothing, I mean NOTHING has helped at all. I have been suffering years and all I need is help with making this go away....for good! I have tried everything from mycolog to miconazole, hydrocortisone, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, etc. Is it hopeless? Do I need to get a culture to find out the exact thing that I cannot heal from? PLEASE help me...this makes me very frustrated! All I want is to be looked at without people touching the corners of their mouth when they talk to me. Just make this disappear! PLEASE!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Angular cheilitis is at the corners of mouth which are caused by infection. Dry out the lesions completely by patting and air drying after washing with a mild soap and use petroleum jelly to lock out moisture. It is vital that the affected areas be clean and completely dry before application of the jelly. You can also apply small amounts of athlete’s foot cream which is available over the counter. If the symptoms persist then please consult a dermatologist as oral antimicrobials may be needed.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Concerneddiabetic]

Thank you for your help, but I am on oral medications too. I can tell u I have tried everything but the redness will not go away. I just want it to look normal. Like everybody elses. I will consult my pcp. Thank you.