Antibiotics for Angular Cheilitis

Angular Cheilitis is a condition in which sores or cracks appear in the corners of the mouth. It can begin as a small fissure without much inflammation and may eventuate into deep inflamed fissures. This problem may be a symptom of a vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) deficiency. Severe cases of angular cheilitis result in bleeding and inflammation of the lips.

Causes of Angular Cheilitis

Many things can lead to this condition. Generally speaking the condition is caused by moisture collecting in the corners of the mouth, which can be confused with mouth thrush. Since moisture is a great place for bacteria to breed, it often leads to infection and inflammation. Nutrition and hygiene play a big part in this disease. The body is lacking iron, zinc and riboflavin plays is a big contributing factor as to severity and possibility of a faster recovery. Poor oral hygiene will exasperate the problem.

Angular Cheilitis Symptoms - Symptoms of Angular Cheilitis

Angular cheilitis forms crust in the corners of the mouth. However before it even gets to that point, small cracks develop in the corners of the mouth. When a person continuously licks their lips, it puts saliva in the corners of the mouth which contain a lot of bacteria. This bacteria grows which leads to the condition. The very first signs of angular cheilitis is chapped lips. Taking care of it right from the beginning will save you a lot time in pain, and shorten the healing process.

Treatment for Angular Cheilitis - Angular Cheilitis Home Remedy

It is sometimes helpful to use lip balm products such as Carmex, Medicated Chapstick, or Bag Balm to promote healing. These items can be found at your local pharmacy.

If it appears that the corners of the mouth have become infected (if there is redness, increased cracking and resistance to healing), we recommend using an over-the-counter broad spectrum antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin. This ointment should be applied with a cotton applicator (Q-tip) four to five times per day.

You also may ask your pharmacist to recommend an over-the-counter antifungal cream such as Nystatin, Lotrimin AF (Clotimazole), or Monistat 2% Topical Cream (Miconazole). After cleaning the affected areas, apply this cream with a cotton applicator four to five times per day to the corners of the mouth. In certain instances of increased resistance, a cortisone product also may be prescribed by a doctor. If symptoms continue to cause discomfort, please see a dermatologist or your family physician, as a secondary bacterial or yeast infection could be present.

Typically angular cheilitis is with antibiotics prescribed by doctors. This is generally in the form of some ointment containing hydrocortisone. This cream dries out the area infected which will in turn kill the bacteria, since it no longer has a place to grow. The problem with this treatment is it generally takes a long time to see any real results. As with any antibiotic over time the bacteria become resistant to it, so you have to come up with another antibiotic to treat it. This process can take a long time and is usually not the best treatment. There are plenty of natural cures, and holistic ways to treat this condition that are much more effective.

Antibiotic drugs(medications) for angular cheilitis treatment - oral Nystatin and "amphotericin" better known as... Fungilin®, Fungizone®, Abelcet®, AmBisome®, Fungisome®, Amphocil®, Amphotec®.