Angular Cheilitis
Pronunciation: ANG-gyoo-ler ky-EYE-tis
An inflammatory condition affecting the labial commissures, presenting as erythema, fissuring, and crusting at the corners of the mouth, typically associated with Candida species, Staphylococcus aureus, or nutritional deficiency.
Full Definition
Angular cheilitis (synonymous with perlèche) is a multifactorial lesion of the oral commissures frequently seen in denture wearers, elderly patients with reduced vertical dimension, immunocompromised individuals, and those with iron or riboflavin deficiency. Microbiological culture commonly yields Candida albicans, often alongside bacterial co-infection. The condition is bilateral in most cases and responds to antifungal or antibacterial therapy once the predisposing factor is addressed. Editors must not confuse angular cheilitis with actinic cheilitis (UV-related, lower-lip vermilion) or exfoliative cheilitis (diffuse lip peeling). The term is not hyphenated.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred term in British English oral medicine literature; 'angular stomatitis' is acceptable. 'Perlèche' is used in dermatological contexts. Do not hyphenate either word of the compound.
In Context
- "The patient's complete denture had reduced the vertical dimension of occlusion, predisposing her to angular cheilitis at both commissures." — Clinical case notes
- "In the treatment protocol, angular cheilitis was managed with miconazole oral gel applied to the affected commissures twice daily." — Treatment guideline