From the Guidelines
Treatment for angular cheilitis should start with topical antifungal agents, such as clotrimazole 1% or miconazole 2%, applied three to four times daily for 7-14 days, as fungal infection is a common cause, as suggested by guidelines for treating candidiasis 1. When managing angular cheilitis, it's crucial to address both the symptoms and the underlying causes.
- Keeping the affected area clean and dry is essential.
- Applying an antifungal cream like clotrimazole, as mentioned in the treatment guidelines for candidiasis 1, can help combat fungal infections.
- If inflammation is present, a low-potency steroid cream may be applied, but this should be done with caution and for a limited duration.
- Ensuring proper denture fit, if applicable, and maintaining good oral hygiene are also important.
- Nutritional deficiencies should be addressed through a balanced diet or supplements, as deficiencies in B vitamins, iron, and zinc can contribute to the condition.
- It's also advisable to avoid licking the corners of the mouth and to apply a barrier like petroleum jelly to prevent further irritation.
- If symptoms persist or recur, consulting a healthcare provider is necessary to rule out underlying conditions that may require different management strategies.
From the FDA Drug Label
Fluconazole tablets are indicated for the treatment of: Vaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infections due to Candida). Oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Angular Cheilitis
- The treatment for angular cheilitis is varied, with antifungals being the first-line treatment for most clinicians, despite limited scientific evidence supporting their reliability 2.
- Alternative topical treatments have been experimented with and proposed, including 1% isoconazole nitrate (ISN) and 0.1% diflucortolone valerate (DFV) ointment, which has been found to be a consistent treatment for angular cheilitis due to its broad spectrum against dermatophytes and bacteria, and anti-inflammatory properties 2.
- Other treatment options that have been proposed include various techniques of occlusal vertical dimension restoration, B-vitamin supplementation, anti-drooling prosthetic device, and photodynamic therapy, mostly in the form of case reports or case series on a small number of individuals 2.
- It is also important to consider the underlying etiology of angular cheilitis, including nutritional, systemic, and drug-related factors, in order to appropriately focus treatment efforts 3.
Importance of Further Research
- Further and well-designed trials on larger samples of patients are needed to assess the differential profile of consistency of the treatments outlined in literature and claimed by authors 2.
- The lack of scientific evidence supporting the reliability of antifungals as a treatment for angular cheilitis highlights the need for more research in this area 2.