Oral angular cheilitis, also known as "cracked corners of the mouth", not only affects aesthetics but also makes it difficult for children to eat and brush their teeth. The occurrence of this disease is often related to a deficiency of riboflavin (also known as vitamin B2) in the diet, and is partly caused by infection from Candida albicans or streptococcus. In addition, children who have excessive saliva or a habit of licking their lips are also prone to this disease. The course of oral angular cheilitis is usually long, and some children may not fully recover even with active treatment.
Oral angular cheilitis is a general term for various inflammations that occur at the junction of the upper and lower lips, and it is more common in dry regions in the spring.
There are mainly two types of oral angular cheilitis in children:
1. Infectious angular cheilitis;
2. Nutrient deficiency angular cheilitis.
Infectious angular cheilitis often occurs in children who have a habit of licking their lips or corners of the mouth, or who drool easily.
Its clinical manifestations include moist white corners of the mouth, mucosa that is cracked and fissured, or mild erosion. Examinations often reveal the presence of Candida albicans or streptococcus, and the course of the disease is usually prolonged and difficult to cure. Parents should pay attention to this type of cheilitis. Nutrient deficiency angular cheilitis often occurs in children who lack vitamin B2 or zinc. This type can also transform into an infectious type.
The most important prevention measure for oral angular cheilitis is to correct the habit of licking the corners of the mouth or lips in children. Balanced nutrition is also crucial, with a reasonable combination of vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Local irritants should be removed, and the corners of the mouth should be cleaned with warm water to maintain local hygiene. Soaps should not be used to clean the affected area of the corners of the mouth.
In addition, a combination of oral and topical medications can be used for comprehensive treatment. For infectious angular cheilitis, topical application of berberine ointment or tetracycline ointment can be used. Chinese herbal decoctions can also be used for wet compresses, such as 10% Sophora flavescens decoction or 10% honeysuckle decoction.
If it is nutrient deficiency angular cheilitis, oral administration of vitamin B2 tablets can be given at a dosage of 1 tablet 2 to 3 times a day. Vitamin C tablets can be taken at a dosage of 1 tablet 3 times a day. If zinc deficiency is confirmed, zinc supplements can be taken orally at a dosage of 0.5 to 1.5mg of elemental zinc per day, with a maximum dose of 20mg per day. The treatment duration can be 1 to 2 months depending on the therapeutic effect. Examples of such drugs include zinc sulfate, zinc gluconate, and zinc acetate. (Note: excessive intake should be avoided to prevent zinc poisoning).
Oral angular cheilitis in children is often difficult to heal and prone to recurrence. Parents should patiently persuade children to correct their bad habits while implementing comprehensive treatment.
