Angular Cheilitis Ayurvedic Treatment

Introduction

Oral health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being which plays a significant role in speech, digestion, and self-confidence. On the other hand, poor oral health profoundly affects general health and several oral diseases occur due to poor oral hygiene. Out of various localized and systemic oral issues, one is Angular cheilitis (Angular stomatitis).

Angular cheilitis is superficial ulceration or cracks at the corner of the mouth also known as perleche, which is characterized by redness, painful cracks, and inflammation at the corner of the mouth. Angular cheilitis is also often linked with nutritional deficiencies, infections, and underlying various health issues. Iron, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and folic acid deficiency are also common causes of this oral issue.

As per Ayurveda, various Oral diseases (Mukha Roga) are mentioned and angular stomatitis or angular cheilitis is mainly correlated with Mukha Paka. Elimination of the causative factors (Nidana Parivarjana) is the main treatment used to treat angular cheilitis along with purgative therapy, Nasya Karma, Kavala, Gandusha, etc.

Here, you will find the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and Ayurvedic treatment for angular stomatitis like Panchakarma Procedures (internal purification of the body), oral detoxification therapy, Single Herbs, Diet and Lifestyle modification, etc. The treatment helps in balancing the vitiated Tridosha especially Kapha, which will certainly help to treat angular stomatitis.

What is Angular Cheilitis?

A condition characterized by inflammation, cracking, redness, and soreness of the corners of the mouth is known as Angular cheilitis (Angular stomatitis) which is caused by fungal, bacterial, or viral infections. Along with these underlying nutritional deficiencies are also the culprit behind angular stomatitis.

Angular Cheilitis (Angular Stomatitis) – As Per Ayurveda

Angular stomatitis can be co-related to Mukha Paka Roga in Ayurveda depending upon its symptoms and causes. As per Ayurveda, fundamental energies (Dosha) are vitiated due to excessive consumption of pungent (Katu), sour (Amla), and hot (Ushana) food (Ahara) which lead to oral inflammation and accumulation of toxin (Ama) result in infections and cracks formation in the diseases.

Who Gets Affected by Angular Cheilitis (Angular Stomatitis)?

All age groups are affected by these diseases, but certain groups are more vulnerable like people with poor oral hygiene which results in the accumulation of bacteria or fungi, people with poor nutritional deficiencies like lack of iron, Vit B2, B12, folic acid, etc.

Elder individuals with reduced immunity, dry mouth, and excessive saliva formation are also more affected by angular stomatitis. Immuno-compromised and diabetic individuals are also commonly affected by these diseases. Infants and children with drooling, thumb-sucking habits, and individuals with poor digestion and stress are also at risk of having angular stomatitis.

How Common is Angular Cheilitis (Angular Stomatitis)?

According to a survey report, Angular stomatitis has a prevalence of approximately 0.7 % to 3.8 % of oral mucosal lesions in adults. A higher occurrence of angular stomatitis occurs in specific populations like children, where it is 0.2% to 15.1% of oral conditions. This common condition overall affects both genders across different age groups. As per the survey, 93% of angular stomatitis lesions are due to candida infection.

Types of Angular Cheilitis (Angular Stomatitis)

1. Infectious Angular Cheilitis (Angular Stomatitis) – This type of angular stomatitis is caused due to moisture buildup in the mouth corners as a result of bacterial, fungal, or viral infections occurring in the angles of the mouth. Infectious Angular Cheilitis (Angular Stomatitis) is Further of Three Types:-

I) Candidal (Fungal) Angular Stomatitis – This type of angular stomatitis is common in individuals with diabetes, immunosuppression, or antibiotic use and is most commonly caused by Candida albicans.

II) Bacterial Angular Stomatitis – This type of angular stomatitis is caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus, and mainly results from poor oral hygiene, skin infection, excessive saliva pooling, etc.
III) Viral Angular Stomatitis – This stomatitis is associated with painful blisters and is related to herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).

2. Nutritional Deficiency-Related Angular Stomatitis – This type of angular stomatitis is commonly seen in malnourished people, who are on a vegetarian diet without proper supplementation and have digestive issues like malabsorption etc. The most common type of angular cheilitis is iron, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B12, folic acid, or zinc.

3. Irritant or Contact with Angular Stomatitis – Due to irritation from toothpaste, dentures, cosmetics having frequent lip-licking, or having various allergies, can lead to irritation or contact with angular stomatitis. Weather conditions that are harsh like cold, wind, or excessive sun exposure can worsen symptoms.

4. Systemic Disease-Associated Angular Stomatitis – This type of angular stomatitis is linked with various immunosuppressive conditions like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), etc. In these conditions chronic inflammation makes the skin around the mouth more prone to infection, and cracking which results in angular stomatitis.

5. Age-Related Angular Stomatitis – Due to denture misalignment, xerostomia i.e. reduced saliva production, and skin thinning angular stomatitis occurs in adults. In Children & Infants, this condition is mainly linked to drooling, thumb-sucking, or pacifier use, which creates excessive moisture around the corner of the mouth.