angular cheilitis; rhagades; perleche; angular cheilosis

Introduction

Chapping & fissuring of the corners of the lips.

Etiology

• anatomic predisposition
  • flaccid, sagging cheeks with deepened labial angles
  • lack of or ill-fitting dentures
    • constant retention of moisture in angles
    • secondary infection
• nutritional deficiencies
  • riboflavin
  • iron deficiency
  • protein deficiency
• any etiology of cheilitis may manifest as angular cheilitis

Clinical manifestations

• corners of mouth
  • erythema
  • wrinkled macerated skin
  • superficial exudative crusts
  • deep fissures not involving mucosal surface of commissures
• riboflavin deficiency
  • glossitis
  • keratitis
  • dermatitis

Differential diagnosis

• difference between angular stomatitis & angular cheilitis unclear

Management

• directed at specific etiology
• see cheilitis

More general terms

• cheilitis

Additional terms

• angular stomatitis