Angular Cheilitis
Type: Symptom
Definition
Inflammation and cracking at the corners of the mouth.
Clinical Details
The rapid turnover of skin at the labial commissures (corners of the mouth) relies on riboflavin-dependent metabolic pathways. Deficiency causes these areas to become painfully inflamed, crack, and frequently bleed when the mouth is opened. These fissures are highly susceptible to secondary bacterial or fungal infections.