Angular cheilitis is an inflammatory lesion at the labial commissure, or corner of the mouth, and often occurs bilaterally. In most cases, there is an erythema on the lips, as well as cracks. If complications occur, angular cheilitis can result in fungal and bacterial infections that can spread to other parts of the face or to the inside of the mouth.
The causes of angular cheilitis are very diverse. Among the most common ones, one may include a vitamin B2 deficiency, a bacterial infection caused by syphilis, an overdose of vitamin A taken as part of a medical treatment or a dental appliance that the mouth does not tolerate.
The main symptom of angular cheilitis is dryness at the corner of the mouth which results in cracks. The subject has difficulty opening the mouth and often moistens the corners of his or her mouth. In cases of angular cheilitis complications, bloody and painful ulcerations appear at the corners of the lips. Angular cheilitis may become very troublesome when it spreads to other parts of the face. However, it is a disease that can be treated by resorting to homoeopathic products.
In total, there are over 40 homoeopathic remedies that can be used to treat cases of angular cheilitis. Experts often recommend a combination of Mercurius solubilis, Monilia albicans and Sepia officinalis, all of which need to be taken in 5-CH dilution. Three granules of each of these remedies need to be taken three times a day. Nitricum acidum is also effective in the treatment of angular cheilitis. Not requiring a combination with another remedy, this product can be administered in 7 or 9 CH-dilution, in which case 5 granules need to be taken twice a day. There is another very effective remedy known as Streptococcinum, although it is not recommended by all specialists because of the adverse reactions it may cause.
Angular cheilitis may be of streptococcal origin. This is why specialists in homoeopathy have long suggested weekly doses of Streptococcinum 9 to 15CH to patients suffering from angular cheilitis. However,the remedy may sometimes lead to serious side effects and must be administered in combination with spaced-out intakes of Lung Histamine15 CH to curb the ill effects of Streptococcinum, such as scarlet fever, intolerance to noise, nightmares and hallucinations similar to those experienced during a state of madness.
Many specialists recommend another product used in homoeopathy to treat patients with stomach cancer: Condurango. This plant, which grows in the Andes in Latin America, has many virtues and its action does not lead to adverse effects as is the case with Streptococcinum. Nowadays, the use of Condurango in the treatment of angular cheilitis tends to become widespread, even if it is not as effective as Streptococcinum.
• Condurango
• Graphites
• Nitricum adicum
Good to know: Thanks to its in-depth action, homoeopathy can effectively treat angular cheilitis. It fights off the bacterial infection and prevents it from spreading to other parts of the face.