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January 2002
angular cheilitis
Angular cheilitis is a form of oral candidiasis. It can be seen with or without other oral manifestations of candidiasis. C. albicans is the most common organism causing oral candidiasis, followed by C. glabrata. Angular cheilitis appears as erythema and fissures or linear ulcers at the labial commissures. Oral candidiasis is the most common oral manifestation of HIV. In one study of HIV-infected adults, the prevalence of angular cheilitis was 10%.
Angular cheilitis is often confused with the lesions caused by herpes simplex virus. It can be distinguished by its location (in the corners of the mouth) and the fact that it does not appear as blisters in the early course of illness. Angular cheilitis will not respond to acyclovir therapy. Angular cheilitis is treated most effectively with an oral antifungal agent such as fluconazole.
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