Does Abreva Help Angular Cheilitis (2024)

FAQs

Does Abreva Help Angular Cheilitis? ›

In contrast to cold sores, angular cheilitis isn't contagious. Treatment for cold sores usually involves over-the-counter medications such as Abreva and Zovirax, while angular cheilitis needs to be treated with topical antifungal creams or antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.

Herpes labialis is treated with an antiviral ointment or pills, while angular cheilitis requires effective and adequate topical anti-fungal and anti-bacterial treatment. Hydrocortisone 1% creams are also used in several cases of angular cheilitis. Specific causes must be addressed as well.

CAN I USE THIS ON CRACKS THAT FORM IN THE CORNERS OF MY MOUTH? No. Abreva cream is indicated only for the treatment of cold sores caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1.

Treatments. Angular cheilitis is usually treated with topical antifungals such as nystatin, clotrimazole, or econazole. A combination of a topical antifungal and a topical steroid, such as nystatin and triamcinolone or iodoquinol and hydrocortisone, may also be prescribed.

Cold sores typically begin as an itchy or painful area that turns into one or a group of small, painful blisters. Over time, they may weep, scab over, and finally heal. Angular cheilitis, on the other hand, begins as a patch of dry, irritated or cracked skin at one or both corners of the mouth.

People may then lick their lips, which dries the corners of the mouth and leads to AC. Rubbing or licking the infected area can worsen the issue, intensifying the pain. Other causes of AC may include: collection of saliva causing irritant dermatitis from drooling or licking the lips.

Angular cheilitis can come back after treatment. For some people, the condition is chronic (ongoing). They may need to manage the condition for the rest of their lives.

Other conditions (such as herpes labialis and erosive lichen planus) can cause symptoms similar to angular cheilitis. To be sure of the cause, your doctor might swab the corners of your mouth and your nose and send it to a lab to see what kinds of bacteria or fungi might be there.

Treatment for angular cheilitis mostly depends on how it was caused. Since most cases of angular cheilitis are caused by saliva, the best way to treat and prevent dryness from this condition is to keep the affected areas moisturized.

If it appears that the corners of the mouth have become infected (if there is redness, increased cracking and resistance to healing), we recommend using an over-the-counter broad spectrum antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin. This ointment should be applied with a cotton applicator (Q-tip) four to five times per day.

What deficiency causes angular cheilitis? ›

The following are associated with angular cheilitis: Vitamin B deficiencies (especially cyanocobalamin, folate, riboflavin)[4] Trace mineral deficiencies (zinc or iron) General protein malnutrition.

Both bacterial and fungal infections can cause angular cheilitis. In some cases, it may also be associated with viral infections such as herpes simplex virus. Bacterial infections can occur when the area around the mouth becomes moist and warm, providing an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.

Unscented and unflavored lip balms, like petroleum jelly or virgin coconut oil heal the infection and are an excellent natural treatment for angular cheilitis. Ensure that there are no chemical substances present in the balm or moisturizer. Do this as many times as possible in the daytime and right before sleeping.

The cold sore ointment docosanol (Abreva) may shorten the healing time of a cold sore. At the first sign of symptoms, apply it to the affected skin as directed on the package. Use a cotton-tipped swab to put medicine on a cold sore. This helps prevent the spread of the sores to other parts of the body.

Most mild angular cheilitis will heal with some topicals like petroleum jelly or Neosporin to seal out excess moisture and kill off the aerobic bacteria by smothering them. However, if your cheilitis is fungal or bacterial, you may need to see your doctor for an antifungal or antibacterial ointment.

Patients whose skin clears with initial therapy frequently need to continuously apply a barrier cream to the corners of the mouth (e.g., petroleum jelly or Aquaphor) to prevent recurrence of angular cheilitis from additional irritation from saliva.