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Q: What is the condition called angular cheilitis?
A: Angular cheilitis is another of the conditions the older person confronts. It's the name of the condition in which the corners of the mouth become chapped and inflamed. As people age, the skin's cells contain less water and the tissue holds less fat. One visible result of this evolution is development of "purse-string" wrinkles that radiate from the lips. In some cases, particularly those in which tooth loss or wear contributes to loosening of the skin, the wrinkles can get especially deep at the corners of the mouth. Chapping and inflammation come about as a result of repeated wetting and drying from licking. Vitamin deficiency can contribute to the condition.
A yeast infection, or candidiasis, is not uncommon with angular cheilitis. Yeasts are a variety of fungi. The most common of these is called Candida albicans, which is normally found in the mouth. Candidiasis in the mouth is commonly referred to as thrush. Talk with your dentist about ways to avoid the onset of these and other age-related oral conditions.
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