Angular cheilitis can be caused by a wide range of conditions. Management requires correction of the underlying cause.
Local factors:
(1) dentures
(2) xerostomia
(3) irritant contact dermatitis
(4) tobacco use
(5) trauma, including dental flossing
(6) psychogenic
(7) drooling
(8) thermal burns
(9) allergic contact dermatitis, including latex, nickel, creams or ointments
Infection:
(1) syphilis
(2) Candida albicans
(3) Staphylococcus aureus
(4) Streptococcus pyogenes
(5) Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
Nutritional deficiencies:
(1) iron deficiency
(2) vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency
(3) vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) deficiency
(4) vitamin B12 deficiency
(5) folate deficiency
(6) niacin deficiency
(7) zinc deficiency
Systemic disorders:
(1) glucagonoma
(2) Down syndrome
(3) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
(4) Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease)
(5) diabetes mellitus
(6) celiac disease
(7) uremic stomatitis
Drugs:
(1) isotretinoin
(2) indinavir
(3) sorafenib
(4) methamphetamines
(5) heroin
(6) hallucinogens
