How to prepare for a video visit about Angular Cheilitis

Audience: adult

Angular cheilitis is a common condition that causes redness, cracking, and soreness at the corners of the mouth. It can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand the possible causes and discuss treatment options. During the visit, your provider will likely ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any factors that might contribute to the condition, such as dry skin, nutritional deficiencies, or habits like lip licking. Preparing for your video visit by having good lighting and clear images of the affected area can help your provider make the best recommendations. While telemedicine can guide you on managing angular cheilitis, some cases may require in-person care, especially if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pain or swelling at the corners of the mouth — seek urgent medical care.
• Signs of spreading infection such as pus, increased redness, or fever — seek in-person evaluation promptly.
• Persistent symptoms lasting more than two weeks despite treatment — arrange for a face-to-face medical assessment.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of symptoms and history related to angular cheilitis.
• Providing guidance on home care and preventive measures.
• Recommending over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle adjustments.
• Monitoring mild cases and follow-up on treatment response.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing severe or spreading infections requiring physical examination.
• Performing diagnostic tests such as skin swabs or biopsies.
• Managing complications like deep tissue infections or systemic illness.
• Fitting or adjusting dental appliances that may contribute to the condition.

What is Angular Cheilitis?

Angular cheilitis is a skin condition that affects the corners of the mouth. It often causes redness, cracks, and soreness that can make opening your mouth uncomfortable. This condition can happen for many reasons, including irritation from saliva, infections, or nutritional problems.

How a Video Visit Can Help

During a video visit, your healthcare provider can look at the affected areas and ask questions about your symptoms and health history. This helps them suggest possible causes and treatments. They may recommend creams, lifestyle changes, or ways to prevent the problem from coming back.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To get the most from your video visit, find a quiet place with good lighting. Have a clean mirror and a device with a camera ready. It helps to take clear photos of the corners of your mouth beforehand. Be ready to describe your symptoms, when they started, and any treatments you've tried.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your symptoms become very painful, spread beyond the mouth corners, or if you notice signs of infection like pus or fever, you should seek in-person medical care. Also, if your condition does not improve after treatment suggested during the video visit, an in-person exam may be needed.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Angular cheilitis can be caused by factors like dry skin, frequent lip licking, vitamin deficiencies (such as B vitamins or iron), fungal or bacterial infections, or poorly fitting dentures. Identifying these factors can help in managing the condition effectively.

Managing Angular Cheilitis at Home

You can help heal angular cheilitis by keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding licking your lips, and using protective lip balms. Your provider may suggest antifungal or antibacterial creams if an infection is suspected. Eating a balanced diet and addressing any nutritional deficiencies may also help.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space for your video visit.
• Ensure your device camera works and can focus clearly on your face.
• Take clear photos of the corners of your mouth before the visit.
• Have a list of your symptoms, including when they started and any changes.
• Prepare to discuss your medical history and any medications or supplements you take.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to address during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan and advice given by your healthcare provider.
• Keep the affected area clean and avoid irritants like lip licking.
• Use recommended creams or ointments as directed.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or side effects.
• Schedule a follow-up appointment if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek in-person care if you notice red flags or complications.

FAQs

What causes angular cheilitis?

Angular cheilitis may be caused by dryness, irritation from saliva, infections (fungal or bacterial), nutritional deficiencies like low iron or B vitamins, or habits such as frequent lip licking. Poorly fitting dentures can also contribute.

Can angular cheilitis be treated at home?

Mild cases often improve with good hygiene, keeping the area dry, avoiding irritants, and using protective lip balms. Your healthcare provider may recommend antifungal or antibacterial creams if an infection is suspected.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If you experience severe pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, or if your symptoms do not improve after treatment, you should seek in-person medical care for a thorough evaluation.

Is angular cheilitis contagious?

Angular cheilitis itself is not usually contagious, but if caused by an infection, the infectious agents may spread through close contact. Good hygiene helps reduce this risk.

Can nutritional supplements help?

If your angular cheilitis is linked to nutritional deficiencies, your healthcare provider may recommend supplements such as iron or B vitamins. It's important to have a proper assessment before starting supplements.

Sources

1. Angular Cheilitis — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Angular Cheilitis — Mayo Clinic.
3. Cheilitis — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.
4. Oral Health Conditions: Angular Cheilitis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your health or symptoms worsen, please seek evaluation by a healthcare professional in person.