After the start of autumn, air humidity begins to drop, and autumn dryness gradually becomes the primary pathogenic factor. Besides dry skin and sore throats, cases of angular cheilitis increase significantly, predominantly affecting children. Symptoms include fine cracks, small blisters, and localized redness at the corners of the mouth, accompanied by pain when opening the mouth and minor bloody discharge.
Angular cheilitis falls under the category of "wind-afflicted lips," where wind-heat toxins accumulate at the lips. The spleen opens into the mouth, and its vitality manifests in the lips. Excessive consumption of spicy or rich foods, along with spleen-stomach damp-heat, can also scorch the lips. Additionally, it may result from blood deficiency generating wind or damage from dryness pathogens.Clinical nutrition research indicates that vitamin B2 deficiency is a common cause of angular cheilitis. Beyond causing angular cheilitis, vitamin B2 deficiency can also lead to geographic tongue, seborrheic dermatitis, vulvovaginal inflammation, and anemia.
The inflammatory response in angular cheilitis is rarely caused by bacterial infection. Avoid taking antibiotics indiscriminately. If bacterial or fungal infection occurs concurrently, medication should be used under medical guidance.Patients with this condition primarily exhibit yin blood deficiency. Traditional Chinese medicine should focus on nourishing yin and replenishing blood, while cold-natured herbs should be used cautiously. So how can we prevent and treat cracked corners of the mouth in autumn? Here are several methods. I. Dietary Therapy: To counter autumn dryness, consume foods rich in vitamin B2 that nourish yin, moisturize dryness, clear heat, and nourish blood. Examples include animal liver, fermented black beans, spinach, milk, and honey.To preserve vitamin B2 in foods, avoid excessive heating during cooking.
2. Fruit Therapy: Seasonal fruits can be consumed moderately in autumn to replenish fluids and vitamins, hydrating the skin, dispelling internal dryness, and preventing skin dryness.
3. Topical Application: For mild cases, apply a paste of purslane mixed with sesame oil to the affected area. This helps relieve pain and detoxify.
4. Lip Protection: Apply a small amount of glycerin, ointment, or cooking oil to the lips. This effectively prevents dryness and cracking.
5. Oral Vitamin B Complex: If symptoms are localized, apply glycerin, ointment, or cooking oil to the lips. This effectively prevents dryness and cracking.
6. Oral Vitamin B Complex: If symptoms are localized, apply glycerin, ointment, or cooking oil to the lips. This effectively prevents dryness and cracking.
7. Oral Vitamin B Complex: If symptoms are localized, apply glycerin, ointment, or cooking oil to the lips. This effectively prevents dryness and cracking.
8. Oral Vitamin B ComApplying a small amount of glycerin, ointment, or cooking oil to the lips can effectively prevent dryness and cracking.
IV. Oral B-complex Vitamins. For localized symptoms, topical applications like Bingpeng Powder or Qingdai Powder may be used.
V. Regular Outdoor Exercise. Strengthen physical resistance to adapt to weather changes.
Precautions: During the initial blistering stage of cracked lips, avoid licking with your tongue. Keep the affected area dry and clean. Once blisters scab over, refrain from picking at them, as this may deepen the wound. Allow scabs to fall off naturally. When eating, avoid opening your mouth too wide to prevent tearing the wound, which can cause bleeding and pain.