Commissural cheilitis, also called canker sores, are infections that affect the lining of the corners of the mouth. These can be acute or chronic and are usually caused by fungi of the genus Candida albicans, bacteria such as staphylococci or streptococci or the herpes simplex virus. It is important to treat this condition properly to prevent discomfort and promote a speedy recovery.
Canker sores are common injuries that can occur unilaterally (on one side of the mouth) or bilaterally (on both sides). These lesions may bleed and form ulcers or crusts. It is important to note that they are more common in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children and adolescents.
This condition can cause discomfort and pain when opening your mouth, using your lips, or eating. It is important to treat them quickly to relieve symptoms.
Fortunately, in most cases they are not a serious problem and can be easily treated. We tell you how to treat them.
What are mouthpieces?
Angular cheilitis is a disease recognized by health experts. According to a study published in the Cuban Journal of Stomatology, it is an inflammatory condition that affects the inner layer of the lip or the corners of the mouth.
The main cause of this disease is fungal and bacterial infections, which are quite common. Additionally, certain nutritional imbalances and blood problems can also be the cause.
Detect if your child has a cold mouth
Mouth sore is a condition characterized by inflammation and redness in the corners of the mouth. Crusts, ulcers or small cracks can also appear in this area. If pain occurs when opening your mouth, this may be a result of various medical conditions. In babies, crying is often the first sign that something is wrong. With older children, they may express their discomfort or pain by telling what is happening to them.
The lesions are often painful and irritating to children, often leading them to touch them and keep them wet. Unfortunately, this makes wounds even more complicated and takes longer to heal. Moisture can cause the cracks to reopen and the whole pathological process to begin again.
The term “mouth cracks” refers to cracks or fissures that can occur in the corners of the mouth. These can be classified as unilateral if they affect only one side of the mouth or bilateral if they affect both sides. In more advanced cases of cheilitis, a yellowish or whitish coating is often found on the lips, which can cause a feeling of blockage when the lips are moved. This membrane may be an indication of a significant inflammatory process in the lips and requires appropriate medical attention.
It is important to note that lesions generally do not bleed. However, they are susceptible to infection because it is an open wound through which pathogens can enter.
Common causes of cold sores in childhood
It is important to determine the cause of cheilitis or mouth ulcers in children in order to provide appropriate treatment. Some of the most common causes are:
1. Saliva
When saliva accumulates and constantly drools in the corners of the mouth, an environment is created that is conducive to the proliferation of bacteria, especially streptococci and staphylococci. These germs can be transmitted to other people through direct physical contact. When the baby is teething, he is susceptible to cheilitis.
On the contrary, according to a scientific study, it was found that as saliva secretion decreases, dryness is responsible for the development of cracks and peeling of the lips. This means that it is important to maintain good hydration to avoid these problems.
2. Vitamin deficiency
It is important to note that some children may be deficient in vitamins A, B, D, folic acid, iron and zinc due to poor nutrition. These deficiencies can lead to health problems such as anemia. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that children receive adequate nutrition to prevent these deficiencies and promote their overall well-being. A study conducted by Italian specialists in 2021 found that a lack of certain nutrients increases the likelihood of cold sores developing.
If you notice swelling, redness at the corners of your mouth, and crusts or small cracks, you may have a cold sore.
3. Using the pacifier
In babies, the use of pacifiers and bottles can cause saliva to build up in the corners of the mouth. This may make the child more susceptible to irritation or inflammation in the area. It is important to be aware of this risk and take the necessary measures to prevent it.
It is also common for babies to put their hands or other objects in their mouths while teething. This can lead to sores on the gums, which could become infected if not treated properly.
Allergic reaction
In certain cases, mouth ulcers can be caused by inflammatory processes in the mouth due to a hypersensitivity reaction. This type of cheilitis has been observed to have clinical features similar to contact allergies. Some allergens that are associated with allergic mouthfeel are the following:
- Perfumes, dyes and cosmetic creams.
- Foods containing spices and alcohol.
- Toothpaste, rinses or mouthwashes.
5. Other causes of cold mouth in children
- Using teethers or finger sucking.
- Extreme temperatures or prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- Using dentures that do not fit well.
- Nervous disorders.
- Dehydration.
- Digestive problems.
- Extremely low temperatures.
- Weak immune system.
School-age children often experience stress due to exams, class activities and other reasons that weaken the immune system. This can lead to the appearance of mouth ulcers. In addition, it is possible that the discomfort is due to the presence of a virus in the child’s body, for example the flu. It can also be a result of a high fever.
How do you treat angular cheilitis in your child?
It is important to determine the cause that led to the child’s mouth. Fortunately, this condition usually goes away on its own within 5 to 6 days.
If your child develops symptoms and discomfort, it is recommended that you consult the treating physician. The doctor can assess the severity of the situation and prescribe the appropriate medication, e.g. B. anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics and topical bactericidal or fungicidal creams. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for optimal recovery.
Tips for Treating Cold Sores at Home
If the condition is mild, there are several ways to treat it from the comfort of your own home. Here I present some recommendations and home remedies that might be useful in these cases:
- To ensure you get all the nutrients you need, a balanced and varied diet is important.
- Make sure the child drinks enough fluids (especially water).
- Maintain hygiene at home.
- It is important to dry the child’s mouth regularly with a clean, soft cloth.
- Apply medicated creams.
- Avoid any food or product that causes allergies.
- Do not give hot or too acidic foods.
- It is important to prevent the child from kissing their siblings or other people. Diseases such as fungal or bacterial infections can be contagious.
- If possible, avoid touching or scratching the affected area.
- To moisturize the skin and prevent the injury from aggravating, it is recommended to apply cocoa butter before bed.
Natural remedies to relieve cold mouth in children
If your little ones are suffering from cold mouth, there are some useful remedies that can provide relief. It is important to note that this condition generally lasts between 5 and 6 days. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult a specialist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe is a plant known for its many beneficial properties for the skin. These include its moisturizing effect, its antibacterial effect and its ability to help with wound healing. To achieve the desired benefits, it is recommended to gently apply some of the pulp to the mouth about three times a day. It is important to do this straight away to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Pellitorium: Although there is no conclusive scientific evidence, it is said that applying a poultice of this plant can help relieve cheilitis naturally. However, caution is advised as some children may have an allergic reaction to the pollen of this plant.
- Wild rose oil: It is moisturizing and healing. A study published in Planta Medica has shown that its use accelerates the wound healing process. For best results, it is recommended to apply a few drops of the product three times a day. It is particularly beneficial to use as soon as ulcers appear in the mouth.
- Honey: According to an article published in the International Journal of Acupuncture, it is important that honey is natural so that it effectively fights infections and aids in the healing process. To treat injuries before going to bed, it is recommended to apply a few drops of honey. However, it is important to remember that this remedy should not be used in children under 1 year old, as honey may contain spores and there is a risk of developing botulism, a rare but serious disease that affects the body’s nerves.
- Marigold flowers: This plant has emollient, antiseptic and healing properties. To treat an affected area, it is recommended to wash it several times a day or apply creams containing extracts of this plant. These measures help promote healing and keep the skin in good condition. Using these creams can increase skin hydration and firmness. This means they can speed up the healing process of mouth ulcers in children.
- Once the mouths start coming out To combat the infection, you can apply vinegar with baking soda.
- If they are already established, You can place a lemon slice or iodized salt on the lesion.
- TYou can also soak a cotton ball with a drop of tea tree essential oil or with the trace element manganese-copper and apply it to the sore spot for 15 minutes.
If your child has a mouth, You shouldn’t be alarmed. With proper hygiene and proper treatment, the disease can be cured in a short time. However, if you have any questions, it is best to consult your doctor. He is the one who recognizes the possible causes and determines the best treatment depending on the case.
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