First-line protocol
What is the treatment of angular cheilitis?
Angular cheilitis presents as painful inflammation at one or both lip commissures and typically requires prompt, targeted treatment to achieve resolution.
Treatment approach
The evidence-based first-line approach relies on a combined topical regimen — an antifungal agent together with a corticosteroid — applied directly to the affected commissures. Denture relining may be incorporated where indicated.
The full protocol specifies the exact agents, application schedule, duration, and supporting measures.
Clinical goal: Recovery from angular cheilitis within two weeks.
References
DOI: 10.1111/odi.13183
- In absence of robust evidence from literature, the authors still rely on their clinical experience: it is authors' personal opinion that the topical treatment with antifungals combined with corticosteroids is the most reliable therapeutic option against AC, combined with denture relining, if needed.
- More specifically, during the last ten years of clinical practice, our group found in a specific ointment (e.g., 1% isoconazole nitrate and 0.1% diflucortolone valerate) the utmost consistency in providing a speedy recovery from AC, with a posology of two applications per day for two weeks.
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