Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
|
|
 |  |
 |
 |
Angular Cheilitis and HIV
Feb 11, 2000
Dr. Reznik--Thanks for your time in responding to my question. I'm a 39 yo gay male. Approximately 15 years ago (when I was negative) I used to get cracks in the corners of my mouth about ever 3 months..was a nuisance. Finally went to a doctor who gave me some medication and it cleared up..never did return until about a year ago when I sero-converted HIV+. I was diagnosed HIV+ in Jun 99. Since about April of last year, I've been getting the same old cracks in the corner of my mouth about every six weeks. Do you think I'm more susceptible, now that I'm positive? Is it a bacterial condition or immune disorder that causes it, or is it simply just a skin irritation (shaving/dry skin/etc.). I don't lick my lips and I use lip balms regularly, but I can almost sense when it's coming back..tightness around the corners of my mouth.. Please explain to me the relationship between angular chelititis and HIV. Thanks again for you time
|
 |
|
 |
|
Response from Dr. Reznik
Angular cheilitis, which is commonly seen in the general population, is seen more frequently in people who are immunocompromised and therefore more susceptible to infection. For the most part, angular cheilitis is caused by a fungal organism known as Candida albicans even though there a some cases that involve a bacterial component as well. Treatment usually involves the use of topical antifungal creams or ointments such as Nizoral cream, applied directly to the corners of the mouth, 4 times a day for 2 weeks. It is important to use this medication the entire two weeks to prevent recurrence. You do not need to worry about drug interactions as this is a topical medication.
I hope this answers your question.
DR
|
|
|
 Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
Copyright notice.
|
|
|
|
