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

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