Antifungal therapy for angular cheilitis
Treat angular cheilitis with a topical antifungal cream; use:
1 clotrimazole 1% cream topically to the angles of the mouth, twice daily for at least 14 days; continue treatment for 14 days after symptoms resolve angular cheilitis clotrimazole
OR
1 miconazole 2% cream topically to the angles of the mouth, twice daily for at least 14 days; continue treatment for 14 days after symptoms resolve. angular cheilitis miconazole
A mild topical corticosteroid can be used in addition to the topical antifungal, to treat the associated inflammatory dermatitis; use:
hydrocortisone 1% cream topically to the angles of the mouth, twice daily until inflammation subsides. angular cheilitis hydrocortisone
Combination products containing a topical corticosteroid and antifungal are available, but should only be used until inflammation subsides. Treatment should be completed with a topical antifungal alone, for 14 days after symptoms resolve.
If oral candidiasis is present, treat with topical antifungal therapy for oral candidiasis.
Seek specialist advice for persistent angular cheilitis. Treatment for mixed infection may be required or it may be a symptom of a systemic condition, such as Crohn disease or granulomatous disease.