Angular stomatitis: A sign of HIV?

Angular stomatitis is caused by many things: overly dry lips aggravated by bacteria and fungi such as Candida albicans, a lack of vitamin B, ill-fitting dentures, excessive lip-licking. Normally, these wouldn't cause much alarm, but there is one condition that can give rise to angular stomatitis: an HIV infection. A weakened immune system causes you to be more susceptible to diseases and infection. If you find that you have developed angular stomatitis, it is always best to get yourself to a doctor right away in order to figure out what could have caused it, the better to get the right treatment instead of experimenting with possible remedies first.

In the meantime, as you await word from your physician, do what you can to ease the pain you feel from angular stomatitis. Apply lip balm to keep your lips hydrated, and keep the affected area clean in order to prevent bacteria and fungi from infecting it further.

Get more vitamin B, prevent angular stomatitis

A lack of vitamin B in the system is identified as one of the main culprits in the development of angular stomatitis, so the natural remedy is to get more vitamin B in one's diet. The different kinds of vitamin B is particularly effective in keeping skin healthy and in boosting one's immune system, but it's vitamin B2 in particular, also known as riboflavin, that is your best weapon against angular stomatitis. A lack of riboflavin in the body results in ariboflavinosis, with angular stomatitis being one of the notable symptoms.

Getting more vitamin B is very simple. All you need to do is to add foods with an abundant level of vitamin B. These foods include potatoes, bananas, tuna, beans, and molasses. If you can't get your hands on vitamin B-rich foods, you can just choose to take quality vitamin B supplements. Paired with other angular stomatitis treatments you're undergoing, you should be able to kick this condition in no time.

Why should you be concerned about angular stomatitis?

The sight of a small red rash in the corners of one's mouth is enough to alarm absolutely anyone, and seeing this rash worsen into actual splits and cracks that open up and bleed is even worse. But the pain, discomfort, and appearance of angular stomatitis is actually the least of your worries. This is because angular stomatitis is not just a standalone condition, but it could even be the symptom of a whole host of other illnesses, such as HIV. Angular stomatitis is an HIV symptom because of a weakened immune system and subsequent susceptibility to infections. Plummer-Vinson syndrome, which is marked by burning sensations in the mouth, is another illness that lists angular stomatitis as one of its symptoms. Even anemia and diabetes count angular stomatitis as a symptom or an effect; basically, conditions signified with a weaker immune system can possibly make one suffer from angular stomatitis.

So clearly, there are many things for you to watch out for once you notice the beginnings of angular stomatitis. Let that be a reminder to you to not just dismiss it as a simple case of dry lips.