•Redness, cracking and soreness at mouth
corners
•Causes:
- nutritional deficiency
– iron, riboflavin possibly other B vits.
- candida or mixed
bacterial infection
- poorly fitting dentures
or dribbling
•Assessment:
- dietary
history
- risk
factors for nutrient lack
- unilateral =
mechanical; bilateral = infection/nutritional
- failure to clear with
antifungal/bacterial = nutrient deficiency
•Investigation:
- Full blood
count
- other
nutrients – iron, folate as indicated, vit B12 in elderly
•Nutritional Treatment
- Vit B Co Forte x 3 per
day for 8 weeks and healthy diet
- other supplements as
indicated
- expect
clearance in 4-8 weeks if not reassess