Understanding Angular Chelitis and Treatment Options
Hello everyone! I'm a 25-year-old woman weighing 120 pounds. It's my first time posting here. Currently, I'm undergoing treatment for angular chelitis with fluconazole and tacrolimus cream. My doctor has prescribed a four-week course of fluconazole, which seems quite lengthy to me. As I approach the end of my second week, I was optimistic since my symptoms had improved significantly until yesterday when they seemed to reappear. I have been applying the tacrolimus cream as directed. I did use an old lip balm yesterday, and I’m not sure if that could be a trigger for my symptoms, considering I might have used it during my previous flare-ups. Should I discard any lip products that I've used when experiencing angular chelitis? Also, by the end of this four-week treatment, is it realistic to expect my condition to be resolved? Initially, I tried a fungal cream, which worked temporarily, but the issue kept coming back, leading to frequent use of that cream. This is why my healthcare provider suggested trying fluconazole this time around.
Answers (1)
4/2/2025, 6:30:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging case of angular cheilitis, which can be frustrating. Let’s address your concerns about treatment, triggers, and expectations moving forward.
Main Points:
- Understanding the role of the medications you’re using.
- Evaluating potential triggers like lip products.
- Setting realistic expectations for your recovery.
Explanation: Angular cheilitis often arises from a combination of factors, such as fungal infections, vitamin deficiencies, or irritants. You’re currently on fluconazole, which is an antifungal medication, and tacrolimus cream, which helps reduce inflammation. Your improvement is a positive sign, but it's not uncommon for symptoms to fluctuate during treatment. Using an old lip balm that might harbor irritation-causing agents could potentially trigger a recurrence, especially if it has been used during flare-ups.
Next Steps:
- Discard Potential Irritants: Yes, it would be wise to discard any lip products that you've used during previous flare-ups. Consider switching to new, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic lip care to avoid further irritation.
- Continue Current Treatment: Stick with your fluconazole and tacrolimus cream for the full prescribed duration. It's essential to complete the course to minimize the chance of recurrence.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms over the next couple of weeks. If you notice any worsening or no improvement by the end of your four-week course, it may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Ensure you’re keeping the corners of your mouth dry and clean to prevent a yeast infection from developing or recurring.
Expectation Management: While many people see significant improvement with proper treatment, it's important to remember that not all cases resolve completely after one treatment cycle, especially if there are underlying causes contributing to your angular cheilitis. If your symptoms persist after treatment, discuss next steps with your healthcare provider.
Feel free to reach out with more questions as you continue your journey to recovery!
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