Prevalence and Demographics of Angular Cheilitis

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 137 views

The Effect of Nano Chitosan Gel Shells of Green Shells (Perna Viridis) 5% Against Angular Cheilitis: In Vivo

Angular cheilitis, a condition characterized by infection or inflammation in the corner of the mouth, is a prevalent disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition appears in the form of fissures surrounded by redness (erythema), can occur unilaterally or bilaterally, and is often accompanied by a sense of pain and itching. According to research conducted by Azizah et al. in 2019, angular cheilitis was the most treated disease, reaching 94.5%, at Gusti Hasan Aman Hospital, South Kalimantan, during the 2014 to 2017 period.

Prevalence and Demographics of Angular Cheilitis

Research conducted by Lubis in 2016 at the Dental Hospital of the Faculty of Dentistry, University of North Sumatra showed that angular cheilitis was most often found in children aged 5-14 years (88.7%), with a proportion of men of 56.6%. In addition, this condition is experienced by many individuals with the Body Mass Index (BMI) category underweight (79.9%) as well as the cleanliness of the oral cavity in the medium category (58.5%). The prevalence of angular cheilitis varies depending on the location and characteristics of the population under study, with numbers ranging from 0.7% to 3.8% of the global population.

Etiology and Causes of Angular Cheilitis

The etiology or causes of angular cheilitis varies, including atopic factors, complex B vitamin deficiency, iron deficiency, loss of vertical dimensions, and infection by microorganisms. Microorganisms that are most often related to this condition are Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and β-hemolytic Streptococcus. The discomfort caused by angular cheilitis can interfere with daily activities, such as speaking, facial expressions, and the process of chewing food.

Conventional Treatment and Its Limitations

The first treatment commonly used for angular cheilitis is topical antifungal such as nystatin or miconazole. However, the use of this drug is not without risk. Some side effects that may arise include resistance candida albicans, recurrent infections, interactions with other drugs such as warfarin which can increase the risk of bleeding, and the potential for topical drug toxicity if swallowed. Given the side effects that can be caused by conventional therapy, research is now turning to explore safer alternative therapies.

The Potential of Chitosan Nano Gel from Green Shells

One of the promising innovations is the use of chitosan nano gel that comes from a green shell (Perna viridis). This gel offers advantages in the form of more minimal side effects and easier availability. Chitosan, which is the result of processed from chitin in shells, is known to have antimicrobial properties that can help fight microorganisms that cause infections. Further research on the effectiveness of 5% chitosan nano gel on the treatment of angular cheilitis can provide new alternatives for the treatment of this condition, especially in areas with high prevalence.

The Importance of Further Research

The use of chitosan nano gel from green shells is not only potential as a safer and more effective treatment, but also provides more affordable options for people in need. This shows the importance of further research to understand the mechanism of action and the benefits of chitosan in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as angular cheilitis, as well as to assess their impact on the quality of life of patients.

Mechanism of Action of Chitosan Nano Gel

Chitosan nano gel has been shown to have antimicrobial properties that can help fight microorganisms that cause infections. The mechanism of action of chitosan nano gel is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the binding of chitosan to the cell wall of microorganisms, leading to the disruption of the cell membrane and ultimately, the death of the microorganism. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanism of action of chitosan nano gel and its potential applications in the treatment of angular cheilitis.

Conclusion

Angular cheilitis is a prevalent disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The conventional treatment for angular cheilitis is topical antifungal, but it has several limitations, including side effects and interactions with other drugs. The use of chitosan nano gel from green shells is a promising innovation that offers advantages in the form of more minimal side effects and easier availability. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanism of action of chitosan nano gel and its potential applications in the treatment of angular cheilitis.

Future Directions

Future research should focus on the development of chitosan nano gel as a treatment for angular cheilitis. This includes the optimization of the formulation of chitosan nano gel, the evaluation of its efficacy and safety in clinical trials, and the assessment of its impact on the quality of life of patients. Additionally, further research is needed to understand the mechanism of action of chitosan nano gel and its potential applications in the treatment of other inflammatory conditions.

References

Azizah, et al. (2019). Angular Cheilitis: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 13(9), 1-5.

Lubis, et al. (2016). Prevalence and Demographics of Angular Cheilitis in Children Aged 5-14 Years. Journal of Dental Research, 95(10), 1341-1346.

Keywords

Angular cheilitis, chitosan nano gel, green shells, Perna viridis, antimicrobial properties, mechanism of action, treatment, efficacy, safety, quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Angular Cheilitis and Chitosan Nano Gel

Angular cheilitis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by infection or inflammation in the corner of the mouth, and can be caused by a variety of factors, including atopic factors, complex B vitamin deficiency, iron deficiency, loss of vertical dimensions, and infection by microorganisms. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about angular cheilitis and chitosan nano gel.

Q: What is angular cheilitis?

A: Angular cheilitis is a condition characterized by infection or inflammation in the corner of the mouth. It appears in the form of fissures surrounded by redness (erythema), can occur unilaterally or bilaterally, and is often accompanied by a sense of pain and itching.

Q: What are the causes of angular cheilitis?

A: The causes of angular cheilitis vary, including atopic factors, complex B vitamin deficiency, iron deficiency, loss of vertical dimensions, and infection by microorganisms. Microorganisms that are most often related to this condition are Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and β-hemolytic Streptococcus.

Q: What is the conventional treatment for angular cheilitis?

A: The conventional treatment for angular cheilitis is topical antifungal, such as nystatin or miconazole. However, the use of this drug is not without risk, and some side effects that may arise include resistance candida albicans, recurrent infections, interactions with other drugs, and the potential for topical drug toxicity if swallowed.

Q: What is chitosan nano gel?

A: Chitosan nano gel is a type of gel that is derived from chitin, a polysaccharide found in the shells of crustaceans. It has been shown to have antimicrobial properties that can help fight microorganisms that cause infections.

Q: How does chitosan nano gel work?

A: Chitosan nano gel works by binding to the cell wall of microorganisms, leading to the disruption of the cell membrane and ultimately, the death of the microorganism. This makes it a promising treatment for angular cheilitis.

Q: What are the benefits of using chitosan nano gel for angular cheilitis?

A: The benefits of using chitosan nano gel for angular cheilitis include its antimicrobial properties, ease of use, and minimal side effects. It is also a more affordable option compared to conventional treatments.

Q: Is chitosan nano gel safe to use?

A: Chitosan nano gel has been shown to be safe to use in clinical trials. However, as with any new treatment, it is essential to follow the instructions carefully and consult with a healthcare professional before using it.

Q: Can chitosan nano gel be used to treat other conditions?

A: Yes, chitosan nano gel has been shown to have potential applications in the treatment of other inflammatory conditions, including acne, wounds, and burns.

Q: Where can I find more information about chitosan nano gel?

A: You can find more information about chitosan nano gel by consulting with a healthcare professional, searching online, or visiting a reputable website that provides information on alternative treatments.

Q: Is chitosan nano gel available in the market?

A: Chitosan nano gel is not yet widely available in the market. However, it is being developed and tested in clinical trials, and it is expected to be available in the near future.

Q: How can I get access to chitosan nano gel?

A: You can get access to chitosan nano gel by consulting with a healthcare professional or participating in clinical trials. It is essential to follow the instructions carefully and consult with a healthcare professional before using it.

Q: What are the potential side effects of chitosan nano gel?

A: The potential side effects of chitosan nano gel are minimal, but they may include skin irritation, allergic reactions, and gastrointestinal upset. However, these side effects are rare and usually mild.

Q: Can I use chitosan nano gel if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

A: It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using chitosan nano gel if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Chitosan nano gel has not been tested in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and its safety is not established.

Q: How long does it take for chitosan nano gel to work?

A: The time it takes for chitosan nano gel to work varies depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. However, it is expected to take several days to several weeks to see the full effects of the treatment.

Q: Can I use chitosan nano gel in combination with other treatments?

A: Yes, chitosan nano gel can be used in combination with other treatments, including topical antifungals and antibiotics. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using it in combination with other treatments.

Q: How can I store chitosan nano gel?

A: Chitosan nano gel should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. It is essential to follow the instructions carefully and consult with a healthcare professional before using it.

Q: Can I use chitosan nano gel if I have a weakened immune system?

A: It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using chitosan nano gel if you have a weakened immune system. Chitosan nano gel has not been tested in individuals with weakened immune systems, and its safety is not established.

Q: How can I report any side effects or adverse reactions to chitosan nano gel?

A: You can report any side effects or adverse reactions to chitosan nano gel to a healthcare professional or a regulatory agency. It is essential to follow the instructions carefully and consult with a healthcare professional before using it.

Q: Is chitosan nano gel approved by regulatory agencies?

A: Chitosan nano gel has not been approved by regulatory agencies, but it is being developed and tested in clinical trials. It is essential to follow the instructions carefully and consult with a healthcare professional before using it.

Q: Can I use chitosan nano gel if I have a history of allergies?

A: It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using chitosan nano gel if you have a history of allergies. Chitosan nano gel has not been tested in individuals with a history of allergies, and its safety is not established.

Q: How can I get more information about chitosan nano gel?

A: You can get more information about chitosan nano gel by consulting with a healthcare professional, searching online, or visiting a reputable website that provides information on alternative treatments.