cheilosis

Cheilosis refers to inflammation, erosion, and fissuring of the lips, particularly at the angles of the mouth (angular cheilosis/angular stomatitis). This is a hallmark sign of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency due to impaired epithelial cell turnover. It is often accompanied by glossitis and can progress to more severe dermatitis. Cheilosis is one component of Plummer-Vinson syndrome (iron deficiency anemia, dysphagia, esophageal webs, and oral manifestations including cheilosis, glossitis, and atrophic oral mucosa). Iron deficiency alone can also cause cheilosis due to disrupted epithelial repair. Other nutritional causes include niacin deficiency (pellagra) and folate/B12 deficiency. Angular cheilitis may also result from Candida albicans infection in denture wearers or immunocompromised patients, presenting with maceration and erythema. Diagnosis is clinical; treatment addresses the underlying cause with vitamin B2 supplementation or iron repletion. On boards, cheilosis should prompt inquiry into nutritional status and consider systematic assessment for deficiency syndromes.