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Angular Cheilitis — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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HardCutaneous InfectionAngular CheilitisSCE Dermatology

A denture wearer has recurrent bilateral angular cheilitis. Candida is repeatedly isolated, but short courses of topical azole give only temporary benefit. The dentures are worn overnight and have reduced her lower facial height. Which plan best addresses the recurrent disease?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Correct denture fit, improve overnight hygiene, and treat candidal reservoirs when clinically indicated

Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · A = shown as B · E = shown as C · C = shown as D · D = shown as E

B is correct. Loss of vertical dimension and poor denture fit deepen the commissural folds, promoting saliva pooling, maceration and Candida or staphylococcal overgrowth. Durable management therefore corrects the mechanical and moisture problem, improves denture cleaning and overnight removal, and treats active oral or commissural infection; persistent disease also merits assessment for nutritional deficiency, diabetes and contact allergy where indicated. A can worsen untreated infection. C ignores the reservoir and exposes the patient to avoidable drug toxicity and resistance. D does not address the mechanism. E is disproportionate and does not substitute for prosthodontic correction.

Reference: DermNet angular cheilitis review: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/angular-cheilitis