Angular chelitis

[Cherryblossom12]

Morning

I am chronic RA for forty years and for thirty five of those I have been on combination therapy including steroids. I am now on mtx pred 5 mg and Toficitinab. I now have an annoying and sore angular chelitis . I have tried lots of creams and potions and nothing seems to help. Has anyone out there suffered from this and found a good product to help. ( angular chelitiis is sores in both corners of the mouth, red and angry) thanks in anticipation!

[oldtimer]

This can be associated with iron deficiency anaemia - have you had your iron levels checked? Often we just assume that our slight anaemia is due to the inflammatory effects of our chronic illness, but we can get short of iron as well.

The angles of the lips can also get affected by thrush and that is more common on steroids.

I found that using an antifungal cream (from the chemist) applied very frequently so that it never dried out got rid of mine some years ago.

[Cherryblossom12 in reply to oldtimer]

Thank you and I have some clotrimazole so will try that.

[Mollieharry]

Low vit b 12 can cause this too.if you can get this checked along with your iron.

[Jesnaskah in reply to Mollieharry]

Yes, I was just gonna also suggest checking your vit b too!!

[Jesnaskah]

As someone who deals with this on and off for a year now, the only thing that has helped me is a brand name ketoconazole gel called Xolegel. It works wonders for me. The creams didn't work, neither did natural remedies.

It was quite the pain to get it approved from doctors and pharmacy as it's ridiculously expensive here in the US, but the approvals finally came through.

Originally the dermatologist had given me samples. But those ran out and I needed more...thus the prescription. I hope you can get your hands on some. I was starting to look like the joker from the Batman movie, it was getting so bad

🤦

[Cherryblossom12]

Thanks . Will google and see if available in uk.

[Teatrees]

Hello, Cherryblossom12, I have only just seen your message, but I ave been on 5 mg of Toficitinab for a year and although it is very good for my RA symptoms, I do have a lot of Ulcers in my mouth though not cold sores (I only had one when I first started it). I also get tiny acne breakouts, so definitely a side effect. Teetrees

[Cherryblossom12 in reply to Teatrees]

Thank you Teatrees. What do you use to treat the ulcers and rash? I have tried so many creams etc with no permanent results.

[gardens4 in reply to Cherryblossom12]

This is strange it's changed me from Teetrees, but it is me. I do find Bongela is ok for the ulcers but it takes a few days each time. As for the skin still trying to sort I have to use a very light moisturiser like Nivea Featherless. Do you get the little white spots too?

[Cherryblossom12 in reply to gardens4]

I also use bongela but it takes about 10 days for the ulcers to heal then they are back again. I don’t get white spots just a red rash which is sore and itchy. My dermatologist has given me steroid cream but GP doesn’t like it long term on face. Hey ho and on we go!