Angular Cheilitis?

[Haz58]

Just wondering if anyone suffers from Angular Cheilitis with their RA keep getting it and mentioning to the GP but he just ignored it.

I've had my B12 checked and it was ok. I've read sulfasalazine can cause it. I'm also on Benepali jab once a week.

Ive also read it could be folate levels but I think this may be checked on my monthly RA blood tests?

I've sent a pic to my GP today but wondered if any of you suffered from this too?

I'm also suffering with bowel issues of which I'm waiting for a CT scan.

[vonniesims]

Think it can be a sign of anemia, but your Blood tests would show that

[Haz58 in reply to vonniesims]

That's what I thought. I was supposed to see my Rheumy tomorrow so was going to ask her but she cancelled 🙄 again!

[vonniesims in reply to Haz58]

Hope you get another appnt soon

[OldTed60]

Angular cheilitis is one of the more common skin conditions associated with Sjögren’s - which is often associated with RA. So it would be worth speaking to your rheumatologist or specialist nurse when you finally get seen. The Sjögren’s U.K (former BSSA) helpline is excellent for asking about this and talking through whether you might have this associated disease or not.

[Pam-51]

Hello,

Long standing RD, fifty years. Recently developed iron deficient anaemia, Hb 88, and developed angular cheilitis after Christmas. Also breathless and zero energy, very debilitating. As I am unable to take oral iron had an intravenous iron infusion 5 weeks ago. Within 3 weeks symptoms of anaemia gone and feeling so much better.

You need to monitor your own blood results so any potential problems may be detected early. My hospital uses Mychart so I can access all test results, receive and send messages. On -line services are also available through my GP so I can again access test results, order prescriptions etc. Have you got similar services in your area?

Best wishes Pam

[Haz58 in reply to Pam-51]

GP said yesterday I had folate & B12 tested in November and they were fine. So I've got to go and pick a swab up today. I've never had this before last year but been getting it for a while now that's why they did blood tests in November. I started Benepali in November but was getting it before then so I'm thinking it's the sulfasalazine maybe. I can see gp bloods online but not hospital ones. I have to ring for them.

I'll get the swab results then call the RA hospital helpline if needed. Thanks for replying.

[lucymead]

Hi I have RA 8 Years now and been on most meds. Sulfasalazine and Leflumonide along with Benapali caused me many problems. I now also have Collagenous Colitis caused by the Medication. All the rheumatologist know about these issues but seem to treat us as whingers when we complain. Keep complaining until they listen.

[Haz58 in reply to lucymead]

Mmm interesting. I'm also waiting for an 'urgent' CT scan as my tummy/bowels aren't right and haven't been for a few months either. 3 weeks waiting so far.

[lucymead in reply to Haz58]

If it gets worse over time as mine did. Do not let them fob you off. I ended up seeing Private Gastrologist who said I needed Sphygmoidoscopy with Biopsies to find it. Hope things get sorted for you soon.

[oldtimer2]

I get this when my iron stores are low. I take oral iron for a few weeks (usually about 4-6) and the cheilitis heals up.

I tried everything else and thought for a while it was thrush (candida) problems (thrush can complicate it once it's started), but it's clear after many years that the two (cheilitis and low iron stores) are related.

But that's just me - and yours may have a different cause.

[Haz58 in reply to oldtimer2]

Thank you old-timer. When I first started getting it I took folic acid as thats what a pharmacist told me to do. It did seem to go away then. But it keeps coming back. I did a swab test for GP this morning so will see if that shows anything. I've started taking a multivitamin this morning as I think with RA and sulfasalazine it can affect folate levels even though the RA team I have say not. I know in other countries they say sulfasalazine does lower folate and prescribe folic acid with it.