Angular cheilitis can often be a sign of which underlying issue?

Angular cheilitis, characterized by inflammation and cracking at the corners of the mouth, is frequently associated with vitamin deficiencies, particularly a deficiency in vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), or vitamin B12. These vitamins play crucial roles in maintaining skin integrity and mucosal health. When the body lacks these essential nutrients, it can lead to a weakened immune response and impaired healing, making the corners of the mouth more susceptible to infection and irritation, which manifests as angular cheilitis.

While dehydration can cause a variety of oral health issues, it is not directly linked to the inflammation or cracking seen in angular cheilitis. Thyroid dysfunction may present with diverse symptoms but is not typically a primary cause of angular cheilitis. Similarly, heart disease does not have a direct relationship to this condition. Thus, vitamin deficiencies are the most relevant underlying issue associated with the occurrence of angular cheilitis.