Can Surgery Solve Angular Cheilitis?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I suffer with chronic infections at the corners of my mouth, due to saliva tracking there, I wanted to ask my dermatologist if surgery was a option, as summer approaches when I suffer the most. I`m concerned my insurance will consider it cosmetic. At this point, I`m just asking questions. (I`m 71 and live in California, I realize you`re in Indiana)

A: It is fair to say that with your very downturned mouth corners which causes an overhang, this is a frequent cause of angular cheilitis. The mouth corners need to be lifted to remove the overhang and not allow the moutb corners to be chronically wet.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana