perlèche, single or multiple fissures and cracks at the corner of the mouth on one side or both sides, which in advanced stages may spread to the lips and cheeks. Causes include primary or superimposed infection with microorganisms, such as Candida albicans, staphylococci, or streptococci; poor hygiene; drooling of saliva; overclosure of the jaws in patients without teeth or with ill-fitting dentures; or riboflavin deficiency. Also called angular cheilitis, angular cheilosis, angular stomatitis. See also cheilitis, cheilosis.
