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Here’s a clear summary in bullet points about iron deficiency and its link to cheilitis in children:
Iron Deficiency in Children
Most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, especially in toddlers and adolescent girls.
Causes:
Inadequate dietary intake (low iron foods)
Increased requirements during growth
Chronic blood loss (GI tract, heavy menses)
Malabsorption (celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease)
Cheilitis (Inflammation of the Lips)
Also called angular cheilitis when it affects the corners of the mouth.
Symptoms:
Cracks or sores at the corners of the mouth
Redness, swelling, or pain
Sometimes bleeding or crusting
Link Between Iron Deficiency and Cheilitis
Iron is crucial for hemoglobin synthesis and epithelial cell health.
Deficiency can cause:
Angular cheilitis
Glossitis (smooth, red tongue)
Pallor of oral mucosa
Fatigue, irritability
Mechanism: Reduced iron → impaired epithelial repair → mucosal vulnerability → cracks and inflammation
Diagnosis
Blood tests:
Hemoglobin, hematocrit → may show anemia
Serum ferritin → low in iron deficiency
Transferrin saturation / total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)
Management
Treat the underlying iron deficiency:
Oral iron supplementation (ferrous sulfate, gluconate)
Dietary advice: iron-rich foods (meat, fortified cereals, beans, leafy greens)
Local care for cheilitis:
Topical emollients/lip balm
Treat secondary infections if present (antifungal if Candida involved)
Symptoms of cheilitis usually improve within 2–4 weeks of correcting iron deficiency.
If you want, I can also make a quick “clinical checklist” for recognizing iron-deficiency cheilitis in children that you could use in practice.
Do you want me to make that?
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