What condition is characterized by softening of the skin at the corners of the mouth?

The condition characterized by softening of the skin at the corners of the mouth is angular cheilitis. This condition is often accompanied by inflammation, redness, and cracks at the angles of the lips. Angular cheilitis can result from various factors, including nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of riboflavin or iron, or fungal and bacterial infections.

In angular cheilitis, softening occurs primarily due to irritation and breakdown of the skin in a localized area. This can lead to symptoms like soreness and difficulty in mouth movements, making it easily identifiable. Effective management often involves addressing underlying causes, such as nutritional support or topical treatments to protect and heal the affected skin.

Understanding the unique presentation of angular cheilitis aids in distinguishing it from other conditions like candidiasis, which typically manifests as a thrush-like infection in the mouth, or herpes simplex, which usually presents with painful vesicles around the mouth. Contact dermatitis, while it may cause localized skin irritation, typically would not present specifically at the corners of the mouth in the manner described for angular cheilitis.