What condition is indicated by the softening of skin at the corners of the mouth, often due to nutritional deficiency?

The condition characterized by the softening of the skin at the corners of the mouth is angular cheilitis. This condition is often associated with nutritional deficiencies, particularly deficiencies in B vitamins, such as riboflavin (B2) and folate (B9), as well as iron deficiency. The manifestation occurs because these nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes.

In angular cheilitis, the affected areas can become inflamed, cracked, and may present with redness and sometimes tenderness. The softening of the skin is a direct result of these deficiencies, leading to weakened skin integrity and making the corners of the mouth particularly vulnerable to irritation and infection.

Stomatitis refers to inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth, which can have various causes, including infections or irritations, but it is not specific to the corners of the mouth. Cheilosis is similar and may also refer to sores at the corners but lacks the specific contextual association with angular cheilitis. Herpes simplex is an infectious condition that presents differently, typically as painful blisters or sores around the lips and mouth, rather than just softening of the skin.