Doctor, please enlighten me on the wetness of the corner of the mouth in poor people called Ibe in Yoruba. I don’t understand English. There is only one rich man I know in my entire life who has not treated his own even with all his stolen money- Elrufsky. The disease is still there. God forgive me, I don’t want to mock God’s creation, but this man is shameless and behaves abnormally. It’s like he has diarrhea of the mouth. Is it a poor man’s ailment or do rich people have it? Please educate us.
The Yoruba condition called “Ìbẹ̀” — where the corner of the mouth is persistently wet, sometimes with crusting, irritation, or even cracking — corresponds in English medical terms to:
Angular Cheilitis (also known as Perleche or Angular Stomatitis)
Description:
Angular cheilitis is a localized inflammation at one or both corners of the mouth. It may appear as:
Constant wetness at the mouth corners
Redness, cracking, or peeling skin
Pain, irritation, or soreness
Crusting or bleeding in severe cases
Causes:
Saliva accumulation in mouth corners (especially in children or older people of all ages and the elderly)
Vitamin deficiencies (especially B2 – riboflavin, B12, or iron)
Fungal or bacterial infections (commonly Candida albicans or Staphylococcus aureus)
Poor hygiene or excessive lip licking
Ill-fitting dentures or tooth loss
Immune suppression or systemic conditions like diabetes
Treatment:
Topical antifungal or antibacterial creams (depending on cause)
Improved oral hygiene
Correction of dental issues
Dietary supplements if due to nutritional deficiency
If persistent, medical attention is advised, as chronic angular cheilitis could signal an underlying health issue.
Some people are not aware that this condition is a sign of illness and have left it untreated for decades. Such persons end up with an urge to speak even when unnecessary and say a lot of irrational things which may even prove embarrassing to others. It is the condition of the mouth which causes the lack of control of the mouth. It is better to get the person treated in time before it becomes a chronic disorder which could affect their mental health.
It is mainly observed amongst the poor in rural areas due to deficiency in nutrients, no rich or well educated person will suffer such illness without getting it properly treated. It’s embarrassing and offensive. This is why you wont see it in any rich person.
Dr. Elenujagbajagba Oluwatoyin
Special Investigative Medical Report.
Nigerians React:
I know somebody who is suffering from that condition. No wonder. Sometimes he behaves like he is not normal. I notice his mouth is always wet in the corner, just like Nasir ElRufsky too. Thanks for the clarification Sir. This has been very helpful, but I think Elrufsky’s condition is spiritual like a curse, no treatment will cure it Ooo. I heard he has gone to doctors in America, London, Paris but no solution. The traditionalist advised him to control his mouth or the curse will get worse and his mouth is going to kill him one day!
Oluwole AbamiEda. Activist.
