Cheilitis

Cheilitis is an inflammation of the lips, often causing dryness, scaling, and fissures. It can occur on the skin and vermilion border (the line dividing the lip from the skin of the face) of the lips, manifesting as redness, swelling, and potentially soreness.

Chappedlips

Classification

Cheilitis can be categorized into several types, including cheilitis simplex, angular cheilitis, cheilitis glandularis, exfoliative cheilitis, actinic cheilitis, plasma cell cheilitis, and cheilitis granulomatosa. Each type is characterized by unique symptoms and may have different underlying causes.

Actinic Cheilitis Photo

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of cheilitis include redness, swelling, dryness, and tenderness of the lips. In severe cases, the condition can lead to cracking, bleeding, and formation of painful sores or ulcers.

Causes

Cheilitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to environmental irritants (such as wind and sun), contact with allergens, lip-licking habit, certain medications, nutrient deficiencies, infections, and underlying systemic diseases.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cheilitis is primarily based on the clinical appearance of the lips. The history of symptoms, potential exposure to irritants or allergens, and associated medical conditions are also considered. In some cases, skin patch testing, microbiological tests, or a lip biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis or identify the underlying cause.

Treatment

Treatment of cheilitis depends on the underlying cause. General measures include avoiding known triggers, applying lip balms or emollients for moisture retention, and maintaining good oral hygiene. Topical steroids or antifungal agents may be prescribed in certain cases. If cheilitis is due to an underlying systemic condition, treating that condition is also crucial.

Prevention

Prevention measures for cheilitis include protection from environmental factors, such as applying a sunscreen lip balm and avoiding excessive exposure to cold and windy conditions. Individuals prone to cheilitis should also avoid irritating substances, such as certain lipsticks or toothpaste ingredients, and maintain good oral hygiene.

Prognosis

The prognosis for cheilitis largely depends on the underlying cause and the individual's adherence to treatment. With appropriate treatment and avoidance of triggering factors, most forms of cheilitis can be effectively managed. However, recurrence is common, especially if the triggering factors are not completely eliminated or avoided.

Complications

Untreated or chronic cheilitis can lead to complications, such as secondary bacterial or fungal infections, lip disfigurement, and, in the case of actinic cheilitis, an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

References

Cheilitis Resources
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