Cheilitis (Lip Inflammation)

Cheilitis (lip inflammation)

Are you an individual who has chronic irritation around the lips?
Do you have a bad habit of licking your lips causing irritation or have chronic sun damage with scaly, fissured lips?

Cheilitis is an inflammatory condition of the lips which can be caused by many different factors.

Allergic cheilitis is commonly caused by ladies’ lipstick or lip balm, irritating foods a person may be allergic to and even cosmetics. Therefore, it is important that the causative factors are avoided.

Actinic cheilitis is an inflammatory reaction of the lips that is caused by chronic and excessive sun exposure causing scaly and fissured lips. Avoiding sun and using sunscreen is a way to be preventative.

However, sometimes cryotherapy is needed if there is pre-skin cancer or actinic keratosis present.

Then there are some patients who cannot help but lick their lips habitually, in particular, a young child. The first step is breaking the habit and applying an ointment like Vaseline to moisturize the area.

Sometimes, a low strength topical steroid will be needed to break the cycle and aid in healing.

While having irritation around your lips can be an eyesore and a source of frustration, it is something that can be treated here at Advanced Dermatology.

However, the patient will need to do their best in avoiding triggers.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ):

Is it possible my irritation can recur?

Because the lip inflammation is caused by an irritating factor, it is possible that the cheilitis can return. That is why it is key that the patient is aware of any allergies and habits such as lip licking to avoid them.