What is cheilitis?
Cheilitis is the term used to describe inflamed lips.
Types of cheilitis
The lips can be inflamed because of an infection or skin condition:
- Herpes simplex
- Angular cheilitis
- Granulomatous cheilitis
- Orofacial granulomatosis
- Crohn skin disease
- Actinic cheilitis
- Exfoliative cheilitis
- Glandular cheilitis
- Lichenoid cheilitis
- Cutaneous lupus erythematosus
They may be inflamed because of an allergy, toxin, medication or injury.
- Eczematous cheilitis
- Allergic contact cheilitis
- Pigmented contact cheilitis
- Cheilitis in musicians
- Contact reactions to lipsticks and other lip care products
- Irritant contact dermatitis
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Smoking and its effects on the skin
- Sunburn
- Isotretinoin treatment
- Acitretin treatment
- Denture stomatitis
Nutritional deficiency can also lead to cheilitis.
- Iron deficiency
- Vitamin B deficiency
How is the diagnosis of cheilitis made?
Cheilitis is usually diagnosed by taking a careful history and by clinical examination. Swabs for infections including candida and a biopsy may be required.
What is the treatment for cheilitis?
Treatment of cheilitis depends on the cause. However, soothing emollient lip balms and sunscreens are usually recommended.