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Home Topics A–Z Cheilitis
Author: Hon Assoc Prof Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand, 2010.
Cheilitis is the term used to describe inflamed lips.
The lips can be inflamed because of an infection or skin condition:
They may be inflamed because of an allergy, toxin, medication or injury.
Nutritional deficiency can also lead to cheilitis.
Cheilitis is usually diagnosed by taking a careful history and by clinical examination. Swabs for infections including candida and a biopsy may be required.
Treatment of cheilitis depends on the cause. However, soothing emollient lip balms and sunscreens are usually recommended.
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