Home » Topics A–Z » Cheilitis

Cheilitis

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.

See smartphone apps to check your skin.
[Sponsored content]

 

Related information

 

On DermNet NZ

• Mouth problems

Other websites

• Cheilitis – Therapeutics in Dermatology, Fondation René Touraine

Books about skin diseases

See the DermNet NZ bookstore.