Cheilitis

Author: Hon Assoc Prof Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand, 2010.

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.

On DermNet NZ

Mouth problems

Other websites

Cheilitis — Therapeutics in Dermatology, Fondation René Touraine

Books about skin diseases

Books about the skin
Dermatology Made Easy book