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Home » Topics A–Z » Glandular cheilitis
Author: Adjunct Assoc Prof Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Waikato District Health Board, Hamilton, New Zealand. February 2017.
Glandular glandularis is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the lower lip.
Glandular cheilitis mainly affects older males, although it has been reported in women and young people.
The cause of glandular cheilitis is unknown. It is associated with:
Cheilitis glandularis typically has the following features:
Glandular cheilitis is a clinical diagnosis. A biopsy of the affected area may be reported as nonspecific. Findings may include:
In most cases, treatment is not necessary and may be unsuccessful at restoring the lip to normal. In some cases, treatment for associated sun damage or infection may be necessary.
The most important advice is smoking cessation and careful protection from further sun exposure using frequent water-resistant high protection factor sunscreen lip balm.
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