Cheilitis can be treated.
Cheilitis is a general term used to describe inflammation of the lips. It can manifest as dryness, scaling, cracking, swelling, and sometimes pain or itching. There are several types of cheilitis, each with different causes:
1. **Actinic cheilitis**: Caused by long-term sun exposure, leading to precancerous changes in the lip tissue.
2. **Allergic contact cheilitis**: Triggered by contact with allergens or irritants, such as certain lip balms, cosmetics, or dental products.
3. **Angular cheilitis**: Characterized by inflammation and fissures at the corners of the mouth, often due to fungal or bacterial infections, nutritional deficiencies (especially of B vitamins), or excessive saliva contact.
4. **Cheilitis glandularis**: Inflammation of the minor salivary glands of the lips, leading to swelling and sometimes thickening of the lips.
5. **Exfoliative cheilitis**: Persistent scaling and peeling of the lips, often with unknown causes but possibly linked to stress, habits like lip licking, or infections.
Treatment of cheilitis depends on the underlying cause. It may include avoiding triggers (like sun exposure or allergens), using topical medications, improving oral hygiene, and addressing any underlying conditions (like nutritional deficiencies). Severe or chronic cases may require evaluation by a dermatologist or healthcare provider for further management.
Answered2025-04-24 04:29:59
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