Causes and risk factors
Inflammation of the lips can be caused due to exogenous or endogenous factors. The most common cause of inflammation is the exposure to sun or its infection. Allergy to certain cosmetics like lip gloss, lip color, lip balms, etc., can also lead to inflammation. Atopic dermatitis also contributes for the same. Skin diseases like lupus erythematosus and lichen planus are some common skin causes which can lead to skin infection. Cheilitis can be secondary to certain systemic diseases like Crohn’s, sarcoidosis, or various nutritional deficiencies like vitamin B12 or iron deficiency. Smoking is another common cause of cheilitis. Overuse of certain instruments like flute can trigger the same. Hence it is more commonly seen in musicians.
Clinical presentation:
There are different types of angular cheilitis, granulomatous, actinic cheilitis, exfoliative cheilitis, eczematous cheilitis. The first sign of inflammation of lips is swelling of lips. The lips become dry. Scaling occurs. In some cases, fissures are seen. Slight burning pain can be experienced by the patient. Fissures can cause pain and difficulty while eating food, especially spicy food.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done on the basis of symptom narrated by the patient. Any history of contact with irritant or allergen is noted down. Along with this, patch testing is done. Cultures are done for testing various infections. Certain other tests can also be advised if necessary.
Treatment:
Cheilitis can be caused by various underlying causes, hence treatment consist of correcting the underlying cause first. Topical corticosteroids are prescribed. Certain smoothening gels or emollients can also be prescribed. Use of sunscreen lotions are advised. It is also recommended to avoid the irritant or factors which trigger this condition.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up with the symptoms. Taking into consideration the symptoms in a holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints regarding cheilitis.