Does cheilitis itch?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on September 02, 2024
00:00
00:00

Cheilitis generally occurs more frequently during cold, dry seasons and can vary in severity from time to time. There are many causes of cheilitis, which may be related to psychological factors, excessive fatigue, malnutrition, endocrine disorders, a deficiency of certain vitamins, or traumatic factors. It can cause an itchy feeling and sometimes a painful sensation. If cheilitis is caused by herpesvirus infection, it could lead to significant pain. It's also possible that during the recovery phase when crusts form, a slight itching might occur. This generally indicates that the cheilitis is in the recovery phase, which is a sign of improvement. It is advised that patients should not scratch with their hands, but can gently apply a small amount of anti-inflammatory ointment with a cotton swab to the affected area. If the itching is very severe, one can cautiously press with a sterile cotton swab, and perhaps puncture lightly. However, it is crucial not to scratch with hands, as our hands often carry many bacteria, which can lead to further bacterial infections. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
53sec home-news-image

Cheilitis is due to a deficiency of which vitamin?

Cheilitis can range from mild to severe and usually occurs in cold, dry seasons, causing local symptoms like dryness, peeling, pain, oozing crusts, and bleeding. There are many causes of cheilitis. For instance, some patients may smoke or drink alcohol, consume spicy or irritating foods, or lack certain vitamins. They might also not drink enough water or eat sufficient vegetables and fruits, which can all contribute to the development of cheilitis. It is recommended that patients apply a mild, gentle lip balm to the affected area to keep it moist, avoid irritating foods, and supplement their diet with vitamins. Additionally, they should ensure adequate rest, enhance their immune system, and take good care of their lips.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Peng
Dentistry
50sec home-news-image

Can chapped lips be exposed to the sun?

Patients with cheilitis are advised not to expose themselves to the sun. The exact causes of cheilitis are not fully clear, but clinical doctors generally believe that certain external irritants are directly related to the onset of cheilitis. For example, stimuli from cold and dry climates or prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to the occurrence of cheilitis and may also exacerbate the condition in patients. Therefore, patients with cheilitis are advised against sun exposure before it is clear which specific cause is responsible. Those suffering from cheilitis should first eliminate local irritants, such as frequent licking or biting of the lips, and maintain local moisture. This can be achieved by methods such as moist compresses to relieve dryness.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
1min 3sec home-news-image

Can cheilitis cause facial dermatitis?

Cheilitis is generally caused by the delicate skin on the lips, which may not tolerate strong external irritations, such as during the dry climate in autumn and winter. Prolonged exposure to these irritations can lead to inflammation. For example, the lips may show signs of redness, swelling, heat, pain, or dryness and peeling with bleeding, causing significant discomfort in the patient's diet and daily life. Cheilitis generally does not cause inflammation of the facial skin. However, when a patient has cheilitis, it is also possible that the face has been irritated by external climatic conditions, leading to facial dermatitis. At this time, it is advised that patients should pay attention to protecting their face, wear a mask when going out, and take good care of their facial protection. Additionally, patients can apply some ointment to the face to effectively alleviate discomfort caused by inflammation.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
57sec home-news-image

Can cheilitis be cured by drinking more water?

When patients experience cheilitis, they should drink more water as appropriate. While it may not completely cure the cheilitis, it is helpful for the repair of the condition. Cheilitis is generally a seasonal issue; during the dry weather of autumn and winter, prolonged irritation to the lips can occur. Since the skin on the lips is particularly delicate, it might lead to cheilitis. When symptoms like peeling, dryness, bleeding, and pain occur in cheilitis, it is advised that patients apply some anti-inflammatory ointment for treatment. Additionally, patients should pay attention to their diet, opting for lighter foods and avoid frequently touching the affected area with their hands. Furthermore, it is recommended that when speaking or chewing food, patients should keep their mouths minimally open. Opening the mouth too wide can cause the lips to crack and bleed, which is counterproductive to the recovery from cheilitis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tian Hua
Otolaryngology
58sec home-news-image

How to treat exfoliative cheilitis?

Treatment for exfoliative cheilitis involves identifying and removing potential causes, avoiding external irritants, and correcting bad habits with local medication treatment. For mild cases, apply honey, glycerin, petroleum jelly, silver nitrate ointment, or zinc oxide ointment externally. In severe cases, apply corticosteroid cream externally, consider surgical removal for those with epitheliomatous hyperplasia, and treat with helium-neon laser irradiation and superficial X-ray irradiation. Drug treatment shows significant short-term effects, but often recurs and is difficult to cure completely. (Note: Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)