Can cheilitis be completely cured?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on August 31, 2024
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If a patient exhibits symptoms of cheilitis, it is essential to early eliminate possible irritating factors. Early local wet compresses are basic measures, followed by the application of lip balms or similar products for further moisturization and anti-inflammatory effects. If there is no relief, further treatment is required.

The current treatment for cheilitis mainly focuses on topical medications and symptomatic treatment. During the acute phase, removing irritating factors as much as possible can significantly aid in the recovery from cheilitis. Additionally, it is advisable for patients to protect their lips early in dry weather conditions by applying lip balm or avoiding irritants. For example, changing habits like biting lips or frequently licking lips with the tongue should be addressed, along with quitting smoking and drinking, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, protecting from sun exposure and cold winds, and discontinuing the use of suspect foods, medications, or certain cosmetics.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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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.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Does cheilitis itch?

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.)

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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How long does it take to cure cheilitis?

How long cheilitis can be cured also depends on the condition of the patient's local symptoms of cheilitis, as well as the measures taken by the patient. If good treatment and protective measures can be taken, the healing time is relatively short, generally about a week. Patients must pay attention to hydrating and sealing moisture in the lips, preventing further spread of the condition, deeply repairing all damaged tissues, reconstructing the protective barrier of the lip mucosa, and restoring some normal layers of the lip skin. It is advised that patients should be careful with their diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, use less lipstick or other cosmetic products that irritate the lips, and avoid frequently licking the lips with the tongue, as this is harmful to the lips. Patients are advised to try to eliminate these bad habits.

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Written by Tian Hua
Otolaryngology
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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.)

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Written by Wang Peng
Dentistry
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How to deal with chapped lips after crusting?

Patients with cheilitis who have already developed crusts are in the process of healing, and they must not tear off the crusts with their hands, as this can lead to infection and worsen the condition. It is advisable for patients to keep their lips moist through methods such as local moist compresses. They can also apply mild, non-irritating lip balms. In daily life, patients should avoid licking or biting their lips and maintain a proper local temperature. It is important to avoid external stimuli such as spicy foods, sun exposure, or cold, all of which can trigger recurrent cheilitis or exacerbate the condition. Patients can also apply erythromycin eye ointment to promote local healing. (Please follow medical advice when using medications.)