What causes summer cheilitis?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on November 23, 2024
00:00
00:00

Summer cheilitis is commonly caused by actinic cheilitis, as the skin on the lips is delicate. During summer, strong sunlight and high UV intensity can cause inflammation of the lips, leading to dryness, peeling, or swelling. It is advisable for patients to protect themselves by wearing masks or using sun-blocking umbrellas when going out to effectively prevent direct UV exposure and reduce lip trauma. Additionally, patients should be cautious about consuming certain foods in the summer, such as cold drinks that may contain a lot of colorants, which could also lead to allergic reactions on the lips. Therefore, it is recommended that patients pay attention to their lifestyle and diet.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
1min 10sec home-news-image

Can allergic cheilitis heal on its own?

Allergic cheilitis generally occurs when the patient's lips come into contact with some allergenic substances. For example, if a patient consumes allergenic foods, like certain proteins that infants and young children might be allergic to, this can lead to inflammation of the lips, itching, and redness. In such cases, it is generally recommended that the patient not worry too much and that no special treatment is required, as observation can lead to recovery. Some adults develop lip allergies possibly due to the use of certain products like lip balms or lipsticks, which can also lead to allergic reactions on the lips. Patients are advised to identify the cause of their allergy and avoid the allergens to alleviate the symptoms. Additionally, if a patient experiences severe allergic reactions on the lips, they can apply some anti-allergy medication to relieve itching.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
58sec home-news-image

Is the crusting of cheilitis a sign of healing?

Inflammation of the lips, when crusts start to form, indicates that the patient's cheilitis is healing. Crusting generally occurs in the later stages of healing, which is a positive sign. However, when crusts have formed, patients should avoid picking at them with their hands or forcibly tearing them off. Doing so may cause additional bleeding and rupture, possibly increasing inflammation and impeding the healing process. Therefore, patients can apply some anti-inflammatory ointment to the affected area. When applying, it is best to use a cotton swab instead of touching directly with the hands. Additionally, patients with cheilitis should pay careful attention to lip care in their daily life. During dry seasons, it is appropriate to apply some lip balm, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and avoid frequently licking the lips. (Medication use should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Fang Xiao
Dentistry
50sec home-news-image

Early symptoms of allergic cheilitis

Common symptoms of allergic cheilitis include peeling of the lips, itching, redness and swelling of the lips, and skin flushing. In severe cases, blisters may form, and the lips can become eroded and exudative. Repeated scratching due to itchiness or repetitive mechanical friction can lead to infection. The infection is generally a secondary bacterial infection, causing pus formation in the affected skin areas. Allergic cheilitis is often caused by contact with irritating substances, such as irritant foods, lipstick, and toothpaste. Some individuals develop allergic cheilitis after exposure to sunlight, and the condition can worsen. Therefore, patients with allergic dermatitis must receive anti-allergy treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Fang Xiao
Dentistry
57sec home-news-image

What fruits should not be eaten with cheilitis?

Cheilitis is mainly caused by local factors such as mouth breathing, bad habits, lip licking, peeling, rubbing the mouth, and exposure to wind and sun. Therefore, clinically, it is important to correct mouth breathing, avoid bad habits, stop licking and peeling the lips, stop rubbing the mouth, and use moisturizing lip balm daily. Additionally, reduce consumption of fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and oranges that might irritate the lips and cause swelling. During the treatment period for lip inflammation, do not take antibiotics without authorization to avoid aggravating the condition. Patients with cheilitis can apply erythromycin ointment locally, which is very effective in killing bacteria. In terms of diet, eat lightly, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits.

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.)