How to determine whether it is cheilitis or herpes labialis

Written by Li Cui

Dentistry

Updated on January 14, 2025

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Cheilitis and herpes labialis are generally two different conditions. Cheilitis has a broader meaning and may include allergic cheilitis, or dryness during autumn and winter, cracked lips, and angular cheilitis. For example, common oral herpes is generally referred to as cheilitis. Additionally, cheilitis broadly includes any inflammation of the lips. However, herpes labialis is usually due to a decline in the patient's immune system, leading to a herpes virus infection, so herpes labialis is a simple viral disease. Therefore, there is a distinction between the two. Cheilitis might involve bacterial infections, in which case anti-inflammatory ointments can be applied. If it is herpes labialis, antiviral treatment is generally used.

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Written by Wang Peng

Dentistry

49sec

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Can I drink Pu'er tea with cheilitis?

Patients with cheilitis can drink Pu'er tea. The exact causes of cheilitis are not entirely clear, but clinically, it is generally believed to be related to environmental irritants, allergic factors, poor lifestyle habits, and the irritation of certain foods. However, tea itself does not cause allergic reactions. Patients with cheilitis should eat foods that are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and rich in high-quality proteins, and they should avoid oily, spicy, and irritating foods. Tea is neither spicy nor overly greasy, and it is relatively beneficial for health. Therefore, it is acceptable for patients with cheilitis to drink some Pu'er tea appropriately.

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Written by Li Cui

Dentistry

1min 4sec

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What are the symptoms before lip inflammation turns into cancer?

Cheilitis is generally caused by some local inflammation of the lips and is also relatively common in clinical settings. The skin of the lips is quite fragile and cannot withstand intense external stimuli. During the autumn and winter seasons, exposure to strong external stimuli may cause inflammation, swelling, pain, and even peeling and bleeding of the lips. However, long-term cheilitis generally does not lead to cancerous changes. If recurrent and long-term outbreaks occur, it may lead to the proliferation of some soft tissues of the lips. It is essential to pay attention to lip care in daily life, maintain lip moisture, and develop correct living habits. Additionally, it is crucial for patients to pay attention to lip care, especially in the dry seasons of autumn and winter, focus on moisturizing the lips, and use appropriate lip balms to effectively care for the lips.

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Written by Li Cui

Dentistry

1min 1sec

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Will applying honey on cheilitis worsen it?

Cheilitis is also a type of oral inflammation, especially common in clinical settings. It is usually caused by cold, dry seasons, and is more prevalent in the dry seasons of autumn and winter. It may also be due to bad habits such as lip biting, or a deficiency in vitamins and various trace elements in the body, which leads to a decrease in immune function and the occurrence of cheilitis. Applying honey can moisturize the lips, but many cases of cheilitis present with cracking, bleeding, or even severe pain. It is advised that patients seek treatment at a standard hospital and follow a doctor's guidance in applying anti-inflammatory ointment, which can be very effective in treating cheilitis. It is recommended that patients avoid frequently touching their lips with their hands, as the skin on the lips is delicate. During dry weather, it is important to take care of the intestines, drink more water, and avoid peeling the skin off with your hands.

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Written by Li Cui

Dentistry

57sec

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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 Tian Hua

Otolaryngology

58sec

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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.)