Is the crusting of cheilitis a sign of healing?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on May 10, 2025
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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.)

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Written by Wang Peng
Dentistry
49sec home-news-image

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
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Can I still apply lipstick if I have cheilitis?

When patients suffer from cheilitis, they certainly should not apply lipstick. During cheilitis, cracking, bleeding, or dryness may occur. At this time, patients should apply anti-inflammatory ointments, which can promote the healing of cheilitis and also alleviate cracking and dryness. If patients apply lipstick during this time, it may aggravate the inflammation of the lips and hinder the healing process of cheilitis. Therefore, it is recommended that patients avoid applying lipstick when suffering from cheilitis. Some cheilitis might be allergic cheilitis; in this case, applying lipstick is even more inappropriate as it may also be an allergen. Hence, patients with cheilitis should pay attention to local hygiene, clean food residues, brush their teeth morning and evening, and rinse their mouths promptly after meals.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Has the lip inflammation healed if the skin has peeled off?

Cheilitis is more common in the dry autumn and winter seasons. It may be due to the delicate skin on the lips being irritated by the dry climate, leading to dermatitis, or it could be caused by the lips coming into contact with some allergenic substances, which can also result in localized inflammation of the lip skin. If the skin on the lips of a patient with cheilitis starts to peel, it is advised not to tear it off with hands, as it generally indicates that healing is occurring slowly. Therefore, it is recommended that patients should relax, pay attention to daily lip care, maintain lip moisture, hydrate promptly, and avoid frequently licking their lips with their tongue. Long-term stimulation like this can lead to inflammation of the lips, causing the skin to crack, and even bleed.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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Causes and treatment of dry desquamative cheilitis

For dry and flaky cheilitis, it is often diagnosed clinically as exfoliative cheilitis, commonly occurring in young women, potentially related to cosmetics and other factors. It is necessary to enhance lip moisturizing care and avoid using decorative cosmetics. Consistent use of medical lip balm is recommended, as well as avoiding licking the lips and consuming spicy and irritating foods. Eating more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins is advisable. Oral medications such as levocetirizine tablets, total paeony glycoside capsules, and hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets should be taken to provide anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating symptomatic treatment. Topical applications like pimecrolimus cream or compound heparin sodium cream can be used on affected lip areas. Early in the treatment based on the condition, short-term use of corticosteroids, such as desonide cream, may be employed to control symptoms. (Note: Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician)

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Written by Fang Xiao
Dentistry
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How can the peeling at the closure of cheilitis be healed?

For chapped lips with peeling at the edges, the first step is to correct the bad habit of licking the lips. Do not tear off dry skin on the lips, to prevent cracking, and use saline solution for moist compresses, apply lip balm to keep the lips moisturized, avoid all potential allergens, and protect against the irritation of windy and cold weather. Drink plenty of water regularly, eat a balanced diet, and supplement with a variety of vitamins such as Vitamin C and Vitamin B. For mild cases of peeling, one can directly apply lip balm or break open a Vitamin E capsule and apply it. For severe cases, an antibiotic ointment can be used for treatment, which can effectively alleviate symptoms of chapped and peeling lips.