Causes and treatment of dry desquamative cheilitis

Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
Updated on December 29, 2024
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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 Li Cui
Dentistry
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What should be paid attention to normally for cheilitis?

Patients with cheilitis should pay close attention to their diet and lifestyle in their daily life. In terms of diet, patients should opt for light meals and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits. A diversified diet is important as it can effectively supplement the nutrients required by the body. Additionally, patients should avoid consuming spicy and stimulating foods as much as possible, because such foods are quite irritating to the body. Consuming them regularly may cause patients to experience inflammation in the lips or other inflammatory symptoms. Patients should also pay attention to their lifestyle, ensuring it is regular, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining early sleep and waking times. They should avoid frequently staying up late and increase some outdoor activities. Moreover, during dry seasons, patients should keep their lips moisturized by applying glycerin or lip balm, which helps hydrate the lips. (Medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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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.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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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.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can I eat grapes with cheilitis?

When suffering from cheilitis, patients can eat grapes as they contain many nutritional elements, including a variety of vitamins, which can contribute to the nutritional repair of cheilitis. Therefore, it is advisable for patients to eat grapes. Additionally, patients with cheilitis should also eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, which can effectively supplement the nutrients needed by the human body and play a crucial role in bodily repair. Furthermore, patients with cheilitis should pay attention to the anti-inflammatory treatment of the lips. Applying some anti-inflammatory ointments can effectively alleviate inflammation and treat the condition. Also, when experiencing cheilitis, try to avoid tearing at it with hands as this can lead to peeling that may exacerbate the inflammation and cause discomfort.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can the melanin left by cheilitis be removed?

When a patient has recovered from crusted cheilitis, their lips might appear slightly darker in color. This condition generally improves over time. It is recommended that patients should not be overly concerned and can apply some aloe vera gel or vitamin E appropriately. These can effectively eliminate pigmentation from scars and aid in the recovery of scar coloration. Additionally, if a patient develops cheilitis, it is crucial to maintain local hygiene and avoid infections. Persistent infections and inflammation can increase local irritation and potentially damage some soft tissues, leading to worsened scarring. Patients are advised to maintain a light diet.