Can chapped lips be exposed to the sun?

Written by Wang Peng
Dentistry
Updated on November 20, 2024
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Patients with cheilitis are advised not to expose themselves to the sun. The exact causes of cheilitis are not fully clear, but clinical doctors generally believe that certain external irritants are directly related to the onset of cheilitis. For example, stimuli from cold and dry climates or prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to the occurrence of cheilitis and may also exacerbate the condition in patients. Therefore, patients with cheilitis are advised against sun exposure before it is clear which specific cause is responsible. Those suffering from cheilitis should first eliminate local irritants, such as frequent licking or biting of the lips, and maintain local moisture. This can be achieved by methods such as moist compresses to relieve dryness.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
1min 14sec home-news-image

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 Li Cui
Dentistry
1min 10sec home-news-image

Can cheilitis be completely cured?

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
1min 18sec home-news-image

Do you need to take antibiotics for cheilitis?

Cheilitis is common in clinical settings and can be caused by various factors, including some that may be allergic in nature, requiring the intake of antiallergic medication as anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective. Common antiallergic medications, such as loratadine, can provide significant anti-allergic effects. Topically, anti-allergic medications like dexamethasone acetate cream can also be applied to achieve a certain level of anti-allergic effect. For patients with contact cheilitis, it is recommended not to use antibiotics, as they generally do not have a significant effect on local lip inflammation. It is suggested that patients apply erythromycin ointment locally, which can also provide a good anti-inflammatory effect. The inflammation occurs at the epidermal extremities of the lips, and orally administered antibiotics, when they reach the lips, are usually at a low concentration and do not provide an effective anti-inflammatory effect. It is advised that patients primarily focus on local care, paying attention to the protection of the lip area and keeping it relatively moist. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Wang Peng
Dentistry
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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
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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.)