What should I do if my chapped lips keep crusting over?

Written by Wang Peng
Dentistry
Updated on May 08, 2025
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The patient's recurrent lip crusting indicates a chronic, recurring condition. It is recommended to conduct relevant examinations to identify any potential irritants that could be causing this repeated lip inflammation. For example, prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to actinic cheilitis, while living in a cold, dry environment might cause dehydration of the lip mucosa, leading to flaking and crusting. Additionally, some patients who do not consume fresh fruits and vegetables may lack vitamins, and frequently eating spicy and irritating foods can also lead to recurrent cheilitis. It is advised to eliminate these irritants and ensure proper moisturization of the lips.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Cheilitis is divided into several types.

Cheilitis is a relatively common oral inflammation in dentistry, with allergic cheilitis being a common type. Allergic cheilitis may occur when the patient's lips come into contact with certain allergenic substances, such as lipstick, lip balm, or medications. If these components cause discomfort to the patient's lips, it can trigger an allergy, leading to localized red rashes, peeling, and itching of the lips. There is also a type called chronic cheilitis, which generally arises from internal heat in the patient’s body, or a deficiency in certain vitamins and trace elements, leading to dry and cracked lips. Another type is seasonal cheilitis, which occurs during the dry climate of autumn and winter, causing the lips to become inflamed due to the dry weather. This type of cheilitis is generally mild and can be alleviated quickly by applying some anti-inflammatory ointment locally. Patients need not be overly concerned but should relax, paying more attention to daily dietary hygiene.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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How to determine whether it is cheilitis or herpes labialis

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 Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can I eat corn with cheilitis?

Certainly, corn can be eaten. Corn contains many trace elements, vitamins, and dietary fiber. When experiencing cheilitis, patients can appropriately eat some corn, which can also help facilitate bowel movements. Additionally, it is important for patients to pay attention to their diet by consuming easily digestible, nutritious foods. Opt for low-fat, low-salt, high-vitamin protein and high-fiber foods. Consuming more fungi, tuberous plants, or soy products to ensure adequate protein intake can be beneficial. Eating more fresh vegetables and fruits can also assist in the repair of cheilitis. Moreover, patients should avoid consuming raw, greasy, spicy, or irritating foods. When suffering from cheilitis, it is crucial to focus on reducing inflammation in the lips, and applying erythromycin ointment can be effective for anti-inflammatory treatment. (Note: The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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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.)

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can cheilitis cause facial dermatitis?

Cheilitis is generally caused by the delicate skin on the lips, which may not tolerate strong external irritations, such as during the dry climate in autumn and winter. Prolonged exposure to these irritations can lead to inflammation. For example, the lips may show signs of redness, swelling, heat, pain, or dryness and peeling with bleeding, causing significant discomfort in the patient's diet and daily life. Cheilitis generally does not cause inflammation of the facial skin. However, when a patient has cheilitis, it is also possible that the face has been irritated by external climatic conditions, leading to facial dermatitis. At this time, it is advised that patients should pay attention to protecting their face, wear a mask when going out, and take good care of their facial protection. Additionally, patients can apply some ointment to the face to effectively alleviate discomfort caused by inflammation.