Signs of improvement in exfoliative cheilitis

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on September 06, 2024
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Exfoliative cheilitis is a type of skin lesion on the lip mucosa of unknown cause. Generally, the skin on the lips is delicate, and exposure to certain external stimuli can cause dryness, cracking, bleeding, and peeling. This condition is often associated with certain bad habits of the patient. For instance, due to dry weather, a patient might frequently lick their lips, leading to long-term irritation and consequently causing cracking and bleeding. It could also be possible that the patient has come into contact with some allergenic substances. This is commonly seen in females; for instance, an allergic reaction triggered by applying lipstick or lip balm can lead to peeling of the lips. In such cases, it is generally advised that the patient identifies and avoids the cause. When the patient's skin shows signs of crusting and peeling, it might generally indicate an improvement.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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What causes summer cheilitis?

Summer cheilitis is commonly caused by actinic cheilitis, as the skin on the lips is delicate. During summer, strong sunlight and high UV intensity can cause inflammation of the lips, leading to dryness, peeling, or swelling. It is advisable for patients to protect themselves by wearing masks or using sun-blocking umbrellas when going out to effectively prevent direct UV exposure and reduce lip trauma. Additionally, patients should be cautious about consuming certain foods in the summer, such as cold drinks that may contain a lot of colorants, which could also lead to allergic reactions on the lips. Therefore, it is recommended that patients pay attention to their lifestyle and diet.

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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 Tian Hua
Otolaryngology
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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.)

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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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 Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can erythromycin eye ointment be used for cheilitis?

Cheilitis is a localized inflammation of the lips. When a patient has cheilitis, applying erythromycin ointment locally can effectively alleviate some inflammatory symptoms on the lips, reducing congestion, swelling, pain, or peeling and bleeding, and can aid in healing. Additionally, patients should pay attention to their diet when experiencing cheilitis by eating light, including fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, and high-quality proteins, as a comprehensive diet can provide essential nutrients and help in the healing of cheilitis. Furthermore, patients should avoid touching their lips frequently with their hands to prevent worsening the inflammation or causing an infection.