Does cheilitis itch?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Cheilitis generally occurs more frequently during cold, dry seasons and can vary in severity from time to time. There are many causes of cheilitis, which may be related to psychological factors, excessive fatigue, malnutrition, endocrine disorders, a deficiency of certain vitamins, or traumatic factors. It can cause an itchy feeling and sometimes a painful sensation. If cheilitis is caused by herpesvirus infection, it could lead to significant pain. It's also possible that during the recovery phase when crusts form, a slight itching might occur. This generally indicates that the cheilitis is in the recovery phase, which is a sign of improvement. It is advised that patients should not scratch with their hands, but can gently apply a small amount of anti-inflammatory ointment with a cotton swab to the affected area. If the itching is very severe, one can cautiously press with a sterile cotton swab, and perhaps puncture lightly. However, it is crucial not to scratch with hands, as our hands often carry many bacteria, which can lead to further bacterial infections. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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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 Fang Xiao
Dentistry
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Is cheilitis a skin disease?

Cheilitis is not a skin disease; it is a disease of the oral mucosa and falls under the category of oral mucosal diseases. Cheilitis is a mucosal disease characterized mainly by dryness, cracking, and scaling of the lips. Its types include dry scaling cheilitis, allergic cheilitis, benign lymphoproliferative cheilitis, granulomatous cheilitis, glandular cheilitis, fungal cheilitis, and photosensitive cheilitis. The onset of cheilitis is greatly related to long-term irritation and poor lifestyle habits. Seasonal changes and dry weather also increase the incidence rate, and windy conditions can easily lead to dryness and flaking. Cheilitis is also related to sun exposure, which can cause erosion of the upper and lower lips, known as actinic cheilitis. Patients with actinic cheilitis should first focus on avoiding light, reducing outdoor activities, and protecting their lips.

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Written by Wang Peng
Dentistry
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Can chapped lips be exposed to the sun?

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 Li Cui
Dentistry
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What is the difference between angular cheilitis and cheilitis?

Angular cheilitis usually occurs only at the two corners of the mouth, also commonly referred to as "cracked corners of the mouth." The surface may show some whitish substances and appear moist. Patients might avoid opening their mouths wide, as doing so can cause significant pain due to the worsening of the sores at the corners. This may even prevent patients from eating normally. Angular cheilitis generally refers to various inflammatory conditions of the lips, such as cracking, bleeding, and peeling, which could be caused by changes in the weather. For example, during the dry seasons of autumn and winter, patients' lips are prone to these inflammatory symptoms, showing signs like cracking, bleeding, and peeling. It is advised that patients should not peel off the skin with their hands, as this can increase the risk of infective inflammation. Thus, angular cheilitis is different from cheilitis.

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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.