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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Can pigmentation caused by cheilitis be cured?

If the patient has pigment deposition caused by repeated occurrences of cheilitis, this condition is usually difficult to alleviate. Even with treatment, restoring the lips to their original color is a long and gradual process. It is suggested that patients with cheilitis, who have experienced changes in lip color, may temporarily observe the condition, as it does not affect their overall health, nor does it impede eating or speech functions. If appearance is a concern, one can use lip balm or undergo lip tattooing to cover it up; however, it is crucial to avoid local irritation.

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What kind of cancer is cheilitis a precursor to?

Cheilitis is a general term for inflammatory diseases occurring on the lips. The symptoms of cheilitis generally include peeling, dryness, cracking, bleeding, and tightness. Some patients may experience itching and pain, which can cause inconvenience in daily life. Cheilitis does not lead to cancer in patients; however, long-term cheilitis is detrimental to a patient's health. Therefore, after being diagnosed with cheilitis, it is crucial to seek prompt and appropriate treatment. Treatment for cheilitis should be initiated as early as possible because the difficulty of treatment is relatively smaller at the early stages. Since cheilitis is prone to recurring flare-ups, which can cause significant emotional distress in patients, psychological counseling should also be considered.

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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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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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Can I still apply lipstick if I have cheilitis?

When patients suffer from cheilitis, they certainly should not apply lipstick. During cheilitis, cracking, bleeding, or dryness may occur. At this time, patients should apply anti-inflammatory ointments, which can promote the healing of cheilitis and also alleviate cracking and dryness. If patients apply lipstick during this time, it may aggravate the inflammation of the lips and hinder the healing process of cheilitis. Therefore, it is recommended that patients avoid applying lipstick when suffering from cheilitis. Some cheilitis might be allergic cheilitis; in this case, applying lipstick is even more inappropriate as it may also be an allergen. Hence, patients with cheilitis should pay attention to local hygiene, clean food residues, brush their teeth morning and evening, and rinse their mouths promptly after meals.