Do you need to take antibiotics for cheilitis?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on September 13, 2024
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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 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.

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Written by Wang Peng
Dentistry
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How to deal with chapped lips?

It is relatively normal for patients to experience peeling lips after developing cheilitis, as this is a very common clinical symptom during the progression of the disease. Patients should avoid peeling off the flaky skin on their lips with their hands, as this could potentially worsen the symptoms and may also lead to infections. After developing cheilitis, the first step should be to eliminate local irritants. For example, if engaging in prolonged outdoor activities, proper sun protection should be applied to prevent actinic cheilitis. Additionally, patients should maintain local moisture, such as using moist compresses to keep the lips hydrated, or applying a non-irritating moisturizing lip balm.

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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 Wang Peng
Dentistry
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How can exfoliative cheilitis be completely treated?

Exfoliative cheilitis is currently very difficult to completely cure. Exfoliative cheilitis is considered an immune disease, caused by external irritants, allergens, and various other factors triggering an abnormal body reaction. Clinically, it mainly presents as scaling and peeling of the lip tissue, along with chronic inflammation. Patients with this condition can undergo symptomatic treatment, but curing it entirely is very challenging. During outbreaks of exfoliative cheilitis, it is important to keep the lips clean. Methods like moist compresses can help maintain lip moisture and prevent the cheilitis from worsening due to dryness. Patients should avoid peeling off dry skin from the lips with their hands as this can lead to infections.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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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)