What should I do about recurrent cheilitis?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on September 19, 2024
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There are many types of cheilitis, and when patients experience recurrent cheilitis, it is recommended that patients first understand the type of cheilitis. It is commonly seen in allergic cheilitis or some contact cheilitis, or some chronic cheilitis, and different types of cheilitis have different treatments. If it is allergic cheilitis, a little anti-allergy medication, such as loratadine, can be used. Taking one tablet before bedtime each day, usually for two or three days, can be very effective. If it is a type of chronic cheilitis, such as irritation from strong light or other detrimental irritations, such as the patient frequently licking with their tongue, being in a chronically moist environment, it will not heal easily. For this type of cheilitis, in addition to applying some anti-inflammatory ointments or recombinant human epidermal growth factor gel locally, both can be very effective, but the patient must not lick it with the tongue. Licking it afterwards can cause some of the moisture in the lips to evaporate, leading to slow healing of the lips. (Please use medications under a doctor's guidance.)

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Written by Wang Peng
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What should I do if I have cheilitis with yellow fluid and scabbing?

The common clinical symptoms of cheilitis often include dryness, peeling, cracking, and bleeding, and some patients may also experience the leakage of tissue fluid, or even a yellowish discharge. When patients with cheilitis notice yellowish discharge or crusting, it usually indicates that the disease is healing. At this time, patients should avoid touching it with their hands or other objects, and should not pick off the crusts. It is recommended to apply anti-inflammatory lip balm, which can promote the healing of cheilitis and also prevent infection. After the crusts heal and fall off, patients should pay attention to keeping the lip area moisturized and should also address and remove any triggering factors to prevent recurrence of cheilitis.

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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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Do you need to take antibiotics for cheilitis?

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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What should be paid attention to normally for cheilitis?

Patients with cheilitis should pay close attention to their diet and lifestyle in their daily life. In terms of diet, patients should opt for light meals and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits. A diversified diet is important as it can effectively supplement the nutrients required by the body. Additionally, patients should avoid consuming spicy and stimulating foods as much as possible, because such foods are quite irritating to the body. Consuming them regularly may cause patients to experience inflammation in the lips or other inflammatory symptoms. Patients should also pay attention to their lifestyle, ensuring it is regular, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining early sleep and waking times. They should avoid frequently staying up late and increase some outdoor activities. Moreover, during dry seasons, patients should keep their lips moisturized by applying glycerin or lip balm, which helps hydrate the lips. (Medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Does cheilitis itch?

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.)