What is the difference between angular cheilitis and cheilitis?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on September 20, 2024
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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
1min 18sec home-news-image

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 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 Bao Hua
Dentistry
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You should go to the dermatology department for cheilitis.

Cheilitis should be treated in the department of oral mucosa. Cheilitis is a general term for diseases that occur on the lips and is a type of inflammatory reaction. There are many classifications of cheilitis; by the speed of the disease's development, it can be divided into acute cheilitis and chronic cheilitis, with acute cheilitis often being an acute inflammatory reaction of the lips caused by allergies. If classified by clinical symptoms, cheilitis can be categorized into eczematous cheilitis, erosive cheilitis, and exfoliative cheilitis, which may involve white scaling on the lips. Cheilitis can also be classified based on its cause, including granulomatous cheilitis, benign lymphoproliferative cheilitis, and hypersensitivity cheilitis, and it can also be related to systemic diseases. Cheilitis, a disease that occurs on the lips, has a relatively high incidence rate.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can I eat corn with cheilitis?

Certainly, corn can be eaten. Corn contains many trace elements, vitamins, and dietary fiber. When experiencing cheilitis, patients can appropriately eat some corn, which can also help facilitate bowel movements. Additionally, it is important for patients to pay attention to their diet by consuming easily digestible, nutritious foods. Opt for low-fat, low-salt, high-vitamin protein and high-fiber foods. Consuming more fungi, tuberous plants, or soy products to ensure adequate protein intake can be beneficial. Eating more fresh vegetables and fruits can also assist in the repair of cheilitis. Moreover, patients should avoid consuming raw, greasy, spicy, or irritating foods. When suffering from cheilitis, it is crucial to focus on reducing inflammation in the lips, and applying erythromycin ointment can be effective for anti-inflammatory treatment. (Note: The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a physician.)

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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.