What are the symptoms before lip inflammation turns into cancer?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on January 07, 2025
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Cheilitis is generally caused by some local inflammation of the lips and is also relatively common in clinical settings. The skin of the lips is quite fragile and cannot withstand intense external stimuli. During the autumn and winter seasons, exposure to strong external stimuli may cause inflammation, swelling, pain, and even peeling and bleeding of the lips. However, long-term cheilitis generally does not lead to cancerous changes. If recurrent and long-term outbreaks occur, it may lead to the proliferation of some soft tissues of the lips. It is essential to pay attention to lip care in daily life, maintain lip moisture, and develop correct living habits. Additionally, it is crucial for patients to pay attention to lip care, especially in the dry seasons of autumn and winter, focus on moisturizing the lips, and use appropriate lip balms to effectively care for the lips.

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Written by Wang Peng
Dentistry
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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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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can allergic cheilitis heal on its own?

Allergic cheilitis generally occurs when the patient's lips come into contact with some allergenic substances. For example, if a patient consumes allergenic foods, like certain proteins that infants and young children might be allergic to, this can lead to inflammation of the lips, itching, and redness. In such cases, it is generally recommended that the patient not worry too much and that no special treatment is required, as observation can lead to recovery. Some adults develop lip allergies possibly due to the use of certain products like lip balms or lipsticks, which can also lead to allergic reactions on the lips. Patients are advised to identify the cause of their allergy and avoid the allergens to alleviate the symptoms. Additionally, if a patient experiences severe allergic reactions on the lips, they can apply some anti-allergy medication to relieve itching.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can cheilitis be cured by drinking more water?

When patients experience cheilitis, they should drink more water as appropriate. While it may not completely cure the cheilitis, it is helpful for the repair of the condition. Cheilitis is generally a seasonal issue; during the dry weather of autumn and winter, prolonged irritation to the lips can occur. Since the skin on the lips is particularly delicate, it might lead to cheilitis. When symptoms like peeling, dryness, bleeding, and pain occur in cheilitis, it is advised that patients apply some anti-inflammatory ointment for treatment. Additionally, patients should pay attention to their diet, opting for lighter foods and avoid frequently touching the affected area with their hands. Furthermore, it is recommended that when speaking or chewing food, patients should keep their mouths minimally open. Opening the mouth too wide can cause the lips to crack and bleed, which is counterproductive to the recovery from cheilitis.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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What should I do about recurrent cheilitis?

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 Li Cui
Dentistry
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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.