Definition:
Lips that appear scaly, dry and may have one or more small cracks (fissures) are called chapped lips (cheilitis). They are often painful and there may or may not be swelling and redness.
Treatment:
Topical antifungals such as nystatin, econazole and clotrimazole are the usual treatment for lesions at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis). The best treatment for lip-licking cheilitis is to avoid licking the lips.
The treatment for drug-induced cheilitis is by avoiding the drug causing the condition, and if this is not possible, by frequent application of petrolatum or Vaseline. Possible therapies include treatment with topical chemotherapy such as fluorouracil, freezing with liquid nitrogen, or treatment with a topical drug that affects the immune system (immunomodulator) called imiquimod, if lesions at the inner border of the lower lip (actinic cheilitis) is present.
Symptoms and Signs:
The signs and symptoms of chapped lips appear as mild-to-moderate swelling of the lips and surface skin patches (scaling) with or without cracks (fissures).
Causes:
One cause of chapped lips is by repeated licking of the lips usually seen in 7-15 year olds and appears as a scaling, pink band around the mouth.
High fevers, environmental conditions such as cold weather, dehydration and certain vitamin deficiencies are other possible causes of chapped lips.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
