It might not seem alarming if your lips are occasionally chapped and bleeding. However, if this condition persists, consider the possibility of cheilitis, an inflammation of the lips. Many people overlook dry and cracked lips as a health issue, but if they become chronic, they can lead to severe complications, including infections. It’s essential not to dismiss these symptoms.
If You Have a Habit of Biting Your Lips
Frequent canker sores or cheilitis may signal underlying lifestyle habits. Regularly biting or licking your lips can increase your susceptibility to cheilitis, which can spread to other areas of your face. Addressing these habits is crucial for maintaining healthy lips.
Cheilitis: Inflammation of the Lips
Cheilitis affects many people at some point and refers to inflammation around the mouth and lips. This condition often flares up when you’re tired or stressed, tends to recur frequently, and can affect a wide area, leading to persistent inflammation. It is commonly seen in individuals with pre-existing conditions like atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis.
Exfoliative Cheilitis vs. Contact Cheilitis
Cheilitis can be categorized into two types based on its causes: exfoliative cheilitis, primarily affecting those with atopic dermatitis, and contact cheilitis, which occurs when lip products irritate. To manage contact cheilitis, avoid cosmetics with irritating ingredients and protect your lips from cold, dry winds and prolonged sun exposure.
Inflammation Spreading to Surrounding Skin
The inflammation can spread to the surrounding skin if you have cheilitis and frequently touch your lips. Symptoms may include itching or redness on the philtrum, nostrils, or chin and increased flakiness. This can also elevate the risk of developing stomatitis.
Is Cheilitis Contagious?
All forms of cheilitis can be contagious. Sharing lipsticks, glosses, or moisturizers can transmit the condition to others, so avoiding sharing these items is wise. While cheilitis is generally easy to prevent, recurrent outbreaks can be problematic once they occur. Take precautions to prevent transmission.
Cheilitis Can Occur in Summer, Too
While chapped or cracked lips are often associated with dry winter months, they can also arise in summer due to intense UV exposure. Sun-induced cheilitis typically affects the lower lip, leading to cracking, flaking, and bleeding. This condition is particularly common in men over 50, and if left untreated, it may progress to squamous cell carcinoma. Protect your lips from sun exposure.
Treat Before It Becomes Chronic
Frequent recurrences of cheilitis require lifestyle changes to boost your immune system and prevent chronicity. Relying on expensive moisturizers or using ointments that don’t suit your symptoms can worsen your skin barrier and lead to adverse effects. Remember, improper care can exacerbate symptoms and complicate treatment.
Cleaning Your Lips Properly
Many people neglect to clean their lips thoroughly, thinking they don’t experience trouble like others. However, if makeup residue and impurities are not entirely removed, it can lead to cheilitis and other skin conditions. Make sure to cleanse your lips carefully for healthy skin.
Avoid Licking Your Lips
Habitually licking your lips or picking at dead skin is a bad idea. Additionally, overusing exfoliants because your lips peel frequently is not advisable. Instead, choose a gentle lip balm with non-irritating ingredients and use mildly acidic cleansers to maintain moisture and alleviate symptoms.
Management Should Vary Based on Individual Causes
Cheilitis can arise from various underlying factors, so treatment and management strategies should be personalized. Differentiate whether your lips are dry and peeling or experiencing a burning sensation. Tailor your treatment and care methods based on these symptoms, and consider your overall health as well.
Most Commented