Cheilitis: causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment

Cheilitis is an isolated inflammatory process in the area of the mucous membrane, skin and red border of the lips. Outwardly it looks like swelling with redness and peeling of tissue. It can be an independent disease or a symptomatic manifestation of other pathologies. Sooner or later, almost every person encounters it, but at a young age the disease is noticeably milder, recurs less often and has no complications. In older people, due to a weakened immune system, periodic relapses of cheilitis can cause malignant tissue degeneration.

Causes

Cheilitis is a polymorphic and multifactorial disease that can be triggered by infections, physical and chemical environmental factors, as well as internal characteristics of the body. Among them:

constant exposure to the open air - inflammation and peeling of the lips occurs when chapped by hot or cold air, excessive insolation;
the presence of chronic diseases with skin manifestations of symptoms - various types of dermatitis, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, lichen planus, syphilis, etc.;
allergic reactions of the body - mainly with food allergies;
tissue irritation from regular exposure to chemicals, including medications (for example, nasal drops);
various neurological disorders, severe stressful situations, depression, constant anxiety;
endocrine abnormalities - primarily hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, diabetes mellitus.

What is atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease characterized by a relapsing course.
Babies with atopic dermatitis are bothered by itching and dry skin. Foci of inflammation can be located throughout the body, but they especially “love” children’s cheeks and folds, as well as the area under the diaper. Statistics indicate that atopic dermatitis occurs in every fifth baby [1]. Why is he dangerous? Lack of treatment can lead to the development of severe forms of atopic dermatitis, the spread of inflammation and the atopic march. In this condition, the disease begins to “march” through the child’s body, provoking the appearance or exacerbation of concomitant diseases. In 20-43% of cases, the development of bronchial asthma is possible, and twice as often - allergic rhinitis or eczema [2].

In addition, disruption of the hydrolipid barrier that occurs with atopic dermatitis in children can cause a secondary infection. Unfortunately, atopic dermatitis cannot be “outgrown.”

Types of cheilitis

Manifestations of cheilitis may vary depending on the type and cause of the disease. There are:

Exfoliative cheilitis - manifested by peeling of the red border of the lips, with rare areas of burning and dryness of the lips themselves.
Exudative cheilitis - symptoms of the disease are supplemented by swelling and severe pain. The skin in inflamed areas may become covered with baked crusts, which greatly complicate the patient’s life.
The glandular form affects the minor salivary glands. Their congenital or acquired proliferation is observed, followed by infection with bacteria. In this case, the source of infection can be caries, periodontitis or banal plaque. Outwardly it manifests itself as the formation of cracks on the surface of the lips, which begin to become wet over time.
The allergic form occurs under the influence of household, cosmetic or food irritants (often this is lipstick). There are characteristic manifestations of allergic cheilitis in musicians who play wind instruments and in those who like to chew pencils. This type of inflammation is characterized by severe swelling, often with the formation of blisters, as well as itching, severe redness and burning.
Meteorological cheilitis develops under the influence of weather conditions (wind, sun) and is manifested by burning, itching with small weeping blisters, in place of which erosions and ulcers form over time.
The atopic form manifests itself as a symptom of dermatitis or neurodermatitis. Manifests itself in the form of redness and ulcers in the corners of the lips.
The hypovitaminosis type of the disease is formed in response to a severe lack of vitamins, mainly vitamins A, C, B2. A characteristic burning sensation affects the surface of the lips, mouth and tongue. The mucous tissues take on a swollen appearance, cracks on the lips peel and bleed.
Macrocheilitis is a response to damage to adjacent nerves (facial nerve neuritis), while itching and swelling from the tongue can spread to other parts of the face.

Attention! With a long course, there is a high probability of inflammation degenerating into a malignant neoplasm. This is especially typical for the meteorological form, which, in the absence of proper treatment, is often complicated by precancerous diseases.

What to do with chapped and cracked lips?

If your child's lips become dry and cracked, first of all try to minimize external factors that may adversely affect the condition of the baby's skin. Make sure your child gets enough fluids and the air in his room is humidified. Be sure to treat the skin of your lips before going for a walk. To do this, just like adults, children need to use hygienic lipstick. Choose a product specially designed for children, which is also suitable for younger age groups, optimally with recommendations for winter care. In this case, you will be confident in the safety and effectiveness of the product. Be sure to pay attention to the composition of the lipstick and its certification.

Teach older children to take care of their thin lip skin on their own. Place the tube in your child's pocket or school bag and keep it handy at all times. Children's winter hygienic lipstick "Morozko" has proven itself to be an effective means for preventing chapping, cracking and seizing on children's lips. It contains chamomile extract, vitamins A and E, natural oils and wax. Lipstick promotes the healing of cracks and protects delicate skin from wind and bad weather. This product is recommended by pediatricians for winter care of the skin of the lips from birth.

Diagnosis of cheilitis

There are no specific laboratory tests to detect cheilitis. All diagnosis of the disease is carried out by visual examination. To determine the causes of inflammation, diagnostics of the gastrointestinal tract may be prescribed for the presence of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Additionally, allergy tests are performed to exclude food allergies.

General laboratory tests allow you to check the condition of the body and determine the possible causes of cheilitis:

low levels of vitamins due to hypovitaminosis can provoke exfoliative cheilitis;
bacterial cultures of smears and biopsies are performed in patients with immune system disorders in the absence of results from the treatment;
testing for markers of HIV infection, herpes, the presence of fungal or bacterial microflora, respectively, allows us to identify the viral, bacterial or fungal causative agent of cheilitis;
a blood test for anemia, ESR are required to assess general health;
examination of the function of the thyroid and pancreas for endocrine pathologies.

On a note! Cheilitis tends to be chronic with periodic relapses. Self-healing without medical supervision is almost impossible, so try to pay attention to such a “minor” problem and consult a specialist. Diagnosis of the disease is carried out by a general practitioner or attending dentist. In some cases, consultation with an allergist, infectious diseases specialist, dermatovenerologist or gastroenterologist may be required.

Diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in children

For a long time it was believed that atopic dermatitis in children is predominantly an allergic disease. However, it has now been proven that this is, first of all, a disease with dysfunction of the epidermis! And food allergies are detected only in 30-40% of children with atopic dermatitis.

The symptoms of atopic dermatitis are almost always influenced by certain environmental triggers. This could be chlorinated or “hard” water, soap, contact with an allergen, unfavorable climate and even stress. Another common trigger is bacteria that enter the skin through a damaged epidermal barrier.

Only a doctor (pediatrician, dermatologist, allergist) can make a diagnosis of “atopic dermatitis in children”! It takes into account the presence of external signs of disease and itching, as well as hereditary factors. Laboratory tests may be prescribed for children to carry out diagnostics. For example:

General detailed (clinical) blood test.
Biochemical general therapeutic blood test.
General (clinical) urine analysis.
Study of the level of total immunoglobulin E in the blood.
Skin testing with allergens.
Skin biopsy.

Treatment

Different forms of cheilitis differ in their approach to treatment. Collectively, the impact may include:

correction of the psycho-emotional sphere - a neurologist prescribes sedatives, tranquilizers, a psychologist or psychotherapist conducts appropriate psychotherapy;
physiotherapy - treatment with laser, ultrasound, magnetotherapy, electrophoresis is prescribed locally; they relieve irritation and accelerate tissue regeneration;
drug symptomatic therapy - non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed; in case of severe inflammation - hormonal drugs;
immunotherapy – strengthen the immune system by taking immunomodulators and immunostimulants;
vitamin therapy - taking vitamins A, C, group B (mainly vitamin B2) is of great importance;
surgical treatment – typical for glandular cheilitis with enlargement of the salivary glands; Both laser ablation with a surgical laser and direct removal of areas of the gland are used;
antiallergic therapy with antihistamines.

Additionally, the doctor may prescribe diet therapy with the exclusion of foods that provoke allergies or chemical irritation of tissues (spicy foods, saltiness and marinades). When staying outdoors for a long time, it is imperative to use special protective equipment.

Prevention

The main prevention of cheilitis is maintaining a healthy lifestyle and timely treatment of any infectious and allergic diseases. Basic list of measures:

Eat right - a balanced menu should contain an abundance of fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, fish, and high-quality dairy products.
Reduce the use of cosmetics - try to choose hypoallergenic formulations and constantly monitor the skin's reaction.
Dose your exposure to open wind or direct sunlight.
Protect your lip skin from physical and chemical damage.
Take vitamin and mineral complexes periodically in courses (after consultation with your doctor).
Give up bad habits.
Seek medical advice promptly if you have characteristic symptoms.

Remember: your health is the greatest value, and constant monitoring of its condition is very important to maintain the body’s performance, especially in old age.

Causes of atopic dermatitis in children

Atopic dermatitis can be considered a hereditary disease, because the most important role in its occurrence is played by a genetic factor [3]:

In 80% of children, it occurs if both parents have or have had atopic dermatitis.
In more than 50% of children - if at least one of the parents was sick, especially the mother (this doubles the risk of transmitting the disease “by inheritance”).

Some prenatal factors can also provoke atopic dermatitis in a baby: for example, poor nutrition of the expectant mother, contact with toxic substances, infections suffered during pregnancy, as well as bad habits and stress.

In addition, atopic dermatitis more often develops in babies who suffered oxygen deprivation during childbirth, were born prematurely and were bottle-fed (perinatal factors).