How is exfoliative cheilitis treated?

Chelitis exfoliative is commonly used to describe red, scaly inflamed lips within the lip border but not outside. The treatment of exfoliative cheilitis depends on whether the inflammation is severe or mild.

Exfoliating cheilitis often has the following manifestations:
Mild scabs: Unknown cause, often recurs. When scabbing, the surface of the lips will be red and slightly burning or painful. Chronic desquamation : More common and often indicates a number of skin problems such as: Atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, patients with sun sensitivity, being treated with Retinoids , due to the habit of licking your lips too often or sleeping often with your mouth open to breathe, making your lips easily dry and scaly. Many cases leading to scaly cheilitis are caused by allergies to certain ingredients in lipsticks or toothpastes, mouthwashes, shaving foams, etc. This condition causes markedly red inflamed lips. The scabs thicken layer after layer and are collectively known as atopic cheilitis.
If the inflammation of scaly cheilitis lasts for a long time, it can easily lead to chapped, dry lips and bleeding. Some cases of cheilitis accompanied by cleft lip can make it difficult for the patient to eat, speak, smile and communicate.
With diseases like these, the patient should refrain from licking, picking or peeling off the scabs on the lips.

For mild exfoliative cheilitis, the cause of which is not clear, the possibility of dehydration or lack of micronutrients and vitamins may be considered.
For chronic exfoliative cheilitis, it is necessary to find out the cause of the disease. If it is a manifestation of any skin disease, it is necessary to actively treat that disease first.
In general, depending on the severity of the disease, the treatment for scaly cheilitis will usually be:
Use moisturizing and softening creams such as vitamin E cream, zinc Oxid, silver nitrate. Apply some preparations with mild-spectrum steroid ingredients such as: Fobancort, Fucicort, Eumovate, Chlorocide H... twice a day for 1-2 weeks. For persistent chronic exfoliative cheilitis, helineon laser, a low-energy beam with a capacity of about 15-50 mW, can increase collagen synthesis, promote the process of young skin and heal quickly. wound. Your doctor may prescribe a medication for squamous cheilitis, such as Tridem. This is a topical steroid that contains a strong spectrum of activity and should only be applied for a short period of time 1-2 weeks. The drug Protopic only has a temporary effect, so the inflammation can still recur after stopping the application. If the inflammatory reaction is too strong, the patient may be prescribed antibiotics under the guidance of a dermatologist. At the same time, supplement with vitamins of groups B and C.

Patients should not lick their lips, pick or peel off scabs on their lips because it will cause pain and bleeding, easy infection and make the condition worse. Do not eat foods that are too spicy, too hot or too cold. Drink a lot of water and fully replenish the nutrients and vitamins necessary for the skin not to dry out and lack water. Scaly cheilitis is often caused by many causes, not only affecting health but also making patients uncomfortable, restless, affecting mood when communicating. Besides, if you do not pay attention to the right care, it can make cheilitis more serious, affecting your life in the long run. Therefore, when there are signs of cheilitis, patients should see a dermatologist for instructions on fast and proper treatment.
Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for examination, treatment and prevention of diseases, including Dermatology. When performing the examination process at Vinmec, customers will be welcomed and used modern facilities and equipment along with perfect medical services under the guidance and advice of experts. Good doctors, well-trained both at home and abroad.