Dry lips is a medical condition which results from dryness or dehydration of the lip region. This may cause severe discomfort if not treated. It can cause chapped lips, cracked lips or lip sores.
Chapped lips is a common problem and it can develop to a more severe form called cheilitis. Cheilitis is usually caused by an infection due to cracked skin at the corners of the lips.
Types
Cheilitis Simplex or Common Cheilitis. This is the most common type of cheilitis encountered. This is usually caused due to habits such as frequent lip licking, lip biting or lip rubbing.
Exfoliative Cheilitis or Cheilitis Exfoliative. This is a rare condition characterised by inflammation and soreness over the zone of the lips caused by stress, anxiety depression or other underlying condition such as hyperthyroidism and HIV/AIDS.
Angular Cheilitis. This affects elders more than the younger population. It affects the corners or the angle of the mouth and is predominantly common among elders who wear dentures.
Eczematous Cheilitis. This is a condition caused by chronic eczematous reaction. It may be caused due to known family history of similar condition or due to local reaction to external stimulants such as lip balms, lip stick, or toothpaste.
Actinic Cheilitis. Actinic cheilitis is mainly caused due to prolonged exposure to sunlight. If left untreated, this can also lead to cancer.
Granulomatous Cheilitis. This condition is characterized by continuous enlargement of soft tissues over the lip area. It is often due to the obstruction of the lymphatic drainage in this area.
Cheilitis Glandularis. This condition arises due to inflammation of the minor salivary glands particularly in the lower lips. If left untreated, this condition can lead to cancer over the lips.
Symptoms
Symptoms of dry lips include excessive dryness, flaky skin, soreness over lips, bleeding, change in color of the lips and a burning sensation over the affected area which worsens on exposure to hot and spicy food.
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis and treatment of dry lips is usually done by an experienced dermatologist. Intervention by an oral pathologist may be needed for rightful diagnosis. A detailed case history is obtained followed by physical examination of the lips. In some cases, investigative studies such as blood work, allergy test, test for nutritional deficiency, pathological studies may be done for ruling out certain conditions.
MEDICATIONS/TREATMENT
Dry lips may be treated by lip creams that are available, but natural ways are the best. However, if you want to treat dry lips with a cream, then get the one with natural ingredients on it.
Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]
Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]
Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]
