According to an article in Acta Clinica Croatia, there are several kinds of cheilitis. The most common types are:
Cheilitis simplexContact or eczematous cheilitisAngular cheilitisActinic cheilitisDrug-induced cheilitis (2)
Cracks or fissuresDrynessRednessPeeling
That said, your symptoms may vary depending upon the exact type of cheilitis you have. Here are the signs and symptoms of each type: (2)
Cheilitis Simplex Lip cracking, usually on the lower lipContact or Eczematous Cheilitis Dryness, scaling, and fissuringAngular Cheilitis Inflammation and redness at the corners of the mouthActinic Cheilitis Red patches, puffiness, scaly plaques, and small bumps caused by sun exposure.Drug-Induced Cheilitis Lesions (sores)
Here are the specific causes of each type of chapped lips:
Cheilitis Simplex Frequent lip licking is usually to blame. Licking your lips too much removes the oily surface film that keeps moisture in and makes them more prone to dryness and cracking. On top of that, digestive enzymes in saliva may irritate lips by extracting moisture from them.Contact or Eczematous Cheilitis The culprit of this type of chapped lips is irritating substances, like preservatives and dyes found in products such as lipstick, toothpaste, certain foods, and even pens.Angular Cheilitis This type of chapped lips is common in people who have deep wrinkles at the corners of their mouths and who lick lip corners frequently. It can also be caused by a vitamin deficiency, such as B6 or zinc, or conditions like celiac disease. It’s frequently found in diabetics and people with psychiatric disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa.Actinic Cheilitis Also known as “solar keratosis,” this kind of chapped lips is due to chronic sun exposure. It’s often found in people who work outdoors such as farmers, construction workers, and lifeguards.Drug-Induced Cheilitis Usually it’s caused by retinoids (used to treat acne or psoriasis) or other medications like topical antibiotics or local anesthetics. (2)
To diagnose chapped lips, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, take a careful medical history, and do a clinical examination. They may also need to do a patch test or take a swab of your lips to check for infection. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary so the skin on your lips can be examined under a microscope. (2) Here are targeted treatment options for each type of chapped lips:
Cheilitis Simplex Lip balm, petroleum jelly, topical corticosteroids, ointmentsContact or Eczematous Cheilitis Topical corticosteroids and emollients such as Vaseline and AquaphorAngular Cheilitis Topical antifungal medication, antiseptics, antibiotics, topical corticosteroidsActinic Cheilitis Emollients and topical corticosteroidsDrug-Induced Cheilitis Emollients and discontinued use of the drug (if possible) (2)
Chapped lips will persist until the sun damage is treated. Sometimes, a laser or nitrogen freezings can improve damaged skin.
Prevention of Chapped Lips
There are a number of steps you can take at home to prevent chapped lips:
Eczematous Cheilitis This form is most prevalent in people with a history of allergies.Angular Cheilitis This kind of chapping, around the corners of the mouth, is often found in older people who wear dentures and in children with immunodeficiency, which decreases their ability to fight off infection.Actinic Cheilitis This is common in people who live in sunny locales and people with fair skin.Glandular Cheilitis This rare inflammatory disorder is usually found in older men. (1)
EczemaLichen planusLupus erythematosusAutoimmune bullous diseasesCrohn’s diseaseSarcoidosisCertain nutritional deficiencies (1,2)
The AAD works to advance the diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving the skin, hair, and nails. This includes chapped lips; check out their recommendations from dermatologists on how to keep your lips healthy, including a list of ingredients that are beneficial and those that aren’t. Tip: If you feel stinging, burning, or tingling when you apply a lip product, that’s not necessarily a sign that it’s working, but rather that it’s irritating your lips. Mayo Clinic The Mayo Clinic is one of Everyday Health’s most trusted sources — and a go-to resource. Their website covers a wide range of medical and wellness issues, including advice on treating chapped lips.
