exfoliative cheilitis treatment

Dermatologic disorders occasionally present as exfoliative dermatitis. The information on our website is intended for educational purposes only. Exfoliative cheilitis is a rare and chronic inflammatory condition affecting the vermilion of the lips and characterized by continuous peeling of the vermilion and production of a thick keratin scale. Treatment of exfoliative cheilitis is dependent on the underlying causative condition. Applying glycerin and the cream of milk to the lips for ten minutes 4. Instead, use a natural lip balm or a vinegar and water cold compress to ease the symptoms while your lips heal. A long term treatment may be required because it is a chronic disorder. Some … Ceramides are waxy lipids or fats naturally occurring in the body. It can be applied over emollient or humectant products to seal in moisture for longer and protect lip lesions and fissures from the elements. There may be no specific treatment and much of the therapy is aimed at treating the symptoms. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. When the scales are removed, the skin of the lips beneath appears normal. Symptoms can be managed at home through the use of lip balms and products containing emollient, humectant and occlusive ingredients. Unless it is a result of other body ailments, the only way to treat it is to minimize its effects. Contact allergy to lanolin: temporal changes in prevalence and association with atopic dermatitis. Treatments goals are also aimed towards the repressed conditions which trigger the problem. Secondary infection of Candida albicans or Staphylococcus aureus is treated with oral or topical antibiotics or antifungal creams. We do not provide medical diagnosis, advice, or treatments. Commit to each treatment for a good amount of time before you decide it is totally ineffective. Remember that the cause of exfoliative cheilitis is unknown, so medical treatments may vary depending on the practitioner. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. With exfoliative cheilitis, the skin in continually peeling off, revealing raw, sensitive skin underneath. Poor oral hygiene has also been associated with exfoliative cheilitis and may trigger its development. Exfoliative cheilitis is a condition in which excess keratin, the main structural material of skin, forms on the lips and subsequently peels off in a cycle that usually repeats for years. When the lips are dry and cracked, this barrier is compromised, increasing transepidermal water loss and the likelihood of developing an infection. In June 2017 I was diagnosed with exfoliative cheilitis by an oral medicine doctor/dentist. While the exact cause of this condition is unknown, there are some things you can do to control its symptoms. The effectiveness of treatment was defined as the percentage of improvement in signs or symptoms. Exfoliative cheilitis is a rare reactive condition presenting as continuous peeling of the lips. Discoloration, especially around the vermillion border of the lips (in other words, the outside edge of your lips). Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse and Laboratory Information Specialist for Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Illinois. It is available as an ointment or gel and is an ingredient in many lip treatments and balms. Exfoliative cheilitis has proven to be resistant to treatment. Other dermatoses associated with erythroderma are listed in Table 1.2,3,6–8 The only thing is that it can be, "The article offered a treatment option that I was unaware of. There are cloudy globs that slowly sink or suspend below the surface. The treatment of exfoliative cheilitis represents a clinical challenge. As the condition is likely connected to a fungal issue, treating it with an antifungal ointment is often effective. The peeling results in cracking, bleeding, crusting, fissuring and ulceration of the lips. In other cases, however, patients have had to undergo surgeries and laser treatment due to unbearable pain, or a very unpleasant look. 2:52. When exfoliative cheilitis is unintentionally or intentionally caused by lip licking or chewing habits, it is referred to as factitious cheilitis. Last Updated: April 15, 2020 Below is a list of common natural remedies used to treat or reduce the symptoms of Exfoliative-Cheilitis. Other treatments, such as topical steroids, antibiotics, keratolytic agents, sunscreen, and antifungals may have less of an effect. Steer clear of salty foods because these may irritate your lips further. Conventional topical treatment of exfoliative cheilitis such as keratolytic lip balms, sunscreen, antifungal creams and topical steroids is helpful in some cases but it is not that effective in most cases. I think that everyone should see it.". The condition affects both sexes equally and usually presents in people under the age of 30. If you feel that lanolin-containing products are making your cheilitis worse, discontinue use. It is emollient and semi-occlusive, meaning it retains some moisture while also allowing air to penetrate the skin, allowing for faster healing of fissures in the lips. Nonetheless, many home remedies can offer relief from both conditions. If infection is present, then antibiotics and antifungals should be prescribed first, rather than going directly for the conventional therapy. Thank you. Proper hydration, exfoliation and taking care of the lips 2. Topical steroids are also used to manage symptoms. Lanolin is a wax harvested from shorn wool. It presents as continuous keratinaceous build-up, crusting, and desquamation of the lips, consistent with exfoliative cheilitis. Proper prosthesis is the key to rational therapy of the disease. Medical professionals have used a variety of medications to treat this condition. Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse and Laboratory Information Specialist for Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Illinois. Your doctor will give you IV fluids and nutrients to treat these complications. Durch das Auftragen von Cremes oder Salben werden die Beschwerden direkt gelindert. may be given to treat infections and associated symptoms. While there is some debate as to whether or not over the counter enzymes actually help with digestion, many people have insisted that they assist digestion and aid in the absorption of key nutrients that are essential to overall health. Infection is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Candida albicans, two types of bacteria that naturally appear on the skin’s surface. There is no specific treatment for exfoliative cheilitis, a lip balm applied twice in a day will keep the lips moist and subside the dryness. Exfoliative Cheilitis Treatment. wikiHow is always very informative. Remember that exfoliative cheilitis is a chronic condition that can take a while to respond to any treatments or changes in lifestyle. Exfoliative cheilitis (EC) is a chronic condition that affects the vermilion zone of the upper, lower, or, more commonly, both lips by the more or less continuous, excessive production and subsequent desquamation of thick keratin scales. Exfoliative Cheilitis treated by diode laser Applying sunscreen, cream, moisturizer and lip balms 5. Also carried out sanitation of the oral cavity. PubMed Central References. The response varies from case to case and the criteria for medication choice are empirics. It is unlikely that exfoliative cheilitis will resolve on its own; however, the resolution of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive tendencies through therapy or medication may subconsciously stop the cycle of lip biting. (2007). Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology, 116(6), e485–e489. Prior to treatment, there is need to isolate this condition from other skin conditions. The extract of this plant is believed to have an anti-inflammatory, anti-genotoxic and anti-viral properties. In cases where an obsessive-compulsive disorder is diagnosed, selective-serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs may be prescribed. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Exfoliative Cheilitis has no particular treatment, but few methods can help in easing its symptoms. As it is a severe condition, it requires a long-term medication, therapy or management to stop the recurring situation. Factitious cheilitis is most common in young women with obsessive-compulsive and/or anxiety disorders. Thank you so much! 1 Epidemiologically, EC is more likely to affect young women and children. Cold compresses with vinegar and water (for 30 minutes). Treatment. Affected areas can progress to superinfection with Staphylococcus aureus or Candida albicans. The most common of these are psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and pityriasis rubra pilaris. Treatment of exfoliative cheilitis with Traditional Chinese Medicine: a systematic review. Exfoliative cheilitis is an uncommon type of cheilitis, which refers to inflammation of the lips. For advanced cases, a doctor can prescribe a calcineurin inhibitor such as topical tacrolimus, which reduces an enzyme that causes inflammation and has been proven effective at treating exfoliative cheilitis. For more advice from our Medical co-author, including how to improve your diet to prevent exfoliative cheilitis, keep reading! However, certain topical products can help manage its symptoms. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Therapeutische Schritte bei der Behandlung einer Cheilitis ric… … Incisional biopsy was performed under local anesthesia, histopathological examination confirming the clinical diagnosis of exfoliative cheilitis. Medications will only give temporary relief. The keratin scales may be white, yellow or brown in color. 2 The etiology of EC remains unknown. The excess keratin appears primarily on the vermilion or outer part of the lips but may extend beyond the vermilion border onto the normal skin of the face. Eat organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Journal of the Canadian Dental Association, 73. Because it causes such sensitive and painful lips, exfoliative cheilitis can negatively impact the lives of those who have it, at times inhibiting the ability to eat or even talk without pain. continue reading to learn more about its causes, symptoms, and treatments. Cureus, 10(5), e2565. Frequently licking or biting the lips, mouth breathing and lip sucking can contribute to the continuous peeling. Products containing the following ingredients cause further irritation to the lips and should be avoided: Overuse of humectant and occlusive ingredients can cause your lips to stop naturally producing their own hydrating molecules. Exfoliative Cheilitis as a Manifestation of Factitial Cheilitis. (2018). Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin’s own natural moisturizing systems. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drink and sodas. They help form the skin barrier that retains moisture and prevents the entry of outside bacteria. Aydin, E., Gokoglu, O., Ozcurumez, G., & Aydin, H. (2008). Go to source "I have an autoimmune disease in my liver and take immunosuppressant medication. This article has been viewed 385,779 times. Recognize the symptoms. Take probiotics and digestive enzymes. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish and in some green vegetables, such as spinach and kale. One study found that the use of Topical Calendula officinalis ointment (10%) was very effective. To cure exfoliative cheilitis at home, avoiding licking, picking, or touching your lips, since this will dry them out further and delay healing. This article highlights the clinical presentation of the disease together with a case of successful management of this disease using a combination of a steroid injection followed by a topical immunosuppressor. Trustworthy Source Also wash your fruits and vegetables to make sure any irritants are off them. Is There a Cure for Exfoliative Cheilitis? Thank you! Exfoliative cheilitis does not respond to conventional treatments for cheilitis and instead is treated through psychiatric care to reduce obsessive-compulsive or anxious behaviors. Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Reducing inflammation and making you more comfortable are important goals of treatment. Die Ausprägung der Beschwerden kann bei dieser Krankheit sehr unterschiedlich sein und muss den Alltag des Betroffenen nicht immer einschränken. If it works, I will be back to, "Extremely helpful information. Exfoliative cheilitis is an uncommon lip lesion usually of great concern to the patient and quite refractory to treatment. I got cured from exfoliative cheilitis after seeing a Traditional Chinese medicine doctor. The symptoms of exfoliative cheilitis are similar to other forms of lip inflammation such as actinic cheilitis and cheilitis glandularis. I have been facing this problem for three years. A secondary infection may occur alongside exfoliative cheilitis, worsening its appearance. Rather, it may be rooted in psychological issues and the symptoms may be self-induced. However, by taking a comprehensive approach involving topical medications, soothing lip balms and psychiatric care, symptoms can be reduced. I used the treatment provided in the article and saw immediate results. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 11, 491–497. ", "It's pretty interesting and pretty good. Make sure to discuss these options with your doctor. She received her Associates Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987. This article discusses how to treat exfoliative cheilitis through proper lip and health care. People suffering from exfoliative cheilitis often avoid social situations due to the appearance of their lips and their trouble with speaking. (2009). Treatment is usually successful with the use of topical medications Medical grade lanolin accelerates repair of the lips, Sometimes the term "cheilitis simplex" is used as a synonym for cheilitis generally, however, exfoliative cheilitis (discussed later) is also sometimes stated to … This article has been viewed 385,779 times. Try not to touch or resist the urge to bite or repeatedly lick your lips because of the dryness. The initial trigger may be a stressful event leading to the picking or chewing behavior, which then develops into a chronic condition. Introduction. Factitial cheilitis is a rare diagnosis of exclusion that occurs most frequently in young women with a history of anxiety disorders and recent psychosocial stressors. This is beneficial in controlling burning and irritation caused on the lips. Exfoliative cheilitis does not respond to conventional treatments for cheilitis and instead is treated through psychiatric care to reduce obsessive-compulsive or anxious behaviors. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? Exfoliative cheilitis Treatment: In order to treat Exfoliative cheilitis, we need to follow the home remedies like listed above. Roveroni-Favaretto, L., Lodi, K., & Almeida, J. Laser … Topical and systemic corticosteroids were unsuccessful (2, 3, 5), as was intralesional injection of triamcinolone (4). Exfoliative cheilitis—possibly related to chronic lip-licking or biting; Glandular cheilitis—possibly related to sun exposure, lip biting, and smoking ; Cheilitis granulomatosa (also called Miescher's cheilitis)—tends to affect young adults, and experts suspect it is caused by a combination of factors, including genes, infection, and food allergies   Diagnosis . The therapy includes oral hygiene, using lip balm to keep lips moist, and taking diet rich in vegetables and fruits. Cheilitis glandularis (CG) is an inflammatory condition of unknown cause that predominantly affects the minor salivary glands of the lips. Topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, antibiotics and/or SSRIs may be prescribed to reduce symptoms and treat underlying psychological issues. Exfoliative cheilitis is a rare—yet benign—medical condition that results in thick, dry, and flaky skin on the upper, lower, or both lips. An ointment containing 10% calendula effectively treated exfoliative cheilitis in one case report. A dermatologist diagnoses it by exclusion, meaning that they must first eliminate other causes and types of lip inflammation. You will probably receive treatment for exfoliative dermatitis in the hospital. The primary symptom of exfoliative cheilitis is chronic desquamation or peeling of the lips. © 2021 Copyright Derm Collective. Here's how to identify exfoliative cheilitis and approach treatment options. Once these causes are eliminated through swabs or a biopsy, a diagnosis can be made. Increase your intake of vitamin B, zinc, and iron. I use the ointment several times a … Beeswax is an all-natural emollient, humectant and occlusive. U can use plain white soft paraffin to reduce the appearance of flaking. This article was co-authored by Marsha Durkin, RN. You can ease the symptoms at home with lip balms containing anti-inflammatories and/or emollient, humectant and occlusive ingredients, which improve the hydration and feel of your lips through different mechanisms. It is caused by picking at or biting the lips, creating a cycle of lip peeling that lasting years. Factitious cheilitis: a case report. It is natural in warm temperate parts of the world. Exfoliative cheilitis has no specific cure but recent research and studies found Calendula officinalis to be successful in treating exfoliative cheilitis. However, with long-term treatment, it can be cured and for prevention, treatment should be continued. In general, treating exfoliative cheilitis can be difficult due to its chronic nature. Application of a paste made of milk and crushed rose petals 6. Die Cheilitis kann relativ einfach behandelt werden, wobei es nicht zu besonderen Komplikationen oder zu anderen Beschwerden kommt. Patients were also applied wet dressing of saline twice a day. Always consult a doctor before taking new medication or instead of trying to self-diagnose your problems. Unlike other forms of cheilitis, exfoliative cheilitis often has a psychological cause and cannot be cured with standard treatments. Support wikiHow by During treatment of the disease, the patient will be required to provide professional care. Topical Calendula officinalis L. successfully treated exfoliative cheilitis: a case report. Most forms of cheilitis are caused by a viral or bacterial infection, allergies, medication, contact dermatitis, injury, nutritional deficiency or as a side effect of medication. Topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, antibiotics and/or SSRIs may be prescribed to reduce symptoms and treat underlying psychological issues. Unless a predisposing or associated condition can be identified and treated, exfoliative cheilitis is typically resistant to treatment. Hence, it is essential to treat these conditions first. Spada, F., Barnes, T. M., & Greive, K. A. For more advice from our Medical co-author, including how to improve your diet to prevent exfoliative cheilitis, keep reading! have this condition, based on this article, and I am no longer afraid that it's skin cancer. Calendula officinalis L., commonly known as marigold, may reduce pain and inflammation. The saliva has formed strings that hang down into the water. Cases Journal, 2(1), 9077. unlocking this expert answer. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. However, it is not clear whether depression causes cheilitis or if the condition itself creates the desire to self-isolate, contributing to a diagnosis of depression. Treatment of exfoliative cheilitis . Petroleum jelly is a petrol by-product and occlusive. Exfoliative Cheilitis: Report of a Case. However, infection is not a primary cause of exfoliative cheilitis. There is no specific diagnostic test for exfoliative cheilitis. Fransen, M., Overgaard, L. E. K., Johansen, J. D., & Thyssen, J. P. (2017). Exfoliative cheilitis can affect both lips or only one, usually the lower lip. Add Omega 3 fatty acids to your diet, whether through a supplement or the foods you are eating. Methods: A total of 40 patients with exfoliative cheilitis were randomly divided into the QD group receiving topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment once a day or the QOD group receiving topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment once-two-day. While some people experiencing extremely dry and chapped lips may assume they have this disease, exfoliative cheilitis is actually an extremely rare condition that few people actually suffer from. Your doctor may also prescribe medicated creams to moisten your dry, itc… Is there a link between EC and the lymphatic system? Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine, 24(4), 177–179. [1] Calendula officinalis is commonly known as common marigold or pot marigold. These symptoms can cause difficulty with eating and talking. Supportive care includes warm baths, rest, and oral antihistamines. Exfoliative cheilitis is a rare subset of cheilitis often associated with an underlying psychiatric disorder. I use the ointment several times a … This article was co-authored by Marsha Durkin, RN. Medications like topical antifungals, antibiotics, and systemic steroid, etc. By using our site, you agree to our. What can I do? In combination, these ingredients will hydrate and lock in moisture to reduce symptoms. Emollients soothe and soften rough, dry skin on the lips. Contact Dermatitis, 78(1), 70–75. Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Heal-a-Cut-in-Your-Mouth-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Heal-a-Cut-in-Your-Mouth-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Heal-a-Cut-in-Your-Mouth-Step-2.jpg\/aid182039-v4-728px-Heal-a-Cut-in-Your-Mouth-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"