Eczematous cheilitis

What is it eczematous cheilitis?

Eczematous cheilitis is inflammation of the lips presenting redness with dryness and climbing. It can also be called a lip dermatitis. The lips can be divided into three zones: the external zone that includes the skin next to the lips, the vermilion margin and the mucous membrane appearance. The first two areas are the most affected. The main causes of eczematous cheilitis are atopic dermatitis and irritating or allergic contact reactions.

Who gets eczematous cheilitis and why?

Eczematous cheilitis can be divided into two main groups depending on the cause:

• Endogenous, which means that it is due to an inherent characteristic of the person. Atopic dermatitis is the most common example of this form of eczematous cheilitis.
• exogenous, which means that it is due to something external to the body. This group can be subdivided into:
  • Irritant contact cheilitis: Lip licking is the main cause of this type of eczematous cheilitis. Other common causes of irritant cheilitis include cosmetics, food, and environmental factors.

  • Contact allergic cheilitis: a relevant factor allergic reaction it is identified in at least a quarter of cases of eczematous cheilitis. common sources of Allergens They include lipsticks and other lip care products, toothpaste and dental supplies, food, medicine, and nail polish.

Often a combination of factors is present.

rarely contact urticaria may present as cheilitis when the allergen it is often used in small amounts, like flavoring in a toothpaste.

Sometimes the cause cannot be identified.

Clinical features of eczematous cheilitis

the chronic The eczematous form of cheilitis presents with redness, dryness, scaling, and fissure. The angle of the mouth is often involved as well (angular cheilitis).

the perioral skin and vermilion margin (where red mucous membrane meets the skin) are the most commonly affected parts of the lips.

It is important to look for and observe skin and mucosal lesions elsewhere, as these may give a clue as to the cause.

How is the cause of eczematous cheilitis identified?

A careful medical history and examination can help narrow down the list of possible causes. The exam should include the lips, the inside of the mouth, and the skin in general.

Patch Testing is very useful in eczematous cheilitis, as at least a quarter of cases involve an allergic reaction. The tests should include the standard series, as well as extended series, such as lipsticks, toothpaste and others, as suggested in the story. It is important to test patient products “as is”. The photopatch test may also be helpful. The relevance of positive reactions should be considered.

If the patch test is negative, the prick test may be positive, indicating that the diagnosis may be contact urticaria.

What is the treatment for eczematous cheilitis?

Treatment will depend on the cause. When an exogenous cause has been identified, this should be avoided if possible. If this does not improve, consider another factor such as a second allergen, irritant, or endogenous cause.

Moisturizers and current Corticosteroids may be recommended for atopic cheilitis.