Eczematous cheilitis is an inflammation of the lips that causes redness, dryness and flaking of the lips and the surrounding skin.
Eczematous cheilitis is an inflammation of the lips that causes redness, dryness and flaking of the lips and the surrounding skin.
Eczematous cheilitis can be caused by a person’s biological makeup (known as endogenous causes) or external causes (exogenous causes). Sometimes it can be caused by a combination of endogenous and exogenous factors.
In some cases, the condition can have no identifiable cause.
External factors that can lead to eczematous cheilitis include:
Eczematous cheilitis usually causes skin changes around the lips. These changes include:
Your doctor may diagnose eczematous cheilitis after examining your lips, inside your mouth and your skin in general.
They may also ask you questions about your general health, conditions that run in your family, medication you take and if you have been in contact with certain substances.
If your doctor suspects your symptoms may not be due to cheilitis, they may recommend a swab for infections including
, or a to exclude other conditions.In some cases, your doctor may recommend a
to try and identify if a specific substance is causing your symptoms.If you have eczematous cheilitis, the treatment you need will usually depend on the cause.
If your symptoms are caused by exposure to an irritant or allergen, removing that substance will usually be recommended.
Your doctor may tell you to avoid using lip products that contain potential allergens, such as:
In some cases, you may be given a steroid cream or ointment to apply to the affected skin for 1 to 2 weeks.
Steroid creams and ointments can thin the skin if used for too long, so your doctor may prescribe other creams if you need ongoing treatment to manage your symptoms.
You may also be told to use simple moisturisers (emollients), such as petrolatum, on the affected skin.
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.