Cheilitis (Lip Inflammation) Causes and Treatment

Cheilitis, an inflammation of the lips, can cause redness, dryness, cracking, and swelling and may lead to infections if untreated. It presents in several forms including the common eczematous cheilitis, an immune-mediated reaction often linked with hay fever and allergies. Angular cheilitis affects the corners of the mouth and can be worsened by saliva pooling, with Candida or Staphylococcus infections common. Actinic cheilitis, or solar cheilitis, results from long-term sun exposure and is considered a precancerous condition that can rarely progress to squamous cell carcinoma. Proper treatment aims to remove triggers and manage inflammation to prevent complications.