Side Effect: Inflammation of the Lips or Corner of Mouth (Cheilitis)

What is Inflammation of the Lips or Corner of Mouth (Cheilitis)?

Cheilitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the lips. The condition can manifest in several forms, including but not limited to:

What does Inflammation of the Lips or Corner of Mouth (Cheilitis) look like?

Angular cheilitis: dryness, cracking, redness, roughness, swelling, blistering, and sometimes bleeding on the corners of the mouth.

Actinic cheilitis: dry, scaly, or thickened lips with uneven color. Lips may also appear chapped with prominent folds and lip lines. The affected lip can sometimes feel like sandpaper.

Contact cheilitis: eczema-like rash on the lips that may appear dry, scaly, or crusty. The lips may feel like they are burning or itchy after contact with an allergen.

Infective cheilitis: sores on the lips, lip pain, redness, itching, or burning sensation of the lips.

Who gets Inflammation of the Lips or Corner of Mouth (Cheilitis)?

Cheilitis can affect anyone, but patients with cancer who undergo chemotherapy or radiation are particularly vulnerable to developing this condition due to the damage that these treatments can cause to the mucosal membranes.

Angular cheilitis:

Actinic cheilitis:

Contact cheilitis:

Infective cheilitis:

How to prevent Inflammation of the Lips or Corner of Mouth (Cheilitis)

How to treat Inflammation of the Lips or Corner of Mouth (Cheilitis)

If a patient with cancer develops cheilitis, there are several treatment options available depending on the cause.

References

1. Bhutta BS, Hafsi W. Cheilitis. [Updated 2023 Aug 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.

2. Shah P, Feng Q, Carey B, et al. Actinic cheilitis: guidance on monitoring and parameters in primary care. J Oral Med Oral Surg 2023;29:30.

3. Federico JR, Basehore BM, Zito PM. Angular Chelitis. [Updated 2023 Mar 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.

Created: June 24, 2024 Updated: June 24, 2024