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Sleep & Fatigue

8 Causes of Fatigue

Exhaustion can be from poor sleep, chronic pain, thyroid issues, or obstructive sleep apnea. Here’s how to tell what’s causing your fatigue and how to treat it.

Read more

Flu Season

Fever: What’s Causing It?

When fever spikes, it’s always a sign that something isn’t right. Likely reasons include that you’re fighting off a virus, flu or other infection, but there are also other possibilities. Here, how to treat fever at home and when to get medical attention.

Read more

Flu Season

Sore Throat: Causes & Treatments

There are plenty of possible causes for your sore throat. Figure out what may be causing yours and how to find relief.

Read more

Sleep & Fatigue

8 Causes of Fatigue

Exhaustion can be from poor sleep, chronic pain, thyroid issues, or obstructive sleep apnea. Here’s how to tell what’s causing your fatigue and how to treat it.

Read more

Flu Season

Fever: What’s Causing It?

When fever spikes, it’s always a sign that something isn’t right. Likely reasons include that you’re fighting off a virus, flu or other infection, but there are also other possibilities. Here, how to treat fever at home and when to get medical attention.

Read more

Flu Season

Sore Throat: Causes & Treatments

There are plenty of possible causes for your sore throat. Figure out what may be causing yours and how to find relief.

Read more

Sleep & Fatigue

8 Causes of Fatigue

Exhaustion can be from poor sleep, chronic pain, thyroid issues, or obstructive sleep apnea. Here’s how to tell what’s causing your fatigue and how to treat it.

Read more

Flu Season

Fever: What’s Causing It?

When fever spikes, it’s always a sign that something isn’t right. Likely reasons include that you’re fighting off a virus, flu or other infection, but there are also other possibilities. Here, how to treat fever at home and when to get medical attention.

Read more

Flu Season

Sore Throat: Causes & Treatments

There are plenty of possible causes for your sore throat. Figure out what may be causing yours and how to find relief.

Read more

References

1. Measles (Rubeola). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated February 17, 2015. CDC Link
2. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated Nov. 1, 2018. CDC Link
3. Canker Sores. American Academy of Oral Medicine. Updated Dec. 31, 2007. AAOM Link
4. The Tobacco Connection. The Oral Cancer Foundation. Oral Cancer Foundation Link
5. Mouth Sores. American Cancer Society. Updated June 8, 2015. American Cancer Society Link

Spot on lip: Causes, symptoms, and treatment

There are many reasons for a spot on the lip. They can vary in color and size, and can be bumpy or flat. A person can be born with a spot on their lip, or it can develop at any age.

In this article, we discuss the potential causes for a spot on the lip, and the possible treatment options.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), around 40–50 million people in the United States have acne at any one time.

Acne can appear as anything from small inflamed bumps that often feel tender or sore, to bumps with a white or yellow center, caused by a build-up of pus, all the way through to large cysts under the skin.

Treatment

Acne does not always need treatment. However, if a person wants to manage their acne, options include:

• topical ointments for mild acne
• antibiotics for moderate acne
• oral isotretinoin, which is a vitamin A derivative, or retinoid, for severe acne

Learn more about acne treatment here.

A mole is a typically benign, slightly raised brown or tan mark, slightly larger than a freckle.

However, some moles can develop and change their appearance.

If a person notices a mole that changes its color or shape quickly, they should speak to their doctor.

Treatment

Moles do not typically need treatment. However, a person may want to treat it for a few reasons:

• to ensure that it is not cancerous
• for cosmetic reasons
• if the mole is a nuisance and catches on clothing, razors, or combs

Removal techniques include:

• excision
• shave biopsy
• laser

This is a highly contagious skin infection, most commonly seen in children.

There are two types of impetigo:

Non-bullous

This is the most common type and starts with itchy sores. These sores burst, and glands nearby can become swollen.

At this point, they crust over and heal. The infections can spread to other areas of the body.

Bullous

This type of impetigo presents as fluid-filled blisters. These will become limp, and crusty sores appear, after which the skin heals.

Without treatment, impetigo usually resolves in a few weeks with no scarring. However, there is a risk of developing a condition called ecthyma, a more serious, deeper infection.

With impetigo being so contagious, a person must seek treatment if they suspect they have it.

Treatment

Treatment typically includes an antibiotic that a person applies to the skin.

This appears as a rash around the mouth and lip area. It can be itchy or cause a burning sensation.

According to the AAD, medical professionals are not certain what causes perioral dermatitis, but they know it is not contagious.

Treatment

Treatments will vary depending on the person. A person can switch to milder skincare products, or use prescribed antibiotics or different medications.

Cherry angiomas, or senile angiomas, are small ruby-red, slightly raised spots. Although they can appear anywhere on the body, they commonly appear on the face, lip, torso, and scalp.

Treatment

Cherry angiomas are usually harmless, and treatment involves a cosmetic procedure to remove them. These treatments include:

• cryotherapy, to freeze off the angiomas
• vascular laser, which targets blood vessels in the skin
• electrosurgery, which uses an electrical current to cut the tissue

However, healthcare professionals will also remove them to exclude different, malignant skin lesions called nodular melanoma.

A venous lake is a small soft blueish lump, up to 1 cm wide, which can be either flat or slightly raised, like a dome. They typically appear on the lower lip, and are more common among older adults.

Medical professionals are unsure of what causes venous lakes.

Treatment

A person may want to treat a venous lake for cosmetic reasons. If so, options include:

• cryotherapy
• sclerotherapy, where a medical professional injects a solution to shrink blood vessels
• electrocautery
• intense pulsed light, a type of light therapy
• vascular laser

A healthcare professional does not usually remove these surgically, as it can leave a scar.

A milium, or milia if there is more than one, is a tiny superficial cyst that often looks like a white pearl under the skin.

They look similar to whiteheads, but a person is not able to express them unless they make a small cut in the skin.

Milia frequently occur in people of all ages and sexes. They most often develop on the face.

Treatment

Milia do not need treatment, and after a few months they can resolve by themselves.

However, if a person wants to remove them, a healthcare professional can do this by:

• using a sterile needle or blade to remove them
• performing cryotherapy
• prescribing topical retinoids

Medically known as the herpes simplex virus (HSV), cold sores are contagious and cause blisters or sores around the mouth.

The World Health Organization (WHO) state that HSV-1 is the most common type, and most of these infections are oral herpes.

People may notice their skin tingling, itching, or burning for a day or so before the blisters appear.

Treatment

Although there is no cure for herpes simplex, treatment can reduce the duration of symptoms. An antiviral cream can relieve tingling, itching, or burning.

Learn more about how to treat a cold sore here.

Warts are growths of the skin that occur due to infection with the human papillomavirus.

Filiform warts are small, long, narrow growths that often develop on a person’s lips, eyes, face, or neck.

Treatment

There are many ways to treat a wart, but it depends on various factors, such as location, how long a person has had it, and their medical history.

Learn more about treatment for filiform warts here.

This is a viral infection that causes fever, mouth sores, and a skin rash.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this disease is most common in children under 5 years old.

Cases of HFMD are usually mild, and nearly all people recover in 7–10 days without any medical treatment.

However, Seattle Children’s Hospital suggest that a person should contact a doctor within 24 hours if:

• sores appear on the outer lip
• gums appear tender and swollen
• the rash spreads to the arms and legs

Treatment

The CDC state that there is no specific medical treatment for HFMD. However, a person can use over-the-counter medications to help relieve fever and discomfort. They should also drink plenty of water.

If symptoms do not disappear after 10 days, a person should contact a healthcare provider.

If a person has itchy red spots all over the body that include a spot on the lip, they may have chickenpox.

This is a highly contagious disease that is most common in children.

Treatment

The CDC suggest a person uses calamine lotion and a cool bath, with added baking soda or uncooked oatmeal. This will help relieve some of the itching.

The best way to prevent chickenpox is for a person to have the vaccine.

An allergic reaction can cause marks to appear on or around the lips.

According to DermNet, the medical term for this type of reaction is allergic contact cheilitis. One or both lips may be red, dry, or scaly, and they may crack.

Depending on the cause of the reaction, it may affect all of a person’s lips, or a small section.

Treatment

Treatment involves simply avoiding whatever caused the reaction. It usually resolves quickly.

According to an article from the Skin Cancer Foundation, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It can appear on the upper lip, typically on the outside.

The majority of lip cancers, such as squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), appear on a person’s lower lip.

BCC can appear as open sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, scars, or several other symptoms.

SCC can appear as scaly patches, raised growths with a depression in the center, or thickened, wart-like skin.

It is important to catch this early, as with all cancers, the longer it is left alone, the more damage it can do.

Treatment

Treatment can depend on the type of tumor, its size, location, and a person’s age and overall health.

Treatment options can include different types of surgery, radiation, and topical medications.

Most of the time, a spot on the lip is harmless, and there is no reason to see a doctor.

However, if the spot accompanies other symptoms that may be cause for concern, a person should speak to their healthcare provider.

If the spot on the lip appears with swelling of the mouth or face, or difficulty breathing, a person should seek immediate medical attention.

There are many causes of a blemish on the lip. Most are perfectly harmless.

It is important for a person to seek medical attention if a spot appears suddenly, or a spot changes in size, shape, or color. These could indicate something more serious.

Cheilitis - what is it, classification and treatment

Cheilitis, or cheilosis, is an inflammation of the red border, mucous membrane and skin of the lips. In the common people, the disease is called a jam. The inflammatory process can be long-term, periodically exacerbated. In healthy young people, cheilitis often resolves on its own, but in children, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases, cheilitis is subject to medical treatment. The elderly have a high risk of leukoplakia and malignancy of the process. According to ICD-10, cheilose was assigned the code K13.0.

Therapy of cheilitis is carried out by a dentist, therapist, pediatrician and other specialists of a narrow profile - an endocrinologist, an infectious disease specialist.

Causes of cheilitis

Cheilitis can be an independent disease and a manifestation of other pathologies of the mucous membranes and internal organs. The most common causes of the disease include:

• Dermatoses. The mucous membranes and skin of the lips can be involved in the pathological process in lichen planus, psoriasis, erythematoses and other skin diseases.
• Adverse factors. Exposure to hot and cold air, wind, excessive exposure to UV rays are especially common causes of cheilitis in people working outdoors and under special weather conditions.
• Allergic reactions. Allergies can be provoked by chemical factors, ultraviolet rays, cosmetics, etc.;
• Other diseases. Secondary cheilitis often develop against the background of atopic dermatitis, eczema, neuritis of the facial nerve, etc.

Factors such as hypothermia, surgical interventions, long-term antibiotic therapy, hypovitaminosis, etc. weaken the natural defense mechanisms.

Symptoms of disease

Cheilitis on the lips can manifest itself in different ways depending on the form of the disease. So, the exfoliative type of inflammation appears more often in women, its main symptom is peeling. The disease is based on neurological and endocrine disorders. Peeling occurs on the red border of the lips and does not affect the skin and mucous membranes. The disease rarely spreads to the entire red border, so part of it remains unchanged.

With severe dry skin, peeling is accompanied by symptoms such as:

• feeling of dry lips;
• burning;
• formation of easily detachable scales.

The disease has a long, sluggish character, from time to time there are periods of exacerbation. It rarely goes away on its own. With the exudative form, soreness, swelling of the lips, and the formation of large crusts can join.

Cheilitis types

Angular

Angular cheilitis (angulitis), or zaeda, is the most common form of the disease. It is manifested by rashes, redness, local burning and itching, peeling of the skin, characteristic cracks in the corners of the mouth.

Usually, environmental factors, improper oral hygiene, malocclusion become the source of the disease. The condition can be aggravated by autoimmune and allergic diseases, lack of vitamins, endocrine pathologies.

The doctor may prescribe antibacterial, antifungal and regenerating drugs, products for moisturizing and softening the skin.

catarrhal

The main symptoms of catarrhal cheilitis are swelling, pain, inflammation of the lips, occurring with redness, sometimes with peeling. These symptoms are usually triggered by trauma, chemical burns, adverse weather conditions.

Local treatment involves the use of hormonal drugs, products with SPF to protect against ultraviolet radiation. It may also be recommended to take B vitamins, the bioflavonoid rutin, ascorbic acid. If hypersensitivity to microbial agents is detected, specific therapy may be prescribed.

Glandular

Glandular cheilitis develops against the background of the growth of small salivary glands and their subsequent infection. With congenital pathologies, signs of such inflammation of the lips are present in almost all cases. Acquired overgrowth can be associated with chronic diseases of the periodontal tissues, tartar, multiple caries - diseases that lead to infection of the dilated ducts.

Lesions of the lower lip with this form of cheilitis are more common. Secondary glandular cheilitis, that is, acquired, may be associated with previous diseases - leukoplakia, lichen planus, systemic lupus erythematosus.

The disease begins with dry lips, which at first can be easily corrected with the help of cosmetics. In the future, cracks form, which deepen and bleed. The condition is aggravated by the constant licking of dry lips: cracks and ulcers can become weeping, become permanent due to the inelasticity of the skin of the lips.

Treatment of this type of cheilosis may involve the local use of anti-inflammatory, regenerating and enzymatic agents, as well as surgery. It is imperative to eliminate the root cause, if we talk about secondary glandular cheilitis, which developed against the background of dental plaque, multiple caries.

The disease is not classified as a precancerous condition, but it can provoke the degeneration of epithelial tissue, so it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Contact allergic

Contact allergic cheilitis develops after exposure to an allergen - an irritant. The most common of them are components of lipsticks and other care products.

Allergies can also be associated with bad habits, for example, the constant presence of pencils, pens and other foreign objects in the mouth. Musicians may develop occupational cheilitis due to constant contact of wind instrument mouthpieces with their lips.

The main symptoms of the disease include:

• severe itching;
• burning;
• swelling of the lips;
• redness of the skin and mucous membranes.

Manifestations are aggravated by contact with the allergen. Bubbles of different sizes can form, their spontaneous or accidental opening leads to the formation of ulcers and cracks. Chronic forms of an allergic disease are accompanied by peeling, slight itching and the absence of other signs of inflammation.

Actinic

Actinic cheilitis belongs to the category of diseases, which are based on increased sensitivity to weather and other external factors. Usually occurs in response to sun exposure. Such cheilitis can be aggravated due to the presence of somatic diseases, for example, diseases of the liver or gallbladder, endocrine pathologies.

Exudative forms of the disease are accompanied by the formation of crusts. Sometimes small bubbles form, the opening of which leads to the appearance of painful erosions. In the absence of exudate, the main symptoms are pain, dryness, and burning of the lips. Actinic cheilitis often degenerates into precancerous diseases.

Drug therapy consists in the use of vitamins and hormones, products with UV filters to protect from the sun.

In the absence of treatment, prolonged course and frequent exacerbations, the red border of the lips can change - the skin becomes keratinized, coarsens, cracks and ulcers appear. If they persist for a long time, seals like warts form in their place. These seals represent a serious risk of malignancy. Therefore, the doctor will send for a microscopic examination of the material from the pathological focus to make sure that there are no cancer cells.

Atopic

In atopic cheilitis, the main cause of the disease is the eponymous dermatitis, or neurodermatitis. It appears in people with an allergic predisposition, and drugs, cosmetics, foods, microorganisms and their metabolic products can serve as a trigger.

Doctors note that factors such as malocclusion, unsuitable toothpaste (in particular, aromatic substances in its composition) and topical preparations can aggravate the condition and increase the likelihood of developing atopic cheilitis. Risk factors also include diseases of the digestive system and ENT organs, endocrine pathologies.

The disease is accompanied by redness of the lips, itching and peeling of the red border, damage to the corners of the mouth. After the removal of acute symptoms, peeling and thickening of the skin may be observed. Dryness stimulates the formation of cracks.

Atopic cheilitis begins with inflammation, after which erythema, or redness of the border, appears. As the disease progresses, itching may subside, but the inflammatory process persists and progresses, small cracks and grooves may form. The mucous membrane of the oral cavity is not affected.

Treatment consists mainly in the elimination of causative factors, the local application of hormonal agents, drugs with anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects, antihistamines. During therapy, the doctor will recommend a hypoallergenic diet. It is important to exclude from the diet foods that can have a sensitizing effect.

Macrocheilitis

Macrocheilitis is part of the Rossolimo-Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome. Appears against the background of neuritis of the facial nerve and a symptom of a folded tongue. It develops due to infectious-allergic effects on the background of a genetic predisposition.

Macrocheilitis manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• lip augmentation;
• severe itching;
• swelling of other parts of the face;
• bluish-pink color of swollen lips.

One or both lips, cheeks, upper parts of the face can be affected. Neuritis leads to facial asymmetry, and the nasolabial fold is smoothed out.

Hypovitaminous

Hypovitaminous cheilitis of the lips develops against the background of a deficiency of vitamins of group B. There is a burning sensation, dryness of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and lips. The mucous membranes become swollen and red, peeling occurs on the red border, cracks appear that are prone to bleeding, which is also associated with a lack of vitamins. The tongue can grow in size, it easily leaves imprints of the teeth. Treatment consists of replenishing vitamin deficiencies with complex vitamin therapy or the use of specific vitamins (for example, group B).

Candida

With candidal cheilitis, the inflammatory process is accompanied by the formation of a white coating on the mucous membranes. The cause of this disease is the reproduction of the fungus of the genus Candida. Candidal cheilitis often affects infants, people after radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

This is a rather rare form of thrush, which develops as a result of a strong weakening of the immune system, for example, against the background of HIV infection, severe chronic diseases of the digestive system, persistent bacterial and viral infections. Cheilitis develops with prolonged use of antibiotics and immunosuppressants.

Therefore, in order to recover, it is necessary to eliminate the root cause as much as possible. The doctor will suggest topical agents to reduce inflammation, as well as systemic drugs to strengthen and restore defenses. Antifungal drugs, vitamin therapy, immunomodulators, etc. can be used.

Diagnostic features

When inflammation appears on the lip, it is advisable to visit a therapist, for children a pediatrician, if there are indications - an infectious disease specialist, a dentist, and other narrow specialists. Diagnosis of cheilitis is usually not difficult - the specialist will conduct an examination, listen to complaints and prescribe a set of studies.

If an allergic nature of the disease is suspected, allergy tests may be recommended, and if plaque appears, it is advisable to take a scraping. To detect endocrine and other disorders that can cause an illness, biochemical blood tests and other diagnostic methods are often prescribed.

Rarely, a biopsy is required to differentiate cheilitis from other pathologies. This will help to exclude the malignant or precancerous nature of inflammatory formations and prescribe the right treatment.

Methods of treatment

A treatment plan for cheilitis is developed individually, depending on the form of the disease, the severity of symptoms, and the characteristics of the state of health. So, in the treatment of the exfoliative form of the disease, the key link in effective treatment is the impact on the psycho-emotional sphere: you will need to contact a neurologist, psychoneurologist for the appointment of sedatives, antidepressants according to indications. You may need to consult an endocrinologist.

Topical treatment may include laser or ultrasound physiotherapy, topical anti-inflammatory agents, and, less commonly, radiation therapy. Elimination of excessive dryness is possible with the help of hygienic lipsticks. To speed up recovery, the doctor may prescribe vitamin therapy, UBI and other methods to maintain the body's defenses.

The treatment of glandular cheilitis is the use of topical anti-inflammatory agents. Antibacterial, antiviral, hormonal ointments can be used. The radical method of therapy is electrocoagulation of the salivary glands or their surgical removal, as well as laser ablation.

These methods are used when conservative methods are ineffective. After the main course, the doctor will prescribe means for the prevention of relapses - they will eliminate dryness or weeping of the skin. It is important to sanitize the oral cavity in a timely manner and undergo professional teeth cleaning.

Treatment of atopic cheilitis consists in the elimination of irritants. Locally, antipruritic and anti-inflammatory agents can be used, and antihistamine therapy with a systemic effect is also carried out.

The use of glucocorticosteroids allows you to get quick relief, but it is important to strictly adhere to medical prescriptions - they can be used only for a short time. It is important to follow a hypoallergenic diet, remove allergenic foods from the diet.

Therapy for meteorological cheilitis begins with limiting harmful effects such as sun exposure. Local treatment is usually carried out - the doctor prescribes hormonal agents, protective creams, including those with SPF. The course of treatment is supplemented with vitamins - vitamin-mineral complexes or individual preparations (B, PP, C, etc.).

Immunocorrective and antiviral therapy is of particular importance in the treatment of macrocheilitis. The doctor may prescribe:

• hormonal anti-inflammatory systemic action;
• novocaine blockades;
• antihistamines, etc.

Laser therapy can positively affect the correction of the entire triad of symptoms. Other methods of physiotherapy successfully cope with neuritis of the facial nerve.

Possible complications

Untimely access to a doctor often causes serious complications. The disease often does not pose a serious health hazard in and of itself. But only an experienced specialist can tell you how to treat cheilitis.

Self-treatment can lead to unpleasant consequences, provoke the occurrence of a chronic form of the disease. In addition, cheilitis is dangerous in that malignant tumor processes can be masked behind its symptoms. It is important to remember that some forms are prone to malignancy - cheilitis may be followed by precancerous conditions.

Prognosis and prevention

With timely treatment and the absence of malignant processes, the prognosis is almost always favorable. If therapy has caused noticeable cosmetic defects, you can resort to methods to correct the appearance of the lips.

To prevent complications, it is important to understand whether you are at risk. The presence of allergic diseases and dermatosis, chronic endocrine diseases, wearing dentures increase the risk of pathology. To prevent the appearance of cheilitis, it is important to follow a few rules:

• regularly visit the dentist, carry out sanitation of the oral cavity, remove tartar;
• replace obsolete fillings and orthopedic constructions in a timely manner, apply after chips and injuries of the teeth in order to prevent injury to the lips by the sharp edges of fillings and enamel;
• for the manufacture of prostheses, contact only professionals;
• eat properly and fully to prevent hypovitaminosis;
• try to avoid long exposure to the sun and use products with SPF, including for lips;
• be attentive to your health and timely treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine, nervous system, internal organs.

References

• Tkach S. S., Yanovsky L. M. Pathology of the red border, mucous membrane and skin of the lips: the current state of the issue // Siberian Medical Journal (Irkutsk). - 2006. - No. 2. - S. 10−13.
• Kolesnik VM, Andrianova II The mechanism of development of actinic cheilitis // Bulletin of physiotherapy and balneology. - 2021. - No. 2. - S. 80.
• Mishutina OL, Shamshurina VR Atopic cheilitis in the practice of a dentist // Smolensk Medical Almanac. - 2021. - No. 2. - S. 105−108.

what it is, symptoms, types and treatment in children and adults

January 26, 2022

Cheilitis is an inflammatory disease of the lips, skin around the lips and lip mucosa.

ICD-10 code cheilitis