Causes and methods of treatment of cheilitis on the lips

Lips are a very delicate part of the face. They do not have such a protective barrier as other parts of the body. A thin layer of the epidermis and strong blood circulation makes them sensitive to the slightest changes. Changes in them can cause, for example, infection with a fungus, an allergy. For this reason, they require special care. Simple oral hygiene procedures and a varied diet can provide adequate lip protection against adverse changes.

What is cheilitis?

Cheilitis is an inflammation in the corners of the mouth. It begins with a slight reddening and occurs in several stages: first, a crack forms in the dry skin of the lips in the corners of the mouth, then small bubbles are formed, filled with serous fluid. Then, after a few days, incessant leakage of blood serum begins, and there may be unhealed painful wounds in the form of sores. For this reason, cheilitis is often confused with herpes. However, this type of inflammation is caused by very different factors than herpes labial.

If you do not treat cheilitis on the lips, the photo shows that the sores can become covered with scabs and then leave scars on the face and lips.

The reasonsthe occurrence of cheilitis

1. Fungal or bacterial infection. Wet and warm corners of the mouth are ideal conditions for the development of both types of fungi (especially yeast) and bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci). Another factor contributing to the development of fungi and bacteria is antibiotic therapy, which makes a weakened body incapable of fighting infection.
2. Antibiotic therapy - antibiotics kill all bacteria in the digestive tract, including the "good" bacteria that are involved in the synthesis of vitamins, including group B, and prevent the formation of jam.
3. Vitamin B2 deficiency and iron deficiency. In turn, poor absorption of iron causes anemia, which manifests itself in inflammation of the bowel, a tongue with a burning sensation.
4. Lips on the lips can be the first signs of diabetes.
5. Nickel allergy. The reason for the blockages, an allergic reaction to nickel contained in some cutlery and crockery. In this case, you should replace the cutlery and utensils with those made from other materials and consult an allergist.
6. Lack of oral hygiene.
7. Dentures and orthodontic appliances.
8. Bad habits. Permanent licking of the lips contributes to the development of infections. Inflammation also occurs when the lips are dry and cracked (for example, in the sun).
9. Immunodeficiency diseases, such as HIV, anemia.
10. Treatment with isotretinoin, a drug for treating acne. Isotretinoin inhibits the development and the possibility of the renewal of fat cells, therefore, the most common side effects from the application are dry mouth, cracks, jammed.

Zedov treatment

Treatment should be carried out in two directions: symptomatic (creams and ointments) and cause-and-effect (use of vitamins or methods proposed by traditional medicine). However, this is not always effective, so you should consult a doctor.

In order for the treatment to be positive, you must follow certain rules:

1. Limit the intake of coffee, which washes minerals from the body.
2. Eliminate from the diet of alcohol and spicy foods that irritate the corners of the mouth.
3. Eliminate sweets, which are a rich source of simple sugars, and an ideal medium for the development of germs that cause sticking.

Homemade Treatments

1. A diet rich in vitamins (especially vitamin B2) and vitamin C.
2. Yeast. Mix 1 teaspoon fresh yeast with 100 ml of warm milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Drink a cooked drink once a day for a week.
3. Aloe and cucumber. Aloe leaf juice acts as a disinfectant and prevents the growth of bacteria. Sliced ​​cucumber soothes irritated skin.
4. Honey. Mix 1 teaspoon honey with a few drops of cod liver oil. Apply the ointment on the corners of the mouth before bedtime.

Pharmaceutical treatment

1. Vitamin B2 as a dietary supplement or ointment.
2. Astringent, bacteriostatic and anti-inflammatory (for example, Tormentiol).
3. Antibiotic ointment (for example, Tribiotic).
4. Drugs containing clotrimazole are recommended for difficult treatment.
5. Treatment of cheilitis on the lips with an ointment containing zinc.
6. Hydrocortisone ointment.
7. Ointments are rich in vitamins A and E.
8. Aspirin or polopyrin. Crush the tablet and mix with water. The resulting paste is applied to the jam before bedtime.

If household remedies for jams do not work and inflammation recurs, the jams can be caused by other factors, such as anemia or another type of fungus. In this situation, you should go to a medical consultation, because it may be necessary to treat with antifungal or immunity stimulating drugs.