What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Eczema on the Lips
• Lip Dermatitis

What is Eczematous Cheilitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Eczematous Cheilitis is a benign skin condition involving the lips. It is characterized by inflammation of the lips (or cheilitis) along-with redness, itching, scale formation, and dried lips (termed eczematous)
• The condition is usually observed against a background of allergy-induced or irritant-induced contact dermatitis involving the lips, or in atopic dermatitis. The management of Eczematous Cheilitis involves treating the causative factors and addressing the symptoms. In many cases, the prognosis is good, although this depends on the severity of the underlying cause

Who gets Eczematous Cheilitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Eczematous Cheilitis may be observed in both children and adults. The age category affected depends on the underlying cause of the condition
• Both males and females are affected
• Worldwide, there is no racial or ethnic preference observed

What are the Risk Factors for Eczematous Cheilitis? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Eczematous Cheilitis may include:

• Atopic dermatitis - an itchy skin disorder that is non-contagious and inflammatory
• Allergy-induced contact dermatitis involving the lips, which may occur due to:
  • Use of certain medications
  • Cosmetics and lip care products, including lipsticks
  • Nail polish and nail products
  • Toothpastes and shaving creams
  • Certain foods
  • Dental prosthesis, implants, and dental materials
• Irritant-induced contact dermatitis involving the lips, which may occur due to:
  • Lip-licking, which is the most commonly identified risk factors for irritant contact cheilitis
  • Lip cosmetics
  • Certain foods, including sucking on popsicles or ice creams
  • Exposure to smoke and dust

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Eczematous Cheilitis? (Etiology)

The cause of Eczematous Cheilitis are categorized into the following subgroups:

• Endogenous Eczematous Cheilitis: Endogenous (from within) factors are those that are intrinsic or inherently present in the individual, such as atopic eczema/dermatitis, which is influenced by genetic factors
• Exogenous Eczematous Cheilitis: Exogenous (from without) factors are those that are extrinsic to the individual, or they occur externally. This subgroup is further divided as:
  • Allergic contact cheilitis: It develops from an allergic response, such as from eating certain foods, cosmetics, or medications, and is observed in 25% of the cases
  • Irritant contact cheilitis: It develops when the lips get damaged and inflamed due to exposure to chemicals or substances that irritate the outer protective layer of skin

In many cases, a combination of factors may be responsible for the development of Eczematous Cheilitis. In some few cases, the cause of the condition may remain unknown (idiopathic).

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Eczematous Cheilitis?

The signs and symptoms of Eczematous Cheilitis may vary from one individual to another and may be mild or severe. It depends on the nature of the underlying cause. The area/region of lip involvement may also differ in relation to the cause.

• The skin adjacent to the lips and the red margin (vermillion border) defining the lips are most commonly involved
• In some cases, only certain areas of the lips may be affected (localized); while in others, the entire lips and adjacent skin may be involved
• When one or both corners of the mouth show skin symptoms, it is termed angular cheilitis

The signs and symptoms of Eczematous Cheilitis may include:

• Inflammation of the lips with reddish discoloration; the skin areas outside the lips may also be affected
• Dryness and scale formation
• Cracked lips
• Burning sensation, irritation, and discomfort may be present

Other signs and symptoms of the underlying cause may be noted.

How is Eczematous Cheilitis Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Eczematous Cheilitis may involve the following exams and procedures:

• Physical examination of the individual and medical history evaluation
• Oral cavity examination
• Skin patch and photopatch testing
• A skin/lip biopsy may be necessary

Additional tests and exams to diagnose the underlying causative condition, as necessary.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Eczematous Cheilitis?

The possible complications due to Eczematous Cheilitis include:

• Emotional stress from cosmetic concerns
• Superimposed bacterial and fungal skin infections
• Recurrence of the condition
• Treatment complications and side effects

Complications that may arise from the underlying causative factor (if any) may be noted.

How is Eczematous Cheilitis Treated?

The healthcare provider may recommend the following treatment measures for Eczematous Cheilitis:

• Treating the underlying cause is an important consideration which can help resolve Eczematous Cheilitis
• Avoidance of the causative allergen or irritant is important
• For the lips and associated symptoms, the healthcare provider may recommend:
  • Use of topical corticosteroid agents
  • Moisturizing creams for dry skin
  • Antibiotic or antifungal therapy for secondary infections, if necessary

Regular follow up visits with the healthcare provider is important and recommended.

How can Eczematous Cheilitis be Prevented?

Undertaking an early diagnosis and prompt treatment of the underlying cause can help prevent Eczematous Cheilitis in many cases.

What is the Prognosis of Eczematous Cheilitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Eczematous Cheilitis is generally good with early recognition and appropriate treatment of the condition. However, this depends on the severity of the underlying cause.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Eczematous Cheilitis:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/skin-disorders/