Cheilitis Quiz
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Chapped lips
Dry lips
Swollen lips
Red lips
Sore on lip
Swollen lip on one side
Swollen bump on lip
Lip swelling
Redness around lips
Puffy lips
Cracked corners of mouth
Inflamed lips
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Cheilitis?
Inflammation of the lips. Causes include infection (bacterial, viral, or fungal) and irritants, such as constant contact with saliva or excessive dryness.
Typical Symptoms of Cheilitis
- A lump or bump in the mouth
- Lip redness
- Dry and flaky skin
- Lip sores or erosions
- Pain in the mouth
- Lip pain or itch
- Skin problems
- Redness, bumps, or irritation on the skin
Diagnostic Questions for Cheilitis
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Have you noticed a lump or bump in your mouth?
- Are your lips red?
- Do you have dry and flaky skin?
- Are there sores or erosions on your lips?
- Do you have pain in your mouth?
Treatment of Cheilitis
Lip balm and petroleum jelly can keep the lips moist. Treatment also depends on the cause. Antibiotic or antifungal creams can be given for infections, or vitamin supplements for deficiencies.
Reviewed By:
Scott Nass, MD, MPA, FAAFP, AAHIVS (Primary Care)
Dr. Nass received dual medical degrees from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Charles R. Drew University in Medicine and Science. He completed Family Medicine residency at Ventura County Medical Center with subsequent fellowships at Ventura, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, George Washington University, and University of California-Irvine. He holds faculty appointments at Keck School of Medicine of USC, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, and Western University of Health Sciences.
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Jul 5, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- White or yellow sores on lips
- Lips are red
- Rash in mouth
- Increase in dandruff
- Small rash in the mouth
- Cheilitis on the lips
- Lips are dry
- Canker sores
- Pain in the mouth
- Spots in mouth
- Skin peeling
- Mouth is overly sensitive to cold or hot foot
- Rough patches in my mouth
- Eroded spots on the lips
- Rough patches on mucous membranes
See full list
Symptoms Related to Cheilitis
Diseases Related to Cheilitis
FAQs
Q.
Frustrated? Why Your Lip is Blistering & Medical Cold Sore Treatment
A.
Lip blisters are most often cold sores from HSV-1 that follow a tingling to blister to crusting pattern and heal in 7 to 14 days; starting prescription antivirals early can shorten this, OTC options offer modest relief, and they remain contagious until fully healed. There are several factors to consider. See below for key triggers, prevention steps, ways to avoid spreading it, when to seek medical care if sores are severe, frequent, last more than 2 weeks, or involve the eye, and look-alike conditions to rule out.
References:
* Siozos, S., et al. "Pharmacological strategies for the management of recurrent herpes labialis." *Viruses*, vol. 15, no. 4, 19 Apr. 2023, p. 997. *PubMed*, doi:10.3390/v15040997.
* Patel, M. A., and J. H. Seger. "Herpes labialis: current treatment options and new therapeutic approaches." *Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy*, vol. 22, no. 5, 22 Mar. 2021, pp. 561–571. *PubMed*, doi:10.1080/14656568.2020.1834907.
* Chi, C. C., et al. "Oral and topical antiviral agents for treating herpes labialis." *Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews*, no. 8, 13 Aug. 2015, p. CD005408. *PubMed*, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005408.pub4.
* Harmon, L., et al. "Recurrent herpes labialis: review of the pathophysiology and the role of psychological stress." *Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology*, vol. 70, no. 3, Mar. 2014, pp. 547–552. *PubMed*, doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.10.024.
* Opstelten, W., et al. "Diagnosis and Management of Herpes Simplex Labialis." *The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology*, vol. 5, no. 3, Mar. 2012, pp. 36–42. *PubMed Central*, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3315895/.
Q.
Lip Flip Before and After? The Science & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Lip flip before and after results are subtle: tiny botulinum toxin injections relax the upper lip so it gently rolls outward, shows more pink, and can reduce a gummy smile without adding volume, with full effects at 7 to 14 days that last about 6 to 8 weeks. There are several factors to consider, including who is a good candidate, how it differs from filler, expected costs and maintenance, common and rare risks with when to seek urgent care, and evidence based steps like proper prep, aftercare, choosing a qualified provider, and ruling out medical causes such as cheilitis; see below for complete details and the medically approved next steps.
References:
* Park YJ, Yim SH. "Lip flip" procedure using botulinum toxin type A: clinical pearl for a rejuvenating and fuller lip. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2023 Apr 14;11(4):e4941. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000004941. eCollection 2023 Apr. PMID: 37197825.
* Patel PM, Balasubramanian S. Lip flip: A nonsurgical technique for lip augmentation using botulinum toxin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Jul;20(7):2208-2209. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14022. Epub 2021 Mar 22. PMID: 33754378.
* Karabudak O. A Systematic Review of Botulinum Toxin Type A for Perioral Rejuvenation. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2021 Feb;45(1):310-318. doi: 10.1007/s00266-020-02028-1. Epub 2020 Nov 4. PMID: 33146743.
* Carruthers J, Carruthers A. Treatment of the perioral region with botulinum toxin: an evidence-based review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Jul;20(7):2178-2187. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14072. Epub 2021 Mar 22. PMID: 33754395.
* Patel PM, Balasubramanian S. Botulinum Toxin for Lip Augmentation. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2012 Jan;5(1):7-11. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.93514. PMID: 22448074. PMCid: PMC3312959.
Q.
Lip Filler Migration? Why Your Lips Are Moving and Medical Steps to Fix It
A.
Lip filler migration is when filler spreads beyond the lip, often due to overfilling, poor placement, stacked treatments, or constant lip motion, causing puffiness above the lip line, blurred borders, or uneven texture; it is usually cosmetic and can be corrected with hyaluronidase and careful, gradual retreatment. There are several factors to consider, including how to tell migration from normal swelling and when symptoms like severe pain, skin color changes, or vision issues need urgent care; see below for complete steps, prevention tips, and guidance on what to do next.
References:
* Ghaffari, M. R., Akbari, K., Rasti, M., & Kazemi, H. (2023). Hyaluronic acid dermal filler migration to the perioral area: A rare complication and its management. *Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology*, 22(1), 180-184.
* Cavallini, M., Cirillo, P., Caprioli, R., Scapaticci, V., & Bottiglieri, M. (2021). Dermal Filler Complications: A Review of Pathophysiology, Prevention, and Treatment. *Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology*, 14, 1153–1162.
* Beleznay, K., Carruthers, J. D., & Carruthers, J. A. (2022). Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers and Their Complications: A Review. *Aesthetic Surgery Journal*, 42(Supplement_1), S21-S29.
* Chou, C. H., Chen, C. H., Tsai, H. Y., Li, S. Y., Tsai, T. M., Chen, K. H., ... & Tsay, P. K. (2019). Management of Complications After Facial Hyaluronic Acid Injection: A Literature Review. *Journal of Craniofacial Surgery*, 30(8), 2603-2607.
* Urdiales-Gálvez, F., Lacombe, V., & Lalonde, D. (2021). Filler-Associated Complications: A Systematic Review of Incidence and Management. *Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology*, 20(1), 216-224.
Q.
Chapped Lips vs. Cold Sore? A Woman’s Guide & Next Steps
A.
To tell the difference quickly: chapped lips cause widespread dryness, peeling, and cracks across both lips with no blisters and are not contagious, while a cold sore usually starts with tingling then a painful, localized cluster of fluid blisters that crust and is contagious. There are several factors to consider for women, including triggers like sun, stress, illness, and hormones, plus distinct treatments, prevention tips, and red flags that warrant medical care or suggest cheilitis or the need for antivirals. See complete guidance below to choose the right next steps for your situation.
References:
* Worrall SA, Worrall MA. Diagnosis and Management of Herpes Labialis. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021 May;14(5):37-43. PMID: 34188612; PMCID: PMC8211425.
* Fatahzadeh LA, BS BB, MA BB. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1. StatPearls [Internet]. 2023 Jan. PMID: 32644747.
* El-Khatib ER, Al-Ani KK, Sawafta AA, Haddad AA. Recurrent herpes labialis: a review of current management options. BMC Oral Health. 2018 Dec 20;18(1):227. PMID: 30572836; PMCID: PMC6302562.
* Al-Jubran MR, Nanjappa AL, Al-Malt NN. Oral manifestations of herpes simplex virus. Prim Dent J. 2021 Jan;9(4):50-54. PMID: 34114227.
* Chen CAC, Al-Ani RJ, Al-Baghdadi NB. Hormonal Influences on Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Reactivation. J Reprod Med. 2017 Mar-Apr;62(2):161-167. PMID: 28557088.
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https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Lugović-Mihić L, Pilipović K, Crnarić I, Šitum M, Duvančić T. Differential Diagnosis of Cheilitis - How to Classify Cheilitis? Acta Clin Croat. 2018 Jun;57(2):342-351. doi: 10.20471/acc.2018.57.02.16. PMID: 30431729; PMCID: PMC6531998.
https://hrcak.srce.hr/clanak/304954Trager MH, Farmer K, Ulrich C, Basset-Seguin N, Herms F, Geskin LJ, Bouaziz JD, Lebbé C, de Masson A, Bagot M, Dobos G. Actinic cheilitis: a systematic review of treatment options. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021 Apr;35(4):815-823. doi: 10.1111/jdv.16995. Epub 2020 Dec 26. PMID: 33251620.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jdv.16995Seoane J, Warnakulasuriya S, Bagán JV, Aguirre-Urizar JM, López-Jornet P, Hernández-Vallejo G, González-Moles MÁ, Pereiro-Ferreiros M, Seoane-Romero J, Varela-Centelles P. Assembling a consensus on actinic cheilitis: A Delphi study. J Oral Pathol Med. 2021 Nov;50(10):962-970. doi: 10.1111/jop.13200. Epub 2021 Jun 9. PMID: 33998055.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jop.13200Ohta K, Yoshimura H. Candida-Associated Cheilitis. Am J Med Sci. 2020 Dec;360(6):e17-e18. doi: 10.1016/j.amjms.2020.05.046. Epub 2020 Jun 2. PMID: 32684336.
https://www.amjmedsci.org/article/S0002-9629(20)30240-8/fulltext