What are the symptoms and treatment methods for children's cheilitis?

Common symptoms of cheilitis in children include dryness and peeling of the lips, redness and swelling of the lips, chapped and bleeding lips, itching and burning sensations, and thickening of the lip mucosa. Treatment methods typically include applying lip balm locally, using mild corticosteroid ointments, applying antibiotic ointments, supplementing vitamins, and adjusting dietary habits. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Symptoms

1. Dryness and peeling: The lips lose moisture and become dry and rough, with small white or light yellow scales appearing on the surface. Children may unconsciously peel off these flakes with their hands, further damaging the lips.

2. Redness and swelling: The skin and mucosa of the lips become red and swollen. Touching the area may cause pain in the child. In severe cases, the redness and swelling can spread to the surrounding skin, affecting appearance.

3. Cracking and bleeding: Severe dryness leads to fissures of varying depths on the lips, which may ooze blood. Movements such as speaking or eating stretch the lips, increasing pain and bleeding.

4. Itching and burning: After irritation of the lip mucosa, children may experience itching or a burning sensation. Frequent lip licking or scratching with hands can worsen discomfort.

5. Thickened mucosa: Chronic or recurrent cheilitis may lead to thickening and hardening of the lip mucosa, making the surface uneven and affecting the normal soft texture of the lips.

II. Treatment Methods

1. Applying lip balm: Choose fragrance-free, non-irritating lip balms specifically designed for children. Apply multiple times daily to keep lips moisturized, relieve dryness and peeling, and prevent cracking.

2. Using mild corticosteroid ointments: When lip redness, swelling, and itching are severe, use mild corticosteroid ointments under medical supervision to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort. These should be used strictly according to the prescribed course.

3. Applying antibiotic ointments: If cracks become infected with exudate, apply antibiotic ointments suitable for children to prevent and control infection and promote healing.

4. Vitamin supplementation: Deficiency in B vitamins may trigger cheilitis. Under medical guidance, supplement the child’s intake of vitamins such as B2 and B6 to improve lip mucosal health.

5. Adjusting diet: Reduce consumption of spicy or hot foods to avoid irritating the lips. Increase intake of fresh vegetables and fruits to provide adequate hydration and vitamins, aiding recovery from cheilitis.

In daily life, remind children to avoid bad habits such as lip licking or peeling flaky skin. When going outdoors in dry or cold weather, have the child wear a mask to protect the lips from irritation. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek timely medical attention to identify the underlying cause and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.