Can cheilitis be treated with lip balm?
Mar 18, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Qiu Hongliang
Introduction
Whether patients with angular cheilitis can use lip balm depends on the specific situation. Among the various types of angular cheilitis, one is known as contact angular cheilitis. This form is often triggered by certain cosmetics—including lip balms—applied to the affected area. Consequently, lip balms, ointments, scented tissues, and other similar cosmetic products may potentially induce Type I (immediate-type) hypersensitivity reactions.
Angular cheilitis may occur unilaterally or bilaterally and symmetrically. Lesions typically originate at the mucocutaneous junction of the oral commissure and spread outward. In most cases, angular cheilitis is associated with a combined infection by Candida albicans and streptococci. Other contributing factors include malnutrition and exposure to allergens. So, can lip balm be used for angular cheilitis? Below, we address this question.
Can lip balm be used for angular cheilitis?
Whether patients with angular cheilitis may use lip balm depends on the specific cause. One subtype—contact angular cheilitis—may be triggered by cosmetics, including lip balm. Such products (e.g., lip balms, ointments, or scented tissues) may provoke either Type I (immediate hypersensitivity) or Type IV (delayed-type hypersensitivity) allergic reactions, thereby causing contact angular cheilitis.
If the patient has an inherent allergic constitution—or if their angular cheilitis was directly induced by lip balm exposure—the offending agent must be discontinued. Continued use of the same lip balm may prevent resolution of cheilitis or even exacerbate it. Therefore, patients with angular cheilitis are generally advised to avoid using lip balm.
Patients are advised to eliminate local irritants; correct harmful habits such as lip biting and smoking; replace ill-fitting dentures; adjust or replace defective dental prostheses; restore missing teeth; identify and remove allergens; avoid known allergenic substances; and discontinue suspected medications or foods.
We hope the above information is helpful to you.
