Cheilitis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment - A Comprehensive Guide

Cheilitis is any medical condition involving an inflammation of the lips. A variety of maladies can induce cheilitis in humans. It can be a side effect or an indicator of a deeper problem.

Nutrition

• Malnutrition can cause cheilitis. The most common form is lip inflammation caused by a lack of vitamin B12.

Chronic Issues

• One of the most common causes of repetitious cheilitis is a chronic condition such as anemia or Plummer-Vinson syndrome. A drop in red blood cells can cause discomfort in the entire mouth.

Infection

• Bacterial and fungal infections of the mouth can often produce cheilitis as a side effect. Thrush and other yeast infections of the tongue are especially likely to cause cheilitis.

Drug Interactions

• Certain medications can cause lip inflammation. Most notable is the isotretinoin class of medication, the most widely used of which is Accutane.

Seek Help

• If you are unsure of the cause of your cheilitis, seek help. Cheilitis can often be a side effect of mouth and skin cancers.