What Is Cheilitis?

When lips become red, inflamed, dry and cracked, it is known as Cheilitis.

Cheilitis is commonly results from chronic lip licking, chronic sun exposure, vitamin deficiency and sometimes from medications specifically isotretinoin taken for acne. Allergy to chemicals in toothpaste or lipstick can also cause cheilitis. When the lower lip is dry and cracked from chronic sun exposure called Actinic cheilitis, it has the potential to develop into cancer. See our treatment video for more information.