This image displays scaling and thickening of the lips typical of cheilitis. This image displays irritant dermatitis due to "lip licking." This image displays red, swollen, cracked lips and irritation of the mouth corners typical of cheilitis, due to repeatedly licking the lips.
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Chapped Lips (Cheilitis)  A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

Picture of Chapped Lips (Cheilitis): This image displays scaling and thickening of the lips typical of cheilitis. Divider line
This image displays scaling and thickening of the lips typical of cheilitis.
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Treatments Your Provider May Prescribe
  • Lesions at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis) are usually treated with topical antifungals such as nystatin, clotrimazole, or econazole.
  • Lip-licking cheilitis is best treated by avoid licking the lips.
  • Drug-induced cheilitis is treated by avoiding the drug causing the condition, and if this is not possible, by frequent application of petrolatum (Vaseline).
  • If lesions at the inner border of the lower lip (actinic cheilitis) is present, possible therapies include freezing with liquid nitrogen, treatment with topical chemotherapy such as 5-fluorouracil, or treatment with a topical drug that affects the immune system (immunomodulator) called imiquimod.

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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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