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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Overview
People with chapped lips (cheilitis) have lips that appear dry, scaly, and may have one or more small cracks (fissures). Chapped lips are often painful, and there may or may not be redness and swelling.
  • Lip-licking cheilitis is usually seen in 7–15 year olds and appears as a scaling, pink band around the mouth. This is caused by repeated licking of the lips.
  • Retinoids (isotretinoin and acitretin) are the most frequent drug-induced causes of this problem. High doses of vitamin A, lithium, chemotherapeutic agents (busulfan and actinomycin), d-penicillamine, isoniazid, and phenothiazine can also cause chapped lips.
  • Other possible causes of chapped lips include high fevers, environmental conditions such as cold weather, dehydration, and certain vitamin deficiencies.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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