Why do I have exfoliative cheilitis?

Exfoliative cheilitis, or EC, is caused by excessive production of keratin in the lip tissues (figure 1). Cracking of the vermilion border with dryness and scaling are clinical characteristics of exfoliative cheilitis.

Is exfoliative cheilitis serious?

Exfoliative cheilitis is an uncommon and chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the vermilion of the lips and characterized by continuous peeling of the vermilion and abnormal production of keratin scales1,2. Conventional topical treatment is helpful in some cases but it is not that effective in most cases.

How do you get exfoliative cheilitis?

Who gets exfoliative cheilitis and why?

1. Mouth breathing.
2. Lip licking.
3. Lip sucking.
4. Lip picking.
5. Lip biting.
6. Bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus) or yeast infection (Candida albicans)

Can Stomach problems cause chapped lips?

Health issues like low stomach acid, poor nutrition, and an unhealthy gut can lead to chapped lips. If you are dehydrated, the body will absorb water from the remaining body to hydrate its cells.

Is cheilitis serious?

The condition itself is not considered a serious health concern, but it increases the risk of skin cancer. Most people with actinic cheilitis develop similar symptoms. About 90 percent of cases involve the lower lip, although the condition can also develop on the upper lip.

Can Candida cause exfoliative cheilitis?

Exfoliative cheilitis may be associated with Candida infection in some cases and may be considered another variant of candidiasis in AIDS patients.

Can low thyroid cause chapped lips?

Low thyroid function may cause dryness of the mouth and lips, and B complex vitamin deficiencies or low zinc or iron levels have been reported to cause chapped lips, he adds.

Can dehydration cause cheilitis?

Chapped lips, also known as cheilitis, is a common condition marked by dryness, redness, and cracking of the lips ( 1 ). Several factors may cause chapped lips, including cold weather, sun exposure, and dehydration.

What food can cause cheilitis?

Vitamin deficiency is the most common cause of cheilitis. The absence of vitamin B2 in the body slows down the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates and decreases energy production. Thus, increasing the intake of B2 and eating foods like eggs, milk, and lean meat may help reverse the problem of cheilitis.

Why are my lips peeling all of a sudden?

Chapped lips are typically caused by environmental exposures that lead to irritation, including saliva and licking your lips, spicy foods, and cold, dry weather, says Dr. Zeichner. The common cold and sun damage can also cause chapped lips, he adds, as well as medication like cholesterol-lowering agents.

Can Vitamin B12 deficiency cause dry lips?

Chapped lips are a common symptom of deficiencies, especially in folate (vitamin B9), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and vitamins B6 and B12 ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ).

Can a vitamin deficiency cause chapped lips?