Cheilitis treatment: what helps inflamed lips

Cheilitis means inflammation of the lips. Dryness, scaling, cracking, redness, soreness or swelling may affect the lip surface or the corners of the mouth. Lip licking, saliva, fragranced products, flavourings, cosmetics, sun exposure and contact allergy can keep the skin irritated. Some cases are linked with infection or another skin condition, so the appearance and history matter.

Apply a bland, fragrance-free ointment regularly, especially after eating and before sleep. Try not to lick, bite or peel the lips, and pause new lip products, plumping products, fragranced balms and strongly flavoured oral products if they sting. A clinician may recommend an emollient or a short course of a topical corticosteroid when inflammation is the main problem; use treatment on the lips only as directed.

If cracks are concentrated at the corners, or if there is crusting, oozing or repeated relapse, an examination can help identify infection or an ongoing trigger before treatment is selected.

Arrange medical advice when cracking is persistent, painful, recurrent or not settling with gentle barrier care. Seek prompt help for rapidly increasing swelling, widespread blistering, pus, fever, trouble swallowing or breathing, or involvement of the eyes. A sore or scaly area that does not heal also deserves assessment.

Ask which trigger is most likely, whether a product or toothpaste should be stopped, whether the corners need separate treatment, and how long any prescribed medicine should be used. Ask what to do if the lips improve and then flare again.