Cheilitis, popularly referred to as zaeda, is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the lips or the red border. This disease can be both independent and be a symptom of diseases of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity or internal organs.
CAUSES OF CHEILITIS
Cheilitis, as a rule, occurs due to dermatoses. The skin of the lips and mucous membrane, as well as the red border, can be involved in the inflammatory process in the presence of psoriasis, syphilis, tuberculosis, lichen erythematosus and other skin diseases.
Exposure to adverse climatic conditions, such as cold or hot air, excessive insolation, wind, etc. cause cheilitis in people who are outdoors for a long time.
Allergic cheilitis occurs after sensitization of the mucous membrane of the mouth or the red border of the lips by UV radiation or chemicals. In some cases, it can manifest itself as a result of a person’s professional activity. Women from 20 to 60 years of age are most susceptible to this disease.
Secondary cheilitis, which acts as a symptom of the underlying disease, manifests itself against the background of neurodermatitis or atopic dermatitis.
SYMPTOMS OF CHEILITIS
Exfoliative cheilitis is a consequence of neurological disorders and manifests itself as a disease of the red border of the lips with regular peeling. One of the reasons may be thyroid dysfunction.
Granular cheilitis provokes acquired or congenital proliferation of salivary glands, which causes their infection. At the initial stage of the disease, patients are concerned about dry lips, which gradually turns into the formation of bleeding cracks and painful erosions.
Contact allergic cheilitis is a response to the action of an irritant. It is caused either by the habit of taking foreign objects into the mouth, or due to the use of lipsticks and other cosmetics, which may contain allergic agents.
DIAGNOSIS OF CHEILITIS
Cheilitis is diagnosed by a dentist, taking into account the clinical manifestations and complaints of patients. If it is difficult to diagnose the disease and in order to differentiate it, a histological examination of tissues is carried out.
Treatment of cheilitis
Exfoliative type cheilitis is a disease where the main focus of therapy should be aimed at normalizing the psychoemotional sphere of the patient. A consultation with a neurologist is appointed, who selects sedatives and tranquilizers. If necessary, the work of the endocrine glands is corrected. Ultrasound and laser therapy are prescribed as local treatment, in combination with hormonal drugs. Hygienic lipsticks are used to moisturize the lips.
Cheilitis of the granular type is treated with anti-inflammatory ointments. If necessary, laser ablation can be prescribed. After treatment, special attention should be paid to the normalization of the microflora of the oral cavity, timely sanitation of foci of chronic infection in it.
Atopic cheilitis is treated by eliminating irritating factors. As a local treatment, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic ointments are prescribed.
Meteorological cheilitis is treated by eliminating or minimizing the adverse effects of the environment. In addition, hormonal ointments and protective creams are prescribed for therapy. Vitamin complexes are prescribed.
In the treatment of macroheilitis, correction of all symptoms of the triad is necessary – this is antiviral, desensitizing and immunocorrecting therapy.
