Types of Lip Inflammation

1. Allergic Cheilitis

It is an inflammation caused by the contact of the lips or surrounding skin with certain irritants. Its etiology and pathogenesis are similar to those of contact dermatitis. This is an allergic condition. For instance, cosmetics such as lipsticks, irritant foods, and toothpaste can trigger contact cheilitis.

2. Dry and Desquamative Cheilitis

Its etiology remains unclear. It may be associated with acute inflammation, sunlight, tobacco, alcohol, or cosmetic irritation. Candida albicans infection can lead to fungal cheilitis, with deep cracks extending into the skin, potentially bleeding and forming blood clots. These cracks may be difficult to heal for extended periods. Grayish磷屑 can cover the entire lip. Fungal cheilitis is characterized by white pseudomembranes or plaques. The pseudomembrane is difficult to remove and may be accompanied by lip swelling, ulcers, and erosions. PAS staining reveals hyphae. Patients often lick their lips due to dryness and pain, sometimes rubbing them due to mild itching.

3. Photosensitive Cheilitis

Commonly affecting the lower lip, it presents with erythematous erosion, shallow yellow exudate not exceeding the vermilion border, mild lip swelling, eversion, and even significant swelling, bleeding, ulceration, and scabbing. The scab may expose bleeding wounds or pus-filled blood.

4. Benign Lymphoepithelial Lesion of the Lip

Mostly of unknown etiology, it may be related to dry air, high-temperature work, or wind exposure. It is also associated with repeated and prolonged sun exposure, especially in summer, and metabolic disorders. Chlorpromazine, isoniazid, angelica, and traditional Chinese medicine such as fructus psoraleae can cause metabolic disturbances of porphyrins, leading to photosensitivity when exposed to sunlight. Liver diseases can also cause porphyrin metabolic disorders and photosensitivity. Bad habits like lip licking, biting, and tearing thin scabs on the vermilion border can lead to chronic infection and erosion. Untimely treatment of lip burns can also result in chronic inflammation. Some diseases like tuberculosis and hepatitis are also prone to causing cheilitis.

5. Granulomatous Cheilitis

It may be associated with bacterial or viral infections like streptococcus, mycobacterium, and herpes simplex virus. Allergic reactions to cobalt, cinnamon, cocoa, dried celery extract, and disorders of vasoconstriction regulated by the autonomic nervous system may also play a role. Genetic factors are also considered. Some literature reports suggest a possible link to infectious lesions like chronic periapical disease and nasopharyngitis, or a foreign body reaction to subcutaneous fat degeneration. Female patients may experience fluctuations related to their menstrual cycle.

6. Cheilitis Glandularis

Characterized by hypertrophy of minor salivary glands (labial glands), leading to swelling and thickening of the lips. The labial glands are located in the submucosa. During inflammation, opening the swollen lips reveals the normally hidden orifices of the labial ducts, which may exude thin or purulent mucus. The orifice mucosa appears slightly red, rough, and slightly hard to the touch, resembling scattered millet grains or small nodules. The vermilion mucosa appears normal, with no discomfort other than swelling and numbness. Biopsy aids in diagnosis. Local injection of triamcinolone acetonide suspension or radiotherapy may be considered.