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Cheilitis in Humans

Cheilitis is any medical condition involving an inflammation of the lips. A variety of maladies can induce cheilitis in humans. It can be a side effect or an indicator of a deeper problem.

  1. Nutrition

    • Malnutrition can cause cheilitis. The most common form is lip inflammation caused by a lack of vitamin B12.

    Chronic Issues

    • One of the most common causes of repetitious cheilitis is a chronic condition such as anemia or Plummer-Vinson syndrome. A drop in red blood cells can cause discomfort in the entire mouth.

    Infection

    • Bacterial and fungal infections of the mouth can often produce cheilitis as a side effect. Thrush and other yeast infections of the tongue are especially likely to cause cheilitis.

    Drug Interactions

    • Certain medications can cause lip inflammation. Most notable is the isotretinoin class of medication, the most widely used of which is Accutane.

    Seek Help

    • If you are unsure of the cause of your cheilitis, seek help. Cheilitis can often be a side effect of mouth and skin cancers.

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