How to Test for Cheilitis

Cheilitis is a medical condition that occurs when a fungal infection dries out the lips. In its milder form, it is commonly referred to as chapped lips. Cheilitis can make it painful to laugh, smile or even slightly open the mouth. Sometimes, painful sores appear to form crust and ulcerations due to the buildup of saliva in the corners of the mouth. Depending on when treatment is sought, the condition can last for as little as a day or for months at a time. Luckily, it's easy to diagnose through observation.

Instructions

• 1

  Cheilitis is often seen in people with dentures because they create folding in the corners of the mouth.

  Examine the person's history to identify the patient's susceptibility to cheilitis. In particular, look for a history of chronic skin conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, medications that may cause dry mouth, diabetes mellitus, denture history, oral care, eating disorders, acid reflux and diarrhea. These all contribute to cheilitis.

• 2

  The most common symptom of cheilitis is a painful, red fissure found at the corner of the mouth.

  Complete an oral examination to look for cheilitis symptoms, which include cracks and cuts around the corners of the mouth, dry lips and cuts, sores, redness and swelling on and around the lips. The sores on the mouth may even start to bleed or pus. If the problem is caused by dentures, a dentist may diagnose cheilitis based on the improper fit of the dentures.

• 3

  A blood test may diagnose a deficiency syndrome that an oral test would not.

  Complete laboratory tests if treatment fails following the oral examination. The online Cheilitis Center recommends a bacterial culture test as well as sampling the mucosal surfaces covered by dentures. In order to test for deficiency syndromes, blood samples for CBC, fasting blood glucose, folate, iron, zinc, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B12 should be performed.