Differential Diagnosis for Lip Dermatitis with Cheilitis
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Irritant contact dermatitis: This is the most common cause of lip dermatitis and cheilitis, often due to exposure to irritants such as cosmetics, food, or environmental factors.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Allergic contact dermatitis: An allergic reaction to substances like nickel, fragrances, or dyes in personal care products can cause lip dermatitis and cheilitis.
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema): Individuals with atopic dermatitis may experience lip involvement, characterized by dryness, redness, and itching.
- Actinic cheilitis: Prolonged sun exposure can lead to actinic cheilitis, a condition that causes dryness, scaling, and inflammation of the lips.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Although rare, squamous cell carcinoma can present as a persistent, non-healing lesion on the lip, making it essential to rule out this diagnosis.
- Lupus: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause mucocutaneous manifestations, including lip dermatitis and cheilitis, which may be a sign of underlying disease activity.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sjögren's syndrome: This autoimmune disorder can cause dryness and inflammation of the lips, among other mucocutaneous symptoms.
- Granulomatous cheilitis: A rare condition characterized by chronic inflammation and swelling of the lips, often associated with conditions like Crohn's disease or sarcoidosis.
- Plasma cell cheilitis: A rare, benign condition that causes inflammation and swelling of the lips, often due to an allergic reaction or unknown causes.