From the Guidelines
The primary treatment for acute cheilitis is to use lip balm for dry lips and practice good dental and mouth hygiene, as recommended by experts in the management of adverse events from EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors 1. In addition:
- Eat soft, moist, non-irritating food that is easy to chew and swallow, and avoid acidic, spicy, salty, or rough/coarse food to prevent further irritation.
- Cook food until soft and serve at room temperature or cold to reduce discomfort.
- Supplement meals with high-calorie, high-protein drinks to support overall health and recovery.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help the healing process.
- Numb the mouth with ice chips or ice pops as needed to alleviate pain and discomfort.
- Evaluate the use of dental appliances, such as braces or dentures, to ensure they are not contributing to the condition.
- Use non-alcoholic mouthwash to maintain good oral hygiene without irritating the affected area. By following these recommendations, individuals with acute cheilitis can help manage their symptoms, reduce discomfort, and promote healing, ultimately improving their quality of life.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Acute Cheilitis
The treatment for acute cheilitis can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Some studies have investigated the effectiveness of different treatments, including:
- Topical antifungals, although the evidence supporting their use is limited 2
- Topical corticosteroids, such as diflucortolone valerate, which have anti-inflammatory properties 2
- Topical immunosuppressants, such as pimecrolimus and tacrolimus, which have been shown to be effective in treating atopic cheilitis and exfoliative cheilitis 3, 4, 5, 6
- Topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment, which has been compared to topical white soft petrolatum jelly in the treatment of oral retinoid-induced cheilitis, with tacrolimus showing faster and more significant resolution of symptoms 6
- Combination therapy, including topical treatments, antihistamines, sedatives, and vitamins, which may be used to treat atopic cheilitis 3
Specific Treatment Regimens
Some studies have investigated specific treatment regimens, including:
- Application of topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment once a day or once every two days, which has been shown to be effective in treating exfoliative cheilitis 4
- Use of 1% isoconazole nitrate and 0.1% diflucortolone valerate ointment, which has been found to be a consistent treatment for angular cheilitis 2
- Application of 0.03% topical tacrolimus ointment, which has been used to treat atopic cheilitis 5