Eczema on Lips Pictures - 7 Photos & Images

Eczematous cheilitis is inflammation of the lips presenting as redness with dryness and scaling. It may also be called lip dermatitis. The lips may be divided into three zones – the outer zone comprising the skin next to the lips, the vermilion margin and the mucosal aspect. The first two areas are the most commonly affected. The major causes of eczematous cheilitis are atopic dermatitis and irritant or allergic contact reactions.

The chronic form of eczematous cheilitis presents with redness, dryness, scaling and fissuring. The angle of the mouth is often also involved (angular cheilitis).

The perioral skin and vermilion margin (where the red mucosa meets the skin) are the most commonly affected parts of the lips.

It is important to look for and note skin and mucosal lesions elsewhere as these may give a clue as to the cause.

Treatment will depend on the cause. Where an exogenous cause has been identified, this should be avoided if possible. If this does not result in improvement, consider another factor such as a second allergen, irritant or endogenous cause.

For atopic cheilitis, moisturisers and topical corticosteroids may be recommended.