Allergic contact dermatitis can affect the lips.
Clinical features:
(1) inflammation of lips and perioral tissues
(2) fissures with crusting
Sources of allergen:
(1) lip balm or lipstick
(2) food
(3) toothpaste
Allergens include:
(1) balsam of peru
(2) nickel salt
(3) fragrance
The precise allergen(s) can be identified with patch testing.
Eliminating the allergen should cause the cheilitis to improve over time. Topical tacrolimus ointment was used by Salam and Fowler for flares.
Differential diagnosis:
(1) lip licker's dermatitis
(2) actinic cheilitis
(3) SLE
(4) atopy
(5) other causes of cheilitis
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Immunology/Rheumatology
