Lugovic-Mihic et al reported a classification of cheilitis based on reversibility and association with a generalized disorder.
Cheilitis associated with a dermatosis or systemic disorder (many of which are immune-based):
(1) systemic lupus erythematosus
(2) lichen planus
(3) angioedema
(4) pemphigus/pemphigoid
(5) xerostomia
(6) erythema multiforme
(7) Crohn's disease
(8) sarcoidosis
(9) plus other less common conditions
Potentially reversible:
(1) cheilitis simplex (lip licking, cold-related)
(2) angular cheilitis (infective cheilitis, nutritional, mechanical, diabetes, immunodeficiency)
(3) contact allergenic cheilitis, eczematous cheilitis
(4) exfoliative cheilitis
(5) drug-induced cheilitis
Persistent cheilitis:
(1) actinic cheilitis
(2) granulomatous cheilitis
(3) glandular cheilitis
(4) plasma cell cheilitis
where:
• Crohn's disease is a cause of granulomatous cheilitis.
• Diabetes, immunodeficiency , drug-related and nutritional deficiency are systemic disorders but reversible.
• Cheilitis due to a systemic disorder is reversible if the underlying condition is adequately treated.
