cheilitis

cheilitis /chei·li·tis/ (ki-li´tis) inflammation of the lips.

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actinic cheilitis  pain and swelling of the lips and development of a scaly crust on the vermilion border after exposure to actinic rays; it may be acute or chronic.

angular cheilitis  perlèche.

solar cheilitis  actinic c.

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chei·li·tis or chi·li·tis (k-lts)

n.

Inflammation of the lips or of a lip, with redness and the production of fissures radiating from the angles of the mouth.

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cheilitis

[kīlī′tis]

Etymology: Gk, cheilos, lip, itis, inflammation

an abnormal condition of the lips characterized by inflammation and cracking of the skin. There are several forms, including those caused by excessive exposure to sunlight, allergic sensitivity to cosmetics, and vitamin deficiency. Compare cheilosis.

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cheilitis [ki-li´tis]

inflammation of the lips.

actinic cheilitis (cheilitis acti´nica) involvement of the lips after exposure to actinic rays, with pain and swelling and development of a scaly crust on the vermilion border; it may be acute or chronic. Called also solar cheilitis. (See Atlas 3, Part E.)

angular cheilitis single or multiple fissures and cracks at the corner of the mouth on one side or both sides, which in advanced stages may spread to the lips and cheeks. Causes include primary or superimposed infection with microorganisms such as Candida albicans, staphylococci, or streptococci; poor hygiene; drooling of saliva; overclosure of the jaws in patients without teeth or with ill-fitting dentures; riboflavin deficiency; or other causes. Called also perlèche.

solar cheilitis actinic cheilitis.

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cheilitis

inflammation of the lips.

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cheilitis

Dermatology Inflammation and/or cracking of the lips which may be 2º to a vitamin C or B complex, mineral deficiency, sunburn, cosmetics, dermatitis