Actinic
Cheilitis.
Chronically Sun-damaged lips that may lead to Squamous Cell Cancer.
Chronically Sun-damaged lips that may lead to Squamous Cell Cancer.
Cheilitis means “inflammation of the lips” – or chapped lips – and is often caused by two environmental opposites:
There are a few reasons that a person may get Actinic Cheilitis:
The condition looks very similar to chapped lips which is caused by the cold or UV light.
The lower lip is usually more commonly affected than the upper lip and usually affects the outer edge of the lips – the Vermillion border.
The appearances include:
In addition there may be:
Angular Cheilitis can be painful and cause the lips to bleed.
Gallery of Actinic Cheilitis
Please click on the images for details.
Actinic Cheilitis leading to SCC of The Lip
The concern with this condition is the development of IEC and SCC.
The more severe the cheilitis, the greater the chance there may be an IEC or SCC .
A biopsy would be considered if:
SCC & IEC of lip
Please click on the images for details.
Actinic Cheilitis is important because the condition is precancerous and may, like sun spots, develop into skin cancers called IEC & SCC.
Actinic cheilitis should therefore be taken seriously. It’s a bit of a wake up call. The chances are that you’ve not been using lip sun block regularly enough. You’ll need a full skin check.
Sunscreen is a must. Yes, it’s a nag – but really, really important. Use SPF 30+ lip balm or zinc cream. Pay particular attention to your bottom lip.
There are a few Brisbane specialists who may treat Severe Actinic Cheilitis with “Ablative laser vermilionectomy.” This is often very effective treatment and is usually performed under local anaesthetic with a nerve block. Recovery is around 7 to 10 days. Cosmetic results may be impressive.
Actinic Cheilitis may be treated as follows:
Actinic Cheilitis is The Queensland equivalent of ‘chapped lips’ that are familiar to people living in colder climates.