mouth and dental disorders
Lip Sores, Lip Inflammation, and Other Changes
Cheilitis
With inflammation of the lips (called cheilitis), the lips may become painful, irritated, red, cracked, and scaly. Most commonly, irritation and inflammation involve the lips and skinfolds at the corners of the mouth (called angular cheilitis), typically if the person Has dentures that do not separate the jaws adequately Has worn down the teeth excessively, resulting in less space between the upper and lower teeth Has aCandidaor aStaphylococcus aureusinfection Has a deficiency of vitamin B2 or iron in the diet Treatment consists of replacing the dentures, which helps reduce the folds at the corners of the mouth, or restoring proper tooth size with partial dentures, crowns, or implants. Infections are treated with drugs applied to the corners of the mouth. Riboflavin Deficiency and Other forms of cheilitis usually affect the outside surface of the lips and the lips' border with the skin. Causes include infection, Lips and Sun Damage , drugs or irritants, allergy, or an underlying condition. Treatment includes petroleum jelly applied to the lips and elimination or treatment of underlying conditions. 