Actinic cheilitis: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|A condition affecting the lips due to sun exposure}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | |||
'''Actinic cheilitis''' is a condition characterized by damage to the [[lip]]s due to prolonged exposure to [[ultraviolet radiation]] from the [[sun]]. It is considered a form of [[actinic keratosis]] and is a precancerous condition that can potentially lead to [[squamous cell carcinoma]]. | |||
'''Actinic cheilitis''' is a condition characterized by | |||
==Signs and symptoms== | ==Signs and symptoms== | ||
Actinic cheilitis primarily affects the lower lip, which is more exposed to sunlight than the upper lip. The condition | [[File:Actinic_Cheilitis_Photo.jpg|thumb|right|Actinic cheilitis affecting the lower lip]] | ||
Actinic cheilitis primarily affects the lower lip, which is more exposed to sunlight than the upper lip. The condition is marked by: | |||
* Dryness and cracking of the lips | * Dryness and cracking of the lips | ||
* Loss of the sharp border between the lip and the skin (vermilion border) | * Loss of the sharp border between the lip and the skin (vermilion border) | ||
* Whitish discoloration or thickening of the lip | * Whitish discoloration or thickening of the lip | ||
* Development of scaly patches or ulcers | * Development of scaly patches or ulcers | ||
* Sensitivity or pain in the affected area | |||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
The primary cause of actinic cheilitis is chronic exposure to [[ultraviolet (UV) radiation]], particularly from sunlight. Other contributing factors may include: | The primary cause of actinic cheilitis is chronic exposure to [[ultraviolet (UV) radiation]], particularly UVB rays, from sunlight. Other contributing factors may include: | ||
* Fair skin | * Fair skin, which is more susceptible to UV damage | ||
* Outdoor occupations or activities | * Outdoor occupations or activities that increase sun exposure | ||
* Lack of | * Lack of protective measures, such as [[sunscreen]] or lip balm with UV protection | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of actinic cheilitis is typically made through clinical examination. A [[biopsy]] may be performed to rule out | Diagnosis of actinic cheilitis is typically made through clinical examination. A [[biopsy]] may be performed to rule out the presence of [[squamous cell carcinoma]] or other malignancies. The biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue from the affected area for microscopic examination. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment options for actinic cheilitis aim to remove or | Treatment options for actinic cheilitis aim to remove or reduce the precancerous tissue and may include: | ||
* [[Cryotherapy]]: Freezing the affected tissue with liquid nitrogen | * [[Cryotherapy]]: Freezing the affected tissue with liquid nitrogen | ||
* [[Topical chemotherapy]]: Application of 5-fluorouracil | * [[Topical chemotherapy]]: Application of creams such as 5-fluorouracil | ||
* [[Photodynamic therapy]]: Using light-activated drugs to destroy abnormal cells | * [[Photodynamic therapy]]: Using light-activated drugs to destroy abnormal cells | ||
* [[Laser therapy]]: Using laser to remove damaged tissue | |||
* Surgical excision: Removing the affected area surgically | |||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventive measures | Preventive measures are crucial in managing actinic cheilitis and include: | ||
* | * Regular use of lip balm or sunscreen with high SPF | ||
* Wearing wide-brimmed | * Wearing a wide-brimmed hat to shade the face | ||
* Avoiding sun exposure during peak hours | * Avoiding sun exposure during peak hours | ||
* Regular check-ups with a dermatologist, especially for individuals with a history of actinic cheilitis or skin cancer | |||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
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* [[Ultraviolet radiation]] | * [[Ultraviolet radiation]] | ||
* [[Skin cancer]] | * [[Skin cancer]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Oral pathology | [[Category:Oral and maxillofacial pathology]] | ||
Revision as of 06:20, 16 February 2025
A condition affecting the lips due to sun exposure
Actinic cheilitis is a condition characterized by damage to the lips due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It is considered a form of actinic keratosis and is a precancerous condition that can potentially lead to squamous cell carcinoma.
Signs and symptoms
Actinic cheilitis primarily affects the lower lip, which is more exposed to sunlight than the upper lip. The condition is marked by:
- Dryness and cracking of the lips
- Loss of the sharp border between the lip and the skin (vermilion border)
- Whitish discoloration or thickening of the lip
- Development of scaly patches or ulcers
- Sensitivity or pain in the affected area
Causes
The primary cause of actinic cheilitis is chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly UVB rays, from sunlight. Other contributing factors may include:
- Fair skin, which is more susceptible to UV damage
- Outdoor occupations or activities that increase sun exposure
- Lack of protective measures, such as sunscreen or lip balm with UV protection
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of actinic cheilitis is typically made through clinical examination. A biopsy may be performed to rule out the presence of squamous cell carcinoma or other malignancies. The biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue from the affected area for microscopic examination.
Treatment
Treatment options for actinic cheilitis aim to remove or reduce the precancerous tissue and may include:
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the affected tissue with liquid nitrogen
- Topical chemotherapy: Application of creams such as 5-fluorouracil
- Photodynamic therapy: Using light-activated drugs to destroy abnormal cells
- Laser therapy: Using laser to remove damaged tissue
- Surgical excision: Removing the affected area surgically
Prevention
Preventive measures are crucial in managing actinic cheilitis and include:
- Regular use of lip balm or sunscreen with high SPF
- Wearing a wide-brimmed hat to shade the face
- Avoiding sun exposure during peak hours
- Regular check-ups with a dermatologist, especially for individuals with a history of actinic cheilitis or skin cancer
Prognosis
With early detection and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for actinic cheilitis is generally good. However, if left untreated, there is a risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma, which requires more extensive treatment.
