Actinic cheilitis

Inflammation of the lips due to sun exposure

Actinic cheilitis (also known as solar cheilitis) is a condition characterized by inflammation of the lips, primarily caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It is considered a form of actinic keratosis, which is a precancerous condition that can potentially progress to squamous cell carcinoma.

Signs and symptoms

Actinic cheilitis typically affects the lower lip, which is more exposed to sunlight than the upper lip. The condition manifests as:

• Dryness and cracking of the lips
• Loss of the sharp border between the lip and the adjacent skin (vermilion border)
• Blurring of the lip's natural color
• Scaling and peeling of the lip surface
• Development of white or grayish patches
• In advanced cases, ulceration and crusting may occur

Causes

The primary cause of actinic cheilitis is chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly UVB rays, which can damage the DNA in skin cells. Risk factors include:

• Prolonged outdoor activities without adequate lip protection
• Fair skin, which is more susceptible to UV damage
• Living in areas with high sun exposure
• History of sunburn

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of actinic cheilitis is typically made based on clinical examination. A biopsy may be performed to rule out malignant transformation into squamous cell carcinoma, especially if there are suspicious changes such as persistent ulceration or induration.

Treatment

Treatment options for actinic cheilitis aim to remove or reduce the precancerous changes and include:

• Topical chemotherapeutic agents such as 5-fluorouracil
• Cryotherapy
• Laser therapy
• Photodynamic therapy
• Surgical excision in cases with significant dysplasia or carcinoma

Preventive measures are crucial and include:

• Regular use of lip balms with sunscreen
• Wearing wide-brimmed hats to shade the face
• Avoiding peak sun exposure times

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment and preventive measures, the prognosis for actinic cheilitis is generally good. However, regular follow-up is important to monitor for any signs of progression to squamous cell carcinoma.

Related pages

• Actinic keratosis
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Ultraviolet radiation
• Skin cancer

Gallery

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  Actinic cheilitis on the lower lip