Meteorological cheilitis is a lesion of the tissues and mucous membrane of the lips. It arises due to the influence of negative environmental factors. The disease does not threaten the patient’s life at all, but can cause severe discomfort. Namely: poor health, psychological disorders, difficulties in the process of eating. So do not neglect the treatment of the disease. Moreover, cheilitis can be a sign of a more serious disorder. A prolonged manifestation of cheilitis is often the cause of the appearance of malignant tumors.
Provocative factors
The factors of this disease lie in the vulnerability of the mucous membrane of the lips to the negative effects of the external environment. There are many provocateurs of this ailment. Namely:
- Immunodeficiency.
- Thyroid abnormalities.
- Disturbances in the work of internal organs (liver or gastrointestinal tract).
- Various skin diseases.
- Allergic reaction.
- Ecological situation.
- Meteorological factors: sunlight, a sharp drop in air temperature.
- Pore blockage with a thick layer of lipstick.
- Vitamin deficiency or hypovitaminosis.
Only a doctor can determine the exact cause of the onset of the disease. If one of the symptoms appears, it is important to consult a doctor.
Classification of cheilitis
It is very important to correctly diagnose the type of this disorder, because cheilitis is the name of a whole group of diseases that differ due to the causes and, accordingly, treatment. The therapist can accurately determine the type of cheilitis using the results of the tests issued by him:
- Atopic cheilitis is an allergic reaction of the body. Caused by irritating factors that must be excluded. Be sure to visit an allergist.
- Exfoliative cheilitis - develops due to the appearance of shocks in the psychological and emotional sphere. A visit to a neurologist or psychiatrist is recommended.
- Glandular cheilitis is a congenital abnormality.
- Hypovitaminous cheilitis - a lack of vitamins of group B.
- Catarrhal cheilitis - edema, peeling and discoloration of the skin around the lips due to frequent microtraumas or damage by chemicals.
- Candidiasis cheilitis is an inflammation of certain lip tissues provoked by a fungus.
- Meteorological cheilitis is a chronic inflammation of the tissues of the lips.
Depending on the type of disease, the doctor prescribes appropriate treatment. The duration of the course of treatment and the dose are determined strictly by a specialist.
Symptoms of the disease
In the initial stages of the development of the disease, pronounced symptoms are always present. A characteristic feature of meteorological cheilitis are:
- Burning lips.
- Peeling skin.
- Feeling of dryness.
- Erosion and abrasion (with prolonged absence of treatment).
The appearance of vesicles and ulcers on the surface of the lips and the formation of keratinized tissue and cracks under them. As medical practice shows, meteorological and actinic cheilitis is the easiest to treat.
It is noted that patients with this diagnosis often lick their lips, which puts them at risk of secondary infection. Against this background, the possibility of developing malignancy of the lip tissues increases.
Disease treatment
The set of measures for treating a patient for cheilitis includes limiting the effects of stimulating factors of external environmental influences, for example, solar radiation, up to a lifestyle change. To restore the body, protective creams with UV filters are used (to exclude radiation) and hygienic lipstick with regenerating elements (pantothenic acid and vitamin E).
In the process of treating meteorological cheilitis, ointments with hormones such as hydrocortisone or prednisolone, an oily solution of vitamins A and E are used for more intensive regeneration. There are cases in which patients constantly tear off the scales, because of this the lip tissue bleeds and painful abrasions appear. Then light sedatives are used: tincture of valerian or motherwort. Also, during treatment, it is necessary to take vitamins of group B.
It should be noted that during the period of carrying the baby this disease should be cured as soon as possible meteorological cheilitis on the lips. In this case, drugs must be selected with great care.
Traditional medicine
We must not forget that folk prescriptions for treatment do not relieve the causes of cheilitis, but only eliminate the symptoms of the disease. It is recommended that you consult a specialist before using any method. The most effective means include:
- A decoction of calendula or sage. It is necessary to take 2 or 3 tbsp. l petals and about 0.5 liters. water. Bring water to a boil, boil the petals for 10 minutes and strain well. This broth is recommended to use 2 times a day.
- Aloe juice can also help. You need to take aloe leaves, grind them and squeeze the juice. Then mix in a ratio of 1/3 with vegetable oil, apply the resulting ointment to the painful places of the lips 3 times a day.
- When treating meteorological cheilitis, it is recommended to enrich the diet with vitamins A, B and E. It is important to focus on those foods that are rich in zinc and magnesium (mushrooms, onions, meat, cheese). Separately, we can mention the healing properties of the ginger drink, which not only relieves inflammation, but also strengthens the immune system.
- Some people use medicine made from egg shells and lemon juice. To do this, peel the shell of the film, wash, dry and then grind. Combine the ingredients and mix thoroughly. The prepared product is applied to the lips twice a day.
Disease prevention
Meteorological cheilitis appears due to aggressive environmental influences. These include:
- sunlight;
- ultraviolet radiation;
- hypothermia.
For the purpose of prevention, the influence of these meteorological factors on the body, in particular on the lips and the skin around them, should be minimized. To do this, it is recommended to use a hygienic lipstick that creates a protective layer on the surface of the tissues of the lips. In addition, you must follow a proper diet that contains a sufficient amount of B vitamins. Photos of meteorological cheilitis often cause anxiety in people, so they consult a doctor in a timely manner. If there are skin diseases such as seborrhea, dermatitis and others, then it is necessary to periodically visit a dermatologist. Such diseases tend to progress and go into complex forms. Self-medication is not recommended.
Output
In order not to start the disease, it is important to consult a doctor in time for help. Self-medication can only do harm. In the process of treatment, it is important to follow all the recommendations of the doctor. If one of the symptoms appears, you should immediately visit a specialist. Alternative methods of treatment do not always positively affect the patient's recovery. Sometimes they can greatly harm and aggravate the situation. It is not advisable to drink hot tea during treatment, as this will only damage the mucous membrane. Many case reports of meteorological cheilitis indicate that self-medication can exacerbate the situation.