Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Cheilitis In Humans

Cheilitis is any medical condition involving an inflammation of the lips. A variety of maladies can induce cheilitis in humans. It can be a side effect or an indicator of a deeper problem.


Nutrition


Malnutrition can cause cheilitis. The most common form is lip inflammation caused by a lack of vitamin B12.


Chronic Issues


One of the most common causes of repetitious cheilitis is a chronic condition such as anemia or Plummer-Vinson syndrome. A drop in red blood cells can cause discomfort in the entire mouth.


Infection


Bacterial and fungal infections of the mouth can often produce cheilitis as a side effect. Thrush and other yeast infections of the tongue are especially likely to cause cheilitis.


Drug Interactions


Certain medications can cause lip inflammation. Most notable is the isotretinoin class of medication, the most widely used of which is Accutane.


Seek Help


If you are unsure of the cause of your cheilitis, seek help. Cheilitis can often be a side effect of mouth and skin cancers.

Tags: side effect, cause cheilitis, most common