The skin on our lips is highly sensitive and often bears the brunt of sun exposure. Yet, we lather sunscreen on all exposed skin areas except our delicate lips. Several clinical incidents have shown that long-term UV exposure can damage the lips and may cause actinic cheilitis, a condition that leads to scaly, rough, and discoloured patches on the lips.
Continue reading to learn more about this condition, its symptoms, and ways to prevent and treat it.
Common Symptoms
This condition predominantly affects individuals with fairer skin and those who spend a significant amount of time outdoors. It may look like a dry patch of skin that seems harmless, but it can also undergo malignant transformation and turn into cancer.
Recognising its signs early on can help you take timely action and prevent progression. Check the symptoms below:
- Formation of scaly patches on the lip that are rough and dry.
- The lip may lose its natural colour and normal outlining.
- Swelling may be seen.
- Cracks or persistent chapping that doesn’t heal.
- Burning or tingling sensation.
- White or greyish plaques that feel leathery.
These symptoms primarily affect the lower lip, but with prolonged exposure, they can also affect the upper lip.
Actinic Cheilitis Causes and Risk Factors
The skin on your lips is very thin, delicate and lacks enough pigment to protect it from harmful UV rays. Sun exposure without sunscreen can cause genetic damage and lead to actinic cheilitis, as per an NCBI study.
Some individuals are more susceptible to these risks than others due to these factors. These individuals are:
- Having fair skin means a lack of pigment to combat UV rays.
- Farmers, sailors, and construction workers with an outdoor lifestyle are highly susceptible to it.
- Older people and those with weakened immune systems may find it more challenging for their bodies to repair damaged cells.
- Frequent tobacco chewing or smoking can also worsen the skin and increase the risk of solar cheilitis.
Actinic Cheilitis Lip Treatment
Actinic cheilitis treatment includes strategies to minimise the risk that the condition will turn into something cancerous. Here’s what can be done:
Topical Medications
Skin experts may recommend using topical treatments such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or imiquimod. These creams are highly effective as they target and destroy abnormal cells on the lips.
Cryotherapy
This therapy involves freezing the affected tissue of your lips with liquid nitrogen to destroy it. This process is relatively quick, painless, and works well for small lesions.
Laser Therapy
This one is an advanced option. Laser ablation can help remove the damaged tissue with controlled precision without harming the surrounding skin.
Surgical Removal
In some cases where there’s a higher suspicion of malignancy, the damaged portion of the lip may be surgically excised.
Early intervention and care can significantly reduce the risk of complications. Moreover, it is essential to follow up with a dermatologist regularly if you’ve been diagnosed.
Actinic Cheilitis Home Treatment
Professional medical treatment is needed for managing this lip condition once it occurs. However, there are some natural remedies that you can try to soothe the irritated skin:
- Aloe vera gel: Using it helps heal the skin and soothes inflamed skin.
- Coconut oil: This is an effective actinic cheilitis home remedy that moisturises and creates a natural protective barrier.
- Green tea extract: These extracts are rich in antioxidants that help support skin healing and protect against further UV damage.
While using these remedies, avoid consuming spicy foods, alcohol, and harsh products that can irritate your lips.
These natural approaches are not cures, but they can offer comfort and prevent further damage when used in conjunction with medical treatment.
Read More: Honey For Skin: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects
Lip Care Tips for Prevention
The only way to prevent this condition is to avoid excess sun exposure. While you can’t avoid the sun altogether, you can follow these preventive tips:
- Apply lip balm with at least SPF 30. Reapply it frequently; lip balm can be easily absorbed or wiped off.
- Wear wide-brimmed hats to protect yourself from direct sunlight.
- Avoid going out or working out in peak sun hours, i.e., between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Do routine checkups to assess your skin health.
Final Thoughts
While actinic cheilitis may seem like any typical dryness and flaking, it demands proper care on time. If the dry, sore patch on your lip is not healing, it’s time to consult a dermatologist. Early diagnosis can help manage this condition and prevent it from turning into cancer. If you don’t have it, continue following preventive measures, such as wearing sun protection and avoiding prolonged sun exposure.
