actinic cheilitis; solar cheilitis

Etiology

sun exposure (generally chronic)

Epidemiology

(risk factors)

• fair complexion
• pipe smoking

Pathology

precancerous condition

Clinical manifestations

• chronic erythema & recurrent scaling of the lower lip
• general lip manifestations
  • dry lips
  • scaling
  • crusting
  • gray-white discoloration with atrophic appearance
  • vermilion may become indistinct
  • late lesions may become elevated & ulcerated
  • induration & ulceration suggest possible malignant transformation
• infection
  • pustules suggests Staphylococcus aureus
  • vesicles suggest viral etiology
  • erythema & scaling suggest Candida

* images

Laboratory

• lip biopsy required for diagnosis

Complications

• development of a nodule or ulcer suggests SCCS*

* squamous cell carcinoma skin

Management

• imiquimod
• topical 5-flourouracil
• cyrotherapy
• laser therapy
• photodynamic therapy

More general terms

• cheilitis