Exfoliative cheilitis: differential diagnosis and treatment

Authors

  • Caio César da Silva Barros Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte. Natal-RN
  • Israel Leal Cavalcante Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte. Natal-RN
  • Lélia Batista de Souza Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte. Natal-RN
  • Patricia Teixeira de Oliveira Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte. Natal-RN
  • Ana Miryam Costa de Medeiros Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte. Natal-RN
  • Éricka Janine Dantas da Silveira Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte. Natal-RN

Keywords:

cheilitis, lips, inflammation, differential diagnosis.

Abstract

Introduction: exfoliative cheilitis is an infrequent skin condition that occurs mostly in women, affecting the skin of the lips. Though its etiology is unknown, it has been associated to stress and anxiety, as well as to parafunctional habits. Diagnosis and management are challenging, due to the clinical similarity between exfoliative cheilitis and other lesions of the lips, since these are often recurrent.
Objective: describe two clinical cases of exfoliative cheilitis, focusing on the differential diagnosis.
Case presentation: the first case was a white male 21-year-old patient who reported having had a burning sensation on his lips associated to crust formation for two years. The patient stated having been under treatment and being in good general health. Complementary tests were indicated which did not reveal any alteration. Thus, the hypothesis of exfoliative cheilitis was put forth. Incisional biopsy was performed under local anesthesia, histopathological examination confirming the clinical diagnosis of exfoliative cheilitis. Laser therapy was indicated, but the treatment was not successful. The second case was a black female 43-year-old patient presenting with spots and fissures on her lips, as well as itching. Complementary tests were indicated which yielded normal values, and thus the clinical diagnosis was actinic prurigo. Incisional biopsy performed under local anesthesia led to the diagnosis of exfoliative cheilitis. The patient was treated with topical corticosteroids, with regression of the lesion.
Conclusions: exfoliative cheilitis diagnosis and clinical management are challenging, hence the need to make an accurate diagnosis, excluding other conditions with the aid of complementary tests.

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Published

2018-10-16

How to Cite

1.
da Silva Barros CC, Leal Cavalcante I, Batista de Souza L, Teixeira de Oliveira P, Costa de Medeiros AM, Dantas da Silveira Éricka J. Exfoliative cheilitis: differential diagnosis and treatment. Rev Cubana Estomatol [Internet]. 2018 Oct. 16 [cited 2025 Feb. 20];55(3):50-5. Available from: https://revestomatologia.sld.cu/index.php/est/article/view/1589

Issue

Vol. 55 No. 3 (2018): JUL- SEP

Section

Case Report

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