Cheilitis: A cross-sectional study-multiple factors involved in the aetiology and clinical features.

OBJECTIVE

Since the aetiologies of cheilitis are broad and overlapping, the purpose of this cross-sectional clinical study was to examine the multiple factors involved in aetiology and the disease's clinical features.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We analysed cheilitis prevalence, demography, clinical features, patients' habits, psychological stress, systemic diseases, vitamin B9, B12 and iron serum levels and allergy test results in a total of 130 subjects with cheilitis, plus 22 healthy subjects.

RESULTS

The most common cheilitis types were: cheilitis simplex and eczematous cheilitis (28.5%); herpetic cheilitis (16.9%); and exfoliative and angular cheilitis (7.7%). Concerning bad habits, there was a significant association/connection between self-reported saliva at the corners of the mouth and angular cheilitis, and between lip licking/biting and exfoliative cheilitis. Common associated conditions were skin diseases (56.5%) and atopy (84%). Vitamin B9 and B12 serum and iron values were mostly within the normal reference range. The patients suffering from herpetic cheilitis had significantly higher psychological/mental stress levels than the control group.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first study of cheilitis patients that has simultaneously analysed aetiological factors, characteristics of the disease and diagnostic parameters.