Actinic Cheilitis
Not yet clinically reviewed
This protocol was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia and Ward Guide apps for educational use. Follow your hospital's own policies and consult seniors when in doubt.
Actinic cheilitis is a precancerous condition that can create rough, scaly, discolored patches on your lips. Prolonged sun exposure causes it, and usually affects your lower lip.
It’s also called: Actinic cheilosis, Farmer’s lip, Sailor’s lip, Solar cheilitis, Solar cheilosis.
Symptoms
Skin or lips chapped all the time, Cracked, Crusty.
Discolored (such as white or yellow patches, or lips that are redder than normal).
Dry, folded in spots, like sandpaper, Scaly, Swollen, Thin or fragile.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce the risk that the condition will turn into SCC. Treatment options may include:
Creams, such as retinoids, 5-fluorouracil or imiquimod.
Cryotherapy, which uses extremely cold temperatures to freeze and destroy abnormal cells.
Electrocautery, which uses heat from an electric current to destroy abnormal tissue.
Laser ablation, which uses a laser to destroy abnormal cells.
Photodynamic therapy, a procedure that uses light to kill harmful cells.
Vermilionectomy, a surgical procedure that removes part or all of your lower lip border.