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All articles / Orofacial Medicine and Pathology

Actinic Cheilitis (Sun Damage on the Lip)

Actinic cheilitis is sun damage to the lower lip caused by prolonged UV exposure. It can lead to squamous cell carcinoma, necessitating treatment. Options include vermilionectomy, cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and CO2 laser. Prognosis is good with early treatment.

Author: Markus E.S. Danielsson Darlington • MD • Department of Dermatology and Venereology • Sahlgrenska University Hospital • Gothenburg
Reviewed by: Vegard Garsjö • Dental Specialist • Specialist clinic of Orofacial Medicine • Gothenburg
3 min read
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    This article is based on an original article in Swedish which can be found here

    BACKGROUND

    Actinic cheilitis is a superficial sun damage on the lip, most often localized to the vermilion of the lower lip. Actinic cheilitis occurs due to sun-damaged keratinocytes in the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. When this sun damage occurs in the skin, it is referred to as actinic keratosis.

    The prevalence of actinic cheilitis is related to the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light exposure over a lifetime. Light-skinned individuals, often men and smokers, over the age of 40 are at higher risk of developing actinic cheilitis.

    Actinic cheilitis is three times more common in men than in women.

    Etiology

    Actinic cheilitis is caused by chronic exposure to the sun's UV light.

    Risk factors:

    • Light skin (light skin type)
    • Advanced age (chronic UV exposure)
    • Living in/traveling to sunny countries
    • Immunosuppression (due to treatment after organ transplantation)
    • Smoking

    CLINICAL FINDINGS

    • Dry, scaly, rough, or coarse lip
    • Fissures (cracks) and erosions (superficial wounds)
    • Chronic ulcer (wound that does not heal as expected)
    • Oedema (swelling)
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