Dermatoses of the Oral Cavity and Lips

Abstract

Oral and labial lesions are usually the result of local disease but may be the early signs of systemic disease, including dermatological disorders, and in some instances may cause the main symptoms. This chapter mainly discusses disorders of the periodontal and mucosal tissues that may be related to skin disease and that may present at a dermatology clinic. It should be borne in mind that the professionals most competent in diagnosing and treating oral diseases are those with formal dental training and who are therefore in a position to understand the full complexities of the region. This chapter is divided into a brief discussion of the biology of the mouth, an overview of the more common signs and symptoms affecting specific oral tissues, discussion of the disorders of the oral mucosa of most relevance to dermatology and a tabulated review of oral manifestations of systemic diseases. Only the more classic oral lesions are illustrated. For reasons of space restrictions, diseases affecting the teeth, salivary glands, jaws or temporomandibular joints are not discussed in any depth.

Association between Allergic Reactions and Lip Inflammatory Lesions (Cheilitis)

“…In food-induced cheilitis, inflammation very often spreads to the skin around the lips. If cheilitis is caused by an allergic reaction to a small object that comes in contact with lips (e.g., needles, pencils, hairpins), then the lesion is limited to that part of the lips 12 . Allergic contact cheilitis may manifest with itching, burning and lip hardening, and even with consequent lip hyperpigmentation 12,30 .…”

“…If cheilitis is caused by an allergic reaction to a small object that comes in contact with lips (e.g., needles, pencils, hairpins), then the lesion is limited to that part of the lips 12 . Allergic contact cheilitis may manifest with itching, burning and lip hardening, and even with consequent lip hyperpigmentation 12,30 . The fact that the prevalence of allergic reactions in patients with cheilitis was higher than in those with other oral diseases indicates the importance of allergic testing in these patients.…”

“…The possible allergens as etiologic factors for cheilitis are cosmetic, hygienic and decorative products (toothpastes, balms and lipsticks, creams, nail polishes, hair sprays), dental materials, latex, metals for cutlery and wind instruments, some foodstuffs (nuts, curry, cinnamon, mushrooms, citrus, mango, pineapple, parsley, etc. ), preservatives, medicines (e.g., acyclovir) and other objects that come in contact with the lips 1,10,12,13 . However, in most cases, contact allergic cheilitis is caused by a reaction to balms and lipsticks, which is why the term lipstick cheilitis can be found in the literature 5,12 .…”

“…), preservatives, medicines (e.g., acyclovir) and other objects that come in contact with the lips 1,10,12,13 . However, in most cases, contact allergic cheilitis is caused by a reaction to balms and lipsticks, which is why the term lipstick cheilitis can be found in the literature 5,12 . Particularly important contact allergens relevant for the occurrence of cheilitis are metals; for example, allergy to nickel in persons wearing orthodontic appliances can manifest as angular cheilitis 1 .…”