MDJ (Makassar Dental Journal)
Vol. 15 No. 2 (2026): Volume 15 Issue 2 August 2026

Unresolved cheilitis revisited: the importance of identifying allergic triggers in exfoliative cheilitis: Unresolved cheilitis revisited: the importance of identifying allergic triggers in exfoliative cheilitis

Andam Dewi Suci (Student of Oral Medicine Specialist Program, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia)
Andi Anggun Mauliana Putri (Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia)
Erni Marlina (Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia)
Israyani (Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia)
Nur Asmi Usman (Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia)
Harlina (Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia)
Yaumil Khaeriah (Student of Oral Medicine Specialist Program, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
19 Aug 2026

Abstract

Exfoliative cheilitis (EC) is a chronic inflammation of the lips characterised by recurrent and persistent desquamation; its aetiology is varied, and its clinical presentation resembles that of other forms of cheilitis, making accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment challenging. Failure to identify the cause, parti-cularly allergies, increases the likelihood of recurrence. This article emphasises the evaluation of triggering factors, particularly the role of allergy, in cases of EC. A 58-year-old woman presented with complaints of cracked lips, easy bleeding, and pain (VAS 6) for the past year. Extraoral examination revealed des-quamation accompanied by irregular haemorrhagic crusts on the vermilion border. Routine blood tests revealed an elevated eosinophil count, suggesting an allergic reaction. Management involved the administration of topical steroids, chlorhexidine gluconate, multivitamins, and antihistamines. It was concluded that allergies can be a trigger for persistent EC. Early identification of allergic factors is necessary for appropriate management and prevention of recurrence.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

MDJ

Publisher

Subject

Dentistry

Description

The journal receives a manuscript from the following area below Dentistry science and development with interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach: Dental Public Health and Epidemiology Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Dental Conservation and Endodontics Preventive Dentistry Biomedical Dentistry ...