Actinic cheilitis is sometimes referred to as farmers lip, sailors lip, solar cheilitis, and solar cheilosis.
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Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Skin cancer ishighly treatable, especially when found in its early stages.
Your healthcare provider will give you a physical exam to help provide a diagnosis.
Askin biopsymay also be performed.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Treatments for actinic cheilitis lip symptoms include:
A combination of approaches may be the most effective.
Skin color changes or early signs of sun damage can indicate a decline in your skins health.
Losing firmness in your lips is another potential early warning sign.
AC will not go away on its own.
Summary
Actinic cheilitis is a form of actinic keratosis, or a precancerous skin lesion.
It presents as dry, chapped, scaly lips with white patches or discoloration.
Other risk factors include age and a compromised immune system.
AC is serious, and when left untreated, it can progress to skin cancer.
Skin cancer treatment in early stages is highly effective.
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American Ostopathic College of Dermatology.Actinic cheilitis.
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Skin Cancer Foundation.Keratosis.
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Published 2020 Apr 29. doi:10.2340/00015555-3486
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer types: Squamous cell carcinoma symptoms.
