Cheilitis in acne vulgaris patients with no previous use of systemic retinoid products

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Isotretinoin is commonly used in the treatment of acne vulgaris. While one of the more common side-effects is cheilitis, we have observed an increased incidence of cheilitis prior to the commencement of systemic isotretinoin. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of cheilitis among acne vulgaris patients. METHODS: A non-interventional cross-sectional study of patients with acne vulgaris. Patients with previous use of systemic retinoids were excluded. The patients were examined for signs and symptoms of cheilitis. RESULTS: Of a total of 400 patients, 134 (34%) had evidence of cheilitis at initial presentation. Two-thirds (63%) were female (P < 0.001). The distribution of the cheilitis was as follows; 55% on the lower lip, 30% on both lips, and 16% on the upper lip. Over a quarter (27%) of patients with cheilitis had acne excorie, compared with only 8% of patients with no signs of cheilitis. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that cheilitis is quite common among acne vulgaris patients even before treatment with isotretinoin.