The Role of Patient Education and Pharmacological Therapy in the Management of Exfoliative Cheilitis: A Literature Review

Exfoliative cheilitis refers to a chronic inflammatory condition of the vermilion border of the lips, characterized by persistent desquamation, erythema, and crust formation, impacting both the physical and psychosocial aspects of affected individuals. Its etiology is multifactorial, involving environmental, psychological, infectious, and nutritional deficiency factors. This literature review aims to identify the pathogenesis of exfoliative cheilitis and evaluate the role of patient education and pharmacological therapy in its management. Patient education has been shown to be crucial in recognizing and avoiding triggering factors, while pharmacological therapy—such as topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and lip moisturizers—helps reduce inflammation and restore the skin's protective function. Moreover, psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have shown promising outcomes, particularly in patients experiencing stress and parafunctional habits. A multidisciplinary approach combining education, pharmacotherapy, and psychological therapy is expected to enhance the effectiveness of exfoliative cheilitis management and significantly improve patients’ quality of life