A Literature Review of the Attempted Treatments for Exfoliative Cheilitis: A Refractory Dermatologic and Distressing Cosmetic Condition

Introduction

Exfoliative cheilitis (EC) is a rare dermatologic and cosmetic condition of the lips affecting both the upper and lower vermilion surfaces by producing thick keratin scales with recurrent desquamation. Although reported in the literature for decades, the etiology of EC remains unclear, which makes treatment challenging. A multitude of treatments has been tried, but none has provided consistent successful results. There is no review of the literature that includes all the proposed and attempted treatments for EC. This review discusses the literature to date and their proposed treatment regimens for EC.