This image displays scaly, dry, cracked lips due to actinic cheilitis. Lips affected by actinic cheilitis can appear scaly or crusty until treated. This image displays thick, scaly skin around the lips, typical of actinic cheilitis, due to sun damage.
Top Background Graphic
About Us | Contact Us | Site Map
Text Size SmallText Size MediumText Size Large
VisualDxHealth - Your guide to a clear picture of health
Health ToolsHealth TopicsDisease ListWidgetsFor Doctors

Actinic Cheilitis:
Information for adults

Left Nav Bottom
Try our Disease Finder
Page Tools Top Graphic
Page Tools Top Graphic
Page Tools Bottom Graphic
Page Tools Bottom Graphic
Picture of Actinic Cheilitis: This image displays scaly, dry, cracked lips due to actinic cheilitis. Divider line
This image displays scaly, dry, cracked lips due to actinic cheilitis.
left arrow
right arrow
Overview
Actinic cheilitis, sometimes known as "farmer's lip" or "sailor's lip," is a precancerous condition related to cumulative lifetime sun exposure. The lower lip is most often affected. Individuals with actinic cheilitis often complain of persistent dryness and cracking of the lips. They will frequently exhibit other effects of sun-damaged skin, such as precancerous lesions on the skin called actinic keratoses and extensive wrinkling.

A certain type of skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) develops in 6–10% of cases of actinic cheilitis. 
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2008

Next: Who's At Risk

HON CODE Seal. Accredited 3/2007
We comply with HONcode standards
for health information
verify here

Copyright © 2006-2008 Logical Images, Inc. All rights reserved.

The data contained in the VisualDxHealth™ Worldwide Web pages such as text, images, and graphics are for informational purposes only. The data is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment. Please see our disclaimer.