Management of Lip Stomatitis in the Elderly

Diagnosis and Treatment Approach

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends valaciclovir 2g twice a day for 1 day as the first-line treatment for acute episodes of herpes labial, ideally started during the prodromal phase or within 24 hours of symptom onset 1
The British Association of Dermatologists suggests using nistatina suspension or miconazol gel as antifungal treatment for angular cheilitis with a mixed infectious component 2, 3
The American Academy of Dermatology advises using emollients, such as white soft paraffin, to support the treatment of various forms of cheilitis, applied immediately and every 2 hours during the acute phase 2, 3

For herpes labial, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends famciclovir 1500mg as a single dose or aciclovir 400mg five times a day for 5 days as alternative treatments 1
For angular cheilitis, the British Association of Dermatologists recommends using antiseptics, such as hydrogen peroxide 1.5% or chlorhexidine 0.2%, twice a day 2, 3
For atopic/eczematous cheilitis, the British Association of Dermatologists suggests using potent topical corticosteroids, such as clobetasol propionate 0.05%, applied directly to the labial mucosa daily during the acute phase 2, 3

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends identifying and avoiding personal triggers, such as UV light exposure, fever, and psychological stress, to prevent recurrences of herpes labial 1
The British Association of Dermatologists advises applying sunscreen or zinc oxide to prevent UV-triggered recurrences of herpes labial 1
For frequent recurrences of herpes labial, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests considering continuous suppressive therapy 1