Symptom 3: Lip Swelling
Swelling is a classic sign that the body isn’t happy about something. Whether it’s an ankle that’s doubled in size after a misstep or a puffed-up face from an allergic reaction, swelling is the body’s loud and clear message that it’s in distress. With actinic cheilitis, this distress is expressed through swollen lips.
But this isn’t the kind of swelling that follows a bee sting or eating something you’re allergic to. It’s more subtle, almost sneaky. Over time, you might realize that your lips look fuller, but not in the glamorous, Hollywood-esque manner. They’re tender, puffier, and not in response to any trauma.
Now, why does this happen? The swelling, in the case of actinic cheilitis, is often due to inflammation. The harmful UV rays from the sun, when they bombard the lips repeatedly, can cause underlying inflammation. This inflammation, while not immediately visible, slowly manifests as swelling, making the lips tender and often uncomfortable.
And here’s the catch. While fuller lips are often seen as a beauty standard, swollen lips from actinic cheilitis aren’t just about aesthetics. They’re a cry for help. Each time the lips are exposed to the sun without protection, the risk of cellular damage heightens, and the inflammation worsens.(3)
