title: Treatment of actinic cheilitis with imiquimod 5% and a retractor on the lower lip: clinical and histological outcomes in 5 patients.
abstract: Imiquimod 5% (Aldara, 3M Healthcare Ltd.) is a topically applied immune response modifier used in the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, and genital warts. We reviewed the casenotes of 5 patients with histologically confirmed dysplastic lower lips who had been treated with topical imiquimod. Each patient was provided with a specially designed lower lip retractor to prevent spread of the cream. Treatment was stopped after 6 weeks or if an acute inflammatory reaction developed. The lower lip was biopsied 4 weeks later, and histologically the dysplastic changes had been reversed in all 5 patients. The lip retractor was well-tolerated, and prevented spread of the cream. Imiquimod 5% cream offers an alternative method to manage dysplastic lips. Our lip retractor is a simple and cost-effective method of isolating the lower lip and allowing application of topical agents. The method could equally well be used for agents other than imiquimod.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, United Kingdom. christophermcdonald@nhs.net
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McDonald
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Laverick
authors.forename: Colin J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Fleming
authors.forename: Sharon J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: White
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002613:Cheilitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D003762:Dental Instruments; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D007369:Interferon Inducers / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D056687:Off-Label Use; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000634:Aminoquinolines; D007369:Interferon Inducers; D000077271:Imiquimod