Adjuvant Lip Gauze Wet Dressing Restores Lip Barrier Function and Improves Atopic Cheilitis

Eczematous cheilitis is a common manifestation in patients with atopic dermatitis, and restoration of lip barrier function is essential for effective management. Wet wrap dressing is a widely used adjuvant therapy for atopic dermatitis lesions; a similar approach may be beneficial for treating atopic cheilitis. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of saline gauze wet dressing on lip barrier function and to compare the clinical efficacy of this method, as an adjunct to standard therapy, in patients with eczematous cheilitis.

Patients with eczematous cheilitis and age-matched healthy volunteers were enrolled. Lip barrier function was assessed via transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum hydration (SCH), pH, and erythema values. Short-term changes were measured at 15, 30, and 60 min after application of saline gauze wet dressing. In addition, a case-control design was used to compare the 7-day efficacy of gauze wet dressing as adjuvant therapy combined with topical glucocorticoid and petroleum jelly versus standard therapy alone.

Compared with healthy controls, patients with eczematous cheilitis demonstrated impaired lip barrier function. Application of saline gauze wet dressing significantly improved SCH and normalized pH within 30 min, with sustained barrier restoration over the 7-day treatment period. The adjuvant therapy group showed significantly greater clinical improvement than controls, including marked resolution of fissures and erythema and enhanced barrier function.

Saline gauze wet dressing, as an adjunct to standard topical therapy, provides a simple, convenient, and cost-effective option for improving lip barrier function and accelerating clinical recovery in eczematous cheilitis, thereby enhancing therapeutic outcomes and patient satisfaction.