Chongqing Trial of 52 Patients: Antimicrobial Peptide Lip Balm Matched Tacrolimus for Chronic Cheilitis by Week 4 With Fewer Side Effects
In a double-blind controlled trial at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 52 patients with chronic lip inflammation used a lip balm containing calcium-based antimicrobial peptide compounds or 0.03% tacrolimus ointment for four weeks. Both groups improved markedly by week 4, though tacrolimus worked faster at week 2; mild adverse events occurred in 7.7% vs. 23.1%, and 45 patients completed treatment, the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology paper reports.