Cheilitis due to treatment with simvastatin

Inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase are very common and effective treatments for hyperlipidemia. Epidermal cholesterol synthesis has been shown to be essential for maintaining the cutaneous barrier function. We present two patients who experienced cheilitis after beginning treatment of hyperlipidemia with simvastatin (Zocor(R)). The rash resolved after discontinuation of medication and subsequent treatment with topical moisturizers and topical corticosteroids. We suspect that skin barrier dysfunction may occur in the mucosa from inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase in a manner analogous to the epidermis.