A person can experience lip discoloration after consuming foods or drinks that contain pigments. Lips may also appear darker or lighter than usual due to sun damage, nutritional deficiencies, or other conditions.
People’s lips can naturally vary in color and appearance depending on several factors, such as their natural skin tone. But when lips change significantly from the color they used to be, it could be a sign of something else.
This article looks at the different causes of lip discoloration, the treatments available, and how to prevent it.
Blood changes color depending on its oxygen content. For example, oxygenated blood appears bright red, while deoxygenated blood can appear either dark red or purple.
Low oxygen content in the blood or poor circulation can cause blueish discoloration in the skin and lips. This is known as cyanosis. Cyanosis occurs when the oxygen saturation levels in a person’s blood fall below
A person may also develop cyanosis if they have atypical hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein present in the blood that transports oxygen. The presence of atypical hemoglobin can significantly reduce the oxygen content of the blood.
Other possible causes of cyanosis include:
- pneumonia
- pulmonary edema
- blood clots
- heart attack
- exposure to toxins
- exposure to freezing temperatures
- spending time at high altitudes
Cyanosis usually indicates an underlying medical condition that requires treatment. A person should seek immediate medical care if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- shallow breathing or difficulty breathing
- headaches that occur more often than usual
- fatigue or muscle weakness
- chest pain
- confusion
- dizziness or loss of coordination
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when a person does not have enough iron in their body.
The symptoms of anemia vary depending on the severity. People who have mild iron deficiency anemia may not experience any symptoms at all.
However, in other cases, the following
- fatigue
- dizziness
- cold feet and hands
- paler skin than usual
- hair loss
When a person has too much iron in the body, it can cause hemochromatosis. One symptom of hemochromatosis is skin color changes. The skin
Some other symptoms of hemochromatosis include:
- joint pain
- fatigue
- unintentional weight loss
- abdominal pain
- low libido
- erectile dysfunction
However, some people with this condition have no symptoms, or only minor symptoms. Doctors treat it by drawing blood to reduce iron in the body, or
Oral candidiasis, or oral thrush, occurs when an overgrowth of Candida fungus develops in the mouth.
Oral thrush can cause white or yellow patches on the inner cheeks, tongue, gums, or lips, as well as:
- soreness in the mouth
- pain when eating or swallowing
- dry, cracked skin at the corners of the mouth and lips
- a bad taste in the mouth
- loss of taste
Exposure to UV light from the sun, or from tanning beds, can result in skin discoloration. This may take various forms.
Sunspots are benign marks that range in size and color, ranging from light brown to dark red. They are not a sign of cancer, but people sometimes choose to undergo cosmetic procedures to reduce their appearance.
Dark, crusty bumps known as actinic keratosis, or sunspots, can also develop. They can appear in any areas that get sun exposure, such as the face, back, chest, and arms, and they can become cancerous.
An estimated 5% to 10% of actinic keratosis lesions will develop into cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Precancerous actinic keratosis legions usually feel tender or painful to the touch, and they may appear inflamed.
It is important to get treatment to remove actinic keratosis lesions so they cannot pose a risk. This may involve surgery or other procedures to remove them.
Laugier-Hunziker syndrome is a benign skin condition that causes dark brown spots known as macules on the lips and the lining of the mouth.
Macules can be
Laugier-Hunziker syndrome does not require medical treatment. However, some people choose to have macules removed for aesthetic reasons.
Some people may experience hyperpigmentation and other skin changes as a side effect of certain medications. These may include:
- cytotoxic drugs, which doctors use to treat cancer
- antipsychotics
- anticonvulsants
- antimalarials
- tetracyclines, which doctors use to treat bacterial infections
- medicines that contain heavy metals
Inflamed or dry lips may occur as a result of a reaction to an allergen or irritant.
Some possible triggers include:
- ingredients in lipsticks or balms
- leather
- rubber
- latex
- topical antibiotics
- fragrances, preservatives, or metals
An allergic reaction involving the lips can cause:
- swelling
- dry, flaky skin
- hypersensitive skin
- bleeding
- pain
These symptoms may improve once a person stops using the product that caused the reaction. However, people who experience persistent or worsening symptoms should contact a doctor.
Treatment options for lip discoloration vary depending on the underlying cause.
For example, people who develop lip discoloration as a result of taking a certain medication can speak with their doctor about alternative treatment options.
Doctors can treat oral thrush with antifungal medications in the form of tablets, lozenges, or mouthwash.
Depending on the situation, other medical treatments for lip discoloration or lesions may include:
- laser therapy
- light therapy
- chemical peels
- cryotherapy
- medicated ointments, such as 5-fluorouracil and Solaraze
A 2018 systematic review in the
- aloe vera gel
- niacinamide
- green tea extract
- turmeric
- vitamin C
However, the authors note that many of the studies were not large-scale clinical trials, and so more research on this is necessary.
People should not try complementary or alternative therapies without first consulting a doctor.
In some cases, people may be able to prevent lip discoloration by:
- quitting smoking, if relevant
- protecting the lips from UV light damage by limiting sun exposure and wearing lip balm with SPF
- avoiding tanning beds
- eating a balanced, nutritious diet
- practicing oral hygiene
People who notice a change in the color of their lips can speak with a doctor for advice.
Seek immediate medical attention if a person has:
- blue lips, nails, or skin
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing
People should also seek medical attention promptly if they notice any new or irregular skin lesions, particularly if they:
- bleed easily
- do not heal
- grow in size
- change color
- feel tender to the touch
Lip discoloration can occur as a result of many conditions, including infections, irritation, iron deficiency anemia, sun exposure, or an allergic reaction. Treatments for lip discoloration vary depending on the cause.
People who notice new or unusual spots on their lips may want to contact their doctor. Some types of sunspots on the lips can develop into skin cancer if a person does not receive treatment for them.
Blue lips may indicate poor circulation or a lack of oxygen in the blood. People should seek immediate medical attention if they have blue lips.