Our lips have more than a million nerve endings and are much more sensitive than our fingertips. They need special care. Sometimes they can signal to us that we have some real problems with our health and that we need to pay proper attention to these conditions.
We at Bright Side believe that it’s not just the eyes, but also the lips that can be a mirror of your health and found 8 signs that could indicate that you may have a problem.
1. Cracks at the corners of your mouth
When saliva gets trapped in the corners of your mouth, it dries out skin
that can crack. You might lick your lips often and warmth and moisture
in the corners create the perfect conditions for infections.
Infection is the most common cause of these cracks. If it happens too often, please don’t hesitate to go to a doctor.
2. Dry and chapped lips
The dryness of your lips can indicate a lack of moisture in the rest of
the body. It can also happen because of the climate or stress. In this
case, drink more water and use moisturizing creams.
Also, the reason for chapped lips can be an allergy. Please, pay
attention if you have some other symptoms like itching, for example.
3. Bumps on the lips
Lip bumps can be painful or uncomfortable, but most of the time they are harmless and can disappear without any treatment.
It can be an injury, for example, after an injection of hyaluronic acid. Reactions to food may also cause these conditions.
It is very often the case that the cause is a viral infection, like herpes, and it needs proper medical treatment.
4. Red ring around lips
One of the most common reasons for a red ring around the mouth is lip
licker’s dermatitis. Repetitive licking of lips dries out the natural
oils from the skin around the lips and makes them red and itchy.
Simple moisturizers and getting rid of this habit can solve this problem.
5. Wrinkles on the upper lip
If you started noticing lots of wrinkles on the upper lip, there can be both physical and emotional reasons.
Pay attention to your bad habits, like using a straw to drink a lot or smoking too much because of being stressed.
6. Discoloration of lips
Blue lips can indicate poor oxygen circulation in the blood. You can have the same symptoms in your fingers and toes.
White or pale lips can indicate anemia, which actually requires medical
attention. It is also possible that you have low blood sugar,
circulatory problems, or vitamin deficiencies.
7. Swollen lips
Swelling can be a sign of an allergic reaction. If you noticed that your
lips get bigger every time you use certain cosmetics, get rid of them.
If your lips are getting bigger and bigger over a short period of time, call the paramedics.
8. Black spots on lips
There can be various reasons for black spots on the lips and you
shouldn’t ignore them. The best option is to diagnose them by going to a
doctor.
Hyperpigmentation is a common condition that can cause brownish patches.
You may notice it not just on your lips, but also your cheeks, nose,
and forehead.
Sunspots can also be a reason. In this case, you feel them more
than you see them. As soon as it is considered a pre-cancer, it’s
important to make an appointment with your doctor.
Your body may absorb too much iron from the food you eat.