9 Reasons for Black Spots on Lips

Just like our skin and hair, our lips also need some attention and care. Compared to the skin on our body, the skin on our lips is thinner and doesn’t even have sweat glands. This means our lips are prone to dryness and chapping. Not only that, some people also get black or dark spots on their lips. You may think that it is due to pigmentation, but this is not the only reason. Let’s see the causes of black spots on lips and how to get rid of them.

9 Reasons for Black Spots on Lips

Black spots on lips appear due to many reasons. They are not a cause for concern, but in rare cases, if the dark spot changes shape or size, it could be a sign of oral melanoma. Therefore, before trying any kind of treatment at home, you should consult your doctor for proper diagnosis. Here are some causes of black spots on lips:

1. Oral melanoma

Skin cancer, or oral melanoma, is a dangerous form of cancer and usually appears as a small black or brown spot that changes in color, shape, or size.

2. Hyperpigmentation

It can appear anywhere, including on the lips. There are many causes of hyperpigmentation, hormonal changes in the body due to pregnancy, injuries, insect bites, acne, harsh skin care products, etc. To reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation, you can wear a sun protection lip balm. Apart from this, a dermatologist may prescribe azelaic acid, tretinoin, kojic acid and hydroquinone to help reduce dark spots on the lips.

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3. Allergic reactions to products

Black spots on the lips can also appear due to an allergic reaction to a new product you are using. This condition is also known as allergic contact cheilitis or pigmented contact cheilitis. It can also be caused by nickel in toothpaste, mouthwash, hair dye, fragrance, lipstick, lip balm, flavors and green tea.

4. Angiokeratoma of Fordyce

These patches, usually caused by dilated skin capillaries, are usually dark red, black, reddish blue, or purple in color. They can also appear on other skin areas. If left untreated, they develop a pimple-like appearance and occasionally cause bleeding, thrombosis, pain and/or swelling.

5. Hemochromatosis or too much iron

When the body begins to store and absorb too much iron, it can cause problems such as dark spots on the skin, fatigue, liver problems and pain. To reduce the amount of iron in the body, the doctor will give you medication and ask you to stop taking iron supplements.

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6. Dehydration

If you are dehydrated, the first signs of it are your skin and lips. Dry and chapped lips lead to urges to lick, pick or bite them, leading to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and black and black spots.

7. Sunspots

Also known as actinic keratosis, these spots arise from damage caused by sunlight and UV rays. This may require treatments such as freezing or chemical peels under professional care.

8. Vitamin B12 deficiency

Lack of vitamin B12 causes the skin to darken. It also indicates anemia and other symptoms like mouth sores, irritation, red tongue, sore tongue, yellow skin. Treatment involves taking multivitamins and eating vitamin-rich foods. In severe deficiencies, weekly injections may be recommended.

9. Smoking

Smoking causes dark spots on lips and the solution is to stop smoking and give the skin some time to heal.

10. Medicines

Certain drugs including antimalarial drugs, analgesics, antimicrobials etc. can induce pigmentation. Talk to a doctor to guide you on this.

11. Hormone disorders

An imbalanced thyroid or other hormones can contribute to dark spots on the skin, requiring targeted treatment to restore hormone levels.

12. Melanotic scar

It is a type of non-cancerous hyperpigmentation that is caused by excessive melanin production and is often treated with appropriate medical intervention and sun exposure.

13. Laugier-Hunziker syndrome

Usually benign, this condition responds well to laser treatment without the need for extensive medical intervention.

14. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

This cause of black spots on lips is often associated with stomach cancer. Spots appear on the eyes, nose, hands, mouth or fingers. They can be fatal if not treated in time. Common options for treatment include routine tests of cancerous areas, removal of bleeding spots, and treatment of gastric tumors.

7 tips to manage black spots on lips:

1. Apply lip balm with SPF to protect lips from harmful UV rays, which can aggravate dark spots and cause pigmentation problems.
2. Keep lips well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using moisturizing lip balms or creams.
3. Exfoliate lips regularly to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. It helps fade dark spots over time.
4. Look for lip treatments that contain ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, kojic acid or licorice extract, known for their skin-brightening properties. Apply these treatments consistently to target dark spots directly.
5. Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants to support overall skin health, including the delicate skin on the lips.
6. Smoking darkens lips and worsens existing dark spots. Quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke can help prevent pigmentation problems.
7. If black spots persist despite home remedies, consult a dermatologist for better treatment.