According to Dr. Timothy Chase, as long as your lips are "pink, soft, and smooth" you have nothing to worry about, but a little information can help you take care of them even better.
Our lips are one of the major features that help make our face unique from the others. While our lips are usually seen just as a beauty element, they need care like any other part of our body.
According to Hari Simran Khalsa, a wellness expert, lips are a "doorway" which keeps us informed about the inner workings of our body. "The upper lip represents the lungs, thyroid, heart, stomach, liver, and kidneys while the entire lower lip is a reflection of the intestines," she said, in a column for Australian beauty brand Kora Organics.
The color, shape, and texture can reveal signs of health problems that you might be ignoring. But, don't you worry, we've got you. Here are eight signs your lips are conveying that may help you analyze your body's health status.
This might be a sign that you need another tall glass of water. Lips usually end up chapped and dry when there's less amount of water in the body. Climate change can also lead to dry lips. While applying lip balm might help moisturize your lips for time being, rehydrating works for a longer time. Do not ignore if your lips start itching while being chapped, it could be a sign of an allergy. Avoid licking your lips as the saliva might crack them even further.
Do you lick your lips too often? The moisture and warmth in the corners of the lips are perfect for infections to breed. Dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara says, "If you drool in your sleep or wear an orthodontic retainer, bacteria can accumulate around your mouth and cause an infection," as reported by Good House Keeping. Do not panic, a simple visit to your dermatologist or physician can solve your yeast-infection.
This is another problem that can be seen in lip lickers. Also known as the lip lickers dermatitis, well-defined skin inflammation can be seen around the lips. Repetitive licking of the lips takes away the natural oil around the lips and it ends up looking red, scaly, crusty, and itchy. Lip dermatitis may also happen to those who have a genetic predisposition to eczema, according to Healthline. The best way to avoid this is by getting rid of the habit entirely and also by moisturizing the lips and the surrounding area regularly.
Change in the color of your lips can be due to smoking or can be a sign of severe liver problems. Usually, blue lips indicate a lack of oxygen in the body, and the same discoloration can be seen in the fingers and toes. Pale lips can be a sign of anemia, low blood sugar, circulatory problems, or vitamin deficiencies. Your doctor's consultation would be the right measure to take in this situation.
Among the various reasons why you might find black spots on your lips, hyperpigmentation, sunspots, vitamin B-12 deficiency, etc. might be some of the reasons, according to Medical News Today. Hyperpigmentation can be noticed not only on the lips but on your cheeks, forehead, and nose as well. They form brown patches which are quite common. Sunspots can be painful.
According to Dr. Timothy Chase, DMD, of SmilesNY, "Swollen lips can be a result of getting hit in the mouth, or come from an allergic reaction," as reported by Good House Keeping. Being aware of the reaction is highly important. If you observe the reaction after using a cosmetic product, make a promise to yourself to never use it again, yes, even if it's your favorite. In case of an itchy throat or burning sensation, contact your doctor immediately. It could be a reaction to something you ate.
Cold sores or bumps/blisters on your lips can be painful but they tend to heal themselves over time. They can also be a result of the herpes virus, according to Mayo Clinic. According to dermatologist Dr. Gohara, "Usually people feel a tingling before the cold sore surfaces," she continues, "Once you feel that sensation, you can put a prescribed medication to suppress the cold sore." Avoiding excessive sunlight could be a great idea too.
Wrinkles on top of your lips could be because of physical and emotional reasons. Physical and mental tension can be one of the reasons for wrinkles. Excessive smoking is another cause. According to Khalsa, worrying too much and fear can also cause the top of your lips to wrinkle.
By hydrating yourself, moisturizing your lips with lip balms and moisturizers, you can maintain healthy lips. And if you notice any of the signs, a visit to your doctor can solve all the potential problems.
References:
https://blog.koraorganics.com/lips-reveal-what-is-real/
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a32924/lips-symptoms-health/
https://www.healthline.com/health/eczema-on-lips
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20371017
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
