Black Spots on Lips

Black spots on the lips are an unusual looking phenomenon that can be a cause of concern for those who develop them. For some they might also be seen as unattractive or embarrassing so it’s natural to want to find out what the cause is and whether there is a cure. There are many causes for dark or black spots on the lips, as well as many potential remedies, which we shall examine here.

Potential Causes of Black Spots on the Lips

• Excessive consumption of caffeinated/hot beverages such as coffee or tea

• Constant lip licking or lip biting

• Large amounts of iron in the body

• Vitamin B deficiency

• Hormone Imbalances

• Allergic reactions to toothpastes/medication

• Smoking/Drinking can cause black marks

• Dry lips can sometimes develop into black spots or wounds

• Badly fitted dental fixtures

• Hyper-Pigmentation – Wherein there is too much pigment in the lips

• Wearing old, expired lipsticks

• Cancer – In rare cases dark spots on the lips can be a sign of cancer. Normally this will affect the lower lip and you will likely notice lumps too. This is caused by repeated exposure to the sun and is most common in those with outdoor jobs.

Remedies

Fortunately there are many remedies for dark patches on the lips. One is to avoid hot foods and drinks and to instead ensure that you give them adequate time to cool down. Another is to use chapstick, and to avoid licking or biting your lips. Avoid too much sun exposure which can dry them out and use moisturisers and drink lots of water to keep them hydrated all year round. If you spend a lot of time outdoors exposed to the sun then make sure to wear a lipgloss or moisturiser with sun-block included. If you smoke or drink excess alcohol then you should cut this down.

Likewise address your diet – if you have increased your iron intake then perhaps try reducing this (check any supplements you’ve been taking). Likewise think of any new medications you have been using that might have caused this change.

You should also see a dentist and or dermatologist. They will be able to screen for lip cancer or mouth cancer, and to check the quality of any dental fixtures. If you request they may be able to remove dark patches with laser surgery.

A natural remedy you can use to lighten patches of skin including dark spots on your lips or scars is to use lemon juice. Lemon is a natural bleach and by applying it to areas of your skin for a few nights before bed you can lighten the colour effectively.

Covering Up Black Spots

In the meantime there are fortunately several ways that women in particular can cover up dark patches on their lips. The most obvious is of course to wear a bold colour of lipstick such as red, or darker colours such as a deep purple – but avoid those that are old or expired.