What are the Causes of Dark Lips?

Just like the skin, the lips also have melanin though very few in number. The amount of pigment giving skin a natural color is determined by genetic factors. Lips also has a very thin layer of skin than the skin of the face and other body parts. That's why the blood vessels beneath it seems clearer and give pink to red on the lips.

Unfortunately, this natural lip color can be lost and changed color to dark or even black. Although harmless, black lips can indicate other health problems. Black lips can also reduce the level of confidence, especially in women.

Dark Lips Causes

Before looking at ways to tackle the black lips, it helps if you know what are the factors that cause black lips following:

Smoking and alcohol
Smoking addiction in the long term can cause any evasion lips. Nicotine and tar in it constricts the blood vessels so that blood flow is interrupted and darkened lips. This can be overcome when smokers kick the habits. Some specific types of alcohol use acid compounds to accelerate fermentation and cause black spots on the skin. Similarly, certain drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine.

Anemia
Anemia is one of the main factors causing the woman's dark lips productive. All types of anemia can be influential, although most occur in patients with iron deficiency anemia. The anemia hemoglobin concentration lower than normal people.

This hemoglobin carry oxygen and affect the natural red color of blood. Because the lip color is affected by the underlying blood vessels, lack of hemoglobin or red blood cells can make darkened lips and blue.

Dry lips
The thin layer of skin on the lips makes it easier to lose its natural moisture. Moreover, lips do not have oil glands such as the skin. In fact, the lack of moisture can cause chapped lips and if it continues to occur can make lip color change.

Dry lips are usually pale, but if not addressed can cause the skin around the lips brownish. Dry lips usually experienced when the weather is windy, but also common in smokers who often inhale and exhale of the lips.

Exposure to the sun
Exposure to sunlight can stimulate melanin production like that of other parts of the skin. Due to the lower concentration of the lips, the effect may not be too significant. However, low melanin production makes lip protection from sunlight is reduced. Chronic sun for years also can trigger melasma, lentigines and that cause discoloration.

Eating disorder
Malnutrition can occur in people with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. In fact, the nutrients we eat determines Keoptimalan organ work and affect the outer appearance of our body, including the skin and lips. In addition, people with bulimia also have a habit vomit repeatedly and continuously. The stomach acid can damage the teeth and lips and cause darkening of the lips in the long run.

Poisoned
Some heavy metals and toxic substances can cause discoloration of the skin and lips, especially copper, mercury, silver, and bismuth. Some caustic compounds such as acids and strong alkalis can also cause chemical burning of the lips and darken the color.

Cyanosis
Cyanosis is a condition in which the skin and mucous membranes become pale bluish due to the low concentration of oxygen in the blood. This can be caused by a variety of lung problems, cardiovascular, or blood. Symptoms are usually most pronounced cyanosis of the lips and nails and can be exacerbated by cold weather conditions and sports.

If this blue lips accompanied by other symptoms such as decreased consciousness, chills, difficulty breathing, or sweaty hands, immediately consult a doctor. Because cyanosis including disorders are serious enough and require inspection and proper handling.

Eczema
Eczema (also known as eczema or dermatitis) is a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed due to the consequences. Dermatitis is divided menajdi two, ie contact dermatitis and atopic. Contact dermatitis is more common, especially in women who use cosmetics such as lipstick or lip gloss. If it does not match the type of skin, allergies can occur and cause darkening lips, sometimes without any symptoms such as itching.

Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes are often experienced by pregnant women can increase homron estrogen in the body. This can cause a discoloration in the upper lip. The same thing is also experienced by women taking birth control pills to prevent pregnancy or regulate the menstrual period. Based on Medline Plus, the consumption of this kind of pills can cause discoloration of the lips and can be overcome when the consumption of the drug is discontinued.

Certain drugs
Other factors that cause black lips that you need to consider is the consumption of certain drugs. For example, chemotherapy drugs in the treatment of cancer, malaria drugs, antidepressants, hydroquinone in skin whitening, anti-psychotic etc. These drugs can cause hyperpigmentation of the skin and lips.