Black spots on lips-15 Causes and 10 Home remedies that work

Black spots on lips can be a very embarrassing problem to many people. Having dark spots on lips makes a person look unattractive, as lips are an important part of the face, and they play a vital role in enhancing the beauty or appearance of a person.

Black dots on lips can occur due to many reasons ranging from habits like cigarette smoking to disorders like Melasma. Having black marks on lips is not a very common problem. It is encountered in very few people as it occurs very rarely. There are some good home remedies to correct black patches on lips. So, you need not worry much about them.

Black spots on lips causes:

1. Cigarette smoking:

Smoking cigarettes have detrimental effects on our health. It leads to many health disorders like lung cancer, throat cancer, oral cancer, etc. The substance in cigarettes that is addictive is called Nicotine. This Nicotine stains the teeth black. It also leads to the formation of black spots on the lips.

2. Excess Alcohol consumption:

Alcohol consumption in excess amounts regularly is not good for your health. It can damage your liver and can lead to cirrhosis or fibrosis of the liver. It can also lead to black colored staining of your lips, making them look unpleasant. So, always try to avoid drinking alcohol or at least drink in moderation to avoid staining your lips black.

3. Hormonal disorders:

Hormones play a vital role in regulating the bodily functions and metabolism of the body. There are many hormones produced by our body like Thyroid hormone, Insulin, ADH, TSH, ACTH, GH, etc. All the hormones in the body have a specific role or function to perform.

Thyroid hormones have a role in maintaining the body metabolism, temperature control of the body, heat expenditure, etc. If there is an imbalance of the thyroid hormones in the body, it can lead to many problems including black spots on lips.

4. Dehydration:

We need to drink an adequate amount of water every day to maintain adequate hydration of the body. We need sufficient water throughout the day for our bodily functions to be carried out. If we develop dehydration due to any cause like improper intake of water, excess urination, diarrhea or vomiting or any other causes, it has many health implications.

Dehydration can lower your BP and can cause hypotension. This can lead to many serious sequelae. But, if dehydration is minor it only leads to dryness of the skin and lips. This drying up of the lips leads to the formation of dark spots on lips.

5. Vitamin B deficiency:

We need an intake of vitamins of all types in our diet. If we don’t consume a diet rich in vitamins, we end up developing vitamin deficiencies. B vitamin has many subtypes of vitamins, and each of them has a specific function. Inadequate intake of vitamin B can lead to a condition called angular cheilitis.

In angular cheilitis, there is a development of cracks on the lips. Where there is a break in the continuity of the mucous membranes of the lips, fungal infections can easily develop over the lips. These fungal infections form black spots on lips.

6. Use of old lip care products:

Whenever we use any cosmetics including lip balms and lipsticks, we need to ensure that their expiry date is not over. Never use any lip care product or cosmetic which is expired. This can damage your skin and lips very badly. It can lead to the formation of black spots on lips.

7. Dryness of lips:

We need to use lip balms every day to keep our lips moisturized. We also need to drink sufficient water to maintain hydration of the lips. If we fail to do so, lips can become very dry and chapped. Dry lips can bleed readily with the touch of teeth, etc. The bleeding stops after some time and it appears like black marks on lips.

8. Improper fitting of Dental fixtures:

Many people have dental problems, and they tend to get dental fixtures to treat their dental problems. If these dental fixtures are not fitted properly, they can exert pressure on the lips and develop black dots on lips. So, always make sure that your dental fixtures are properly placed. If you are having any problems with them, you need to visit your dentist to get them corrected.

9. Increased melanin pigment:

Melanin pigment is the pigment which makes our hair black and it also gives color to our skin. Black or African people have high levels of melanin pigment in their skin. Some people tend to develop excess melanin pigment in their lips. This can lead to the development of dark spots on lips.

10. Iron overdose:

Iron is an element or mineral which plays a vital role in the formation of hemoglobin, which carries the oxygen and supplies it throughout the body. Some people have an iron deficiency, that leads to anemia. Anemic people have many symptoms like fatigue or tiredness, breathless when anemia is severe, paleness of skin, giddiness, etc.

Anemia caused by iron deficiency is treated with the prescription of iron tablets or supplements. But, the level of hemoglobin needs to be monitored closely by your doctor while prescribing the iron supplements. If you take excessive doses of iron over a long time, it leads to iron overload in the body. This can manifest as black spots on lips.

11. Caffeinated beverages:

We all love caffeine, don’t we? Caffeine is a part of coffee, tea, and chocolates. Caffeine stimulates our brain and makes us feel energetic and active. So, we feel good and active after drinking a cup of coffee or tea.

But, all good things need to be done in moderation only. Or else they can lead to adverse effects. Excess consumption of caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee can lead to staining of teeth and the lips. This can form black spots on lips.

12. Biting your lips:

Some people have the habit of biting their lips when they are stressed or thinking about something deeply. This habit can end up hurting your lips and causing breaks in the skin. This can cause bleeding or predispose to fungal infections. Both of them can develop black marks on lips. This problem of dark marks on lips is also seen in people with bad habits like licking the lips repetitively.

13. Melanoma:

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It is caused by excessive sun exposure that has ultraviolet light in it. It is more common among white people and there is also a genetic predisposition. Melanoma skin cancer can also lead to the formation of black dots on lips.

14. Melasma:

Melasma is also a skin disorder caused by excess sun exposure. It increases the melanin pigment in the skin and the lips. It leads to the formation of black marks on lips or brown spots. Such black or brown marks also appear on cheeks, bridge of nose, forehead, and chin. This condition is more common in pregnant women.

15. Allergic reaction to lip care products:

Lip care products can contain many different chemicals in them. These chemicals or ingredients are not suitable for everyone. The lips of some people are extremely sensitive and so they might develop allergic reactions to these products. This can develop black spots on lips.

Black spots on lips diagnosis:

The majority of cases of black spots on lips are harmless. But, there are some dangerous causes like cancer of the skin which can form black dots on lips. So, we need to consult a dermatologist at first and rule out harmful condition before using the home remedies.

At first, your physician will take a detailed history and analyze all your symptom patterns. He will also perform a physical exam. He will examine the black marks on lips with a specialized instrument called dermoscopy.

Then if he suspects any cancer or tumor, he will take a small tissue sample from your lip. This procedure is called biopsy. Then this tissue sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis under a microscope. If the results are positive, you will need to consult an oncologist or cancer specialist. If the results are negative then no need to worry at all.

Your physician might also send for Thyroid function tests if he suspects and thyroid imbalance. If your physical exam and tests turn out to be normal, and dermatologist reassures you that you have no problem, then don’t worry at all. You can you the home remedies that we discuss below to get rid of black patches on lips.

Black spots on lips home remedies:

1. Apple cider vinegar for black dots on lips:

   

Apple cider vinegar is a very effective remedy to get rid of black spots on lips. It has astringent properties. Due to this property, apple cider vinegar exfoliates the upper layer of lips containing the black spots. It also reduces the infections of the lips like fungal infections that may be causing black marks.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
• Cotton swab

Directions:

• Take a cotton swab which is sterile
• Then dip it in the apple cider vinegar
• Then apply it over the lips and massage for 1 or 2 minutes
• Then leave it on for 5 minutes and then rinse your lips well

2. Almond oil:

   

Almond oil is highly nutritious, and it contains many nourishing vitamins like vitamin B and vitamin E. Vitamin E plays a major role in strengthening our skin. Many people use vitamin E supplements to beautify their hair and skin.

Almond oil moisturizes the lips and makes them moist and prevents dryness and chapping. This corrects some of the causes of black spots on lips. It also has bleaching properties that help in getting rid of black blemishes on lips.

Ingredients:

• 5 t 6 drops of almond oil

Directions:

• Take few drops of almond oil over the edge of your fingers
• Then apply the almond oil over the lips and massage well
• You can also apply almond oil with a cotton swab
• Try to apply almond oil over the lips every day at night
• This helps in making your lips soft until morning

3. Lemon juice:

   

Lemon juice has astringent properties similar to apple cider vinegar. It helps in removing the black spots on lips due to its exfoliative action. It also has mild bleaching properties that help in getting rid of black dots.

Ingredients:

• ¼ teaspoon of lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon of honey

Directions:

• Mix the lemon juice with honey
• Then apply this mixture over the lips and massage well
• Then wait for few minutes and wash lips with Luke warm water

4. Beetroot application:

   

Beetroot is a very nutritious vegetable. It helps in removing black stains over the lips. It also protects the lips from oxidative stress and free radical damage. They soothe the lips and make them soft and supple. Just take a beetroot and cut it into round slices. Then rub the beetroot over the lips and wait for few minutes. Then wash your lips.

5. Rose petals and glycerine for black spots on lips:

   

Rose petals can nurture and nourish our skin and lips when used as part of skin care and lip care regimen. Rose petals have vitamin E in abundance. It helps in protecting the lips from oxidative stress and it also hydrates the lips.

The glycerine present in this mixture helps to reduce black blemishes. It also has hydrating and moisturizing properties. Take 3 to 4 rose petals and crush them coarsely. Then add a ¾ teaspoon of glycerin to it. Apply this mixture over the lips and wait for few minutes and rinse it off.

6. Pomegranate seeds:

   

Pomegranate seeds can help in hydrating the lips when applied over them. They promote blood circulation to the lips and help in regeneration of the chapped and cracked lips. Just take 1 teaspoon of pomegranate seeds and make a fine paste by grinding them. Then add 1 teaspoon of honey to it. Appl this mixture on the lips, wait for 5 minutes and then rinse well with water.

7. Maintain a healthy diet:

A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential to keep your lips nourished and to treat black spots on lips. Take fresh fruits, vegetables, and milk every day. Try to include dry fruits containing healthy fats in your diet.

8. Drink adequate water:

Dehydration can dry out the lips and can lead to black marks on lips. So, drink at least 1.5 liters of water every day. If you don’t feel like drinking plain water, you can make fresh fruit juices, green smoothies, etc and drink every day. You can also add mint leaves or lemon juice to the water to make it interesting to drink.

9. Avoid sun exposure in excess:

Don’t get exposed to the sun for prolonged periods. This can increase the melanin pigment in the lips and can also lead to disorders like melasma and melanoma. So, only expose to the sun for a limited period of time and that too to get your vitamin D every day.

10. Take vitamin C rich fruits:

Vitamin C is absolutely essential to treat the chapped and cracked lips. It helps in the formation of collagen. Collagen is a vital part of the connective tissues and the tissue forming your lip. So, take vitamin C every day in the form of citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, etc. You can also take vitamin C supplements every day.

Other helpful tips to treat black spots on lips:

• Apply lip balm over the lips every day. Apply lip balm several times a day, and choose a lip balm made of natural products, which doesn’t have any chemicals.
• Never use expired cosmetics and lip care products like lip balms and lip sticks.
• Avoid drinking excess amounts of alcohol and smoking cigarettes.
• If you are allergic or develop an allergy to any lip care product, stop using it immediately and consult your doctor.
• Don’t bite or lick your lips. Keep a watch on your bad habits like these.
• Don’t eat excessively hot foods. Let them cool down a bit before eating.
• If you are taking any iron supplements, don’t take any overdose or don’t self-prescribe. Always take iron supplements in consultation with your physician.
• You can use sugar scrub made of sugar and honey over the lips to remove dead skin cells over the lips.
• You can also use a paste of nutmeg powder, turmeric and rose water over your lips to get rid of black spots on lips.
• Cucumber juice, when applied over the lips, is very effective in curing black spots.
• Strawberries are also very good at treating the black marks on lips.
• Reduce intake of caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee and reduce intake of chocolates.

Black spots on lips Pictures:

I hope you people have understood all the causes and home remedies of black spots on lips. I hope you follow these remedies and benefit from them. Let us meet again with another interesting and helpful health article.