Your lips are not just a pretty feature but act like a mirror for your entire health. The changes in color, texture, or the condition of your lips might indicate some health problems that need to be taken into consideration. Be it pale white lips or dry and discolouration symptoms, one should not ignore these signs.
In this article, we explore what your lip colour and condition reveal about your health and how to maintain healthy, normal lips. The better you understand what your lips are telling you, the more proactive you will become in taking good care of your health.
Healthy lips are soft, pinkish, and moist. The pink colouration is due to the blood vessels underneath the thin skin of the lips. Although there may be slight variations in lip colour among people based on their skin tone and genetics, bright and moist lips generally indicate healthy lips.
Now, the condition of your lips depends on various factors, such as hydration, nutrition, exposure to the environment, and your health condition. However, if there is a noticeable change, such as paleness, dryness, or discolouration, then it may indicate a health concern that needs to be addressed.
Monitoring your lips for any colour changes will indicate early signs of possible issues so that timely intervention and care can be applied.
Also Read: Eye Health
White or pale lips may indicate a low level of blood flow, low oxygen in the body, or an underlying health issue. Some of the common causes of white lips and what they might indicate are as follows:
One of the common causes of pale or white lips is anaemia, a condition brought about by either the deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin. This results in a deficiency of oxygen being delivered to various parts of the body, leading to dizziness, fatigue, and even coldness of extremities.
It most commonly arises from the lack of a balanced diet, chronic diseases, or genetic conditions. Hence, the best course of treatment is determining the underlying cause.
Dehydration decreases the blood volume and tends to give the impression that your lips are pale and dry. Other symptoms include a parched mouth, sunken eyes, and dark-colored urine. Healthy body functioning and maintaining the natural color of your lips demand proper hydration.
Diabetic or hypoglycemic patients can also suffer from pale lips because of sudden drops in blood sugar. Such conditions are usually accompanied by sweating, confusion, shakiness, and fatigue. These must be addressed immediately to avoid further complications.
Poor blood circulation caused by low blood pressure or heart conditions can make the lips appear white or pale. Changes like these can point to cardiovascular problems that a doctor should check.
This infection can cause patches of white in the mouth and lips. It can be associated with pain, dysphagia, and an overall cotton-like feeling in the mouth. Oral thrush can arise from weakened immunity, extensive use of antibiotics, or other health issues.
This gives the lips a white or pale appearance since the blood supply decreases whenever the cold temperature causes the blood vessels to contract. The condition is usually reversible with the restoration of normal temperatures. Preventing cold stress can minimize this effect by applying proper moisture-replenishing products to the lips.
Also Read: Health Benefits Of Cauliflower
Unhealthy lips may not change colour, but they might show some other symptoms, such as dryness, cracking, swelling, or sores. Here are the common signs of unhealthy lips, along with their possible causes:
Also Read: Health Benefits Of Lettuce
Maintaining healthy and naturally red lips requires good care and proper management. The following tips may be effective in this regard:
Also Read: Fermented Foods For Gut Health
Not all lip colour changes are benign. You should see a doctor if you have any of the following:
● Persistent pale or white lips without obvious cause.
● Bleeding, cracking, or excessive dryness of the lips.
● Swelling, pain, or ulcers lasting more than a few days.
● Lips turning blue or purple due to oxygen starvation or heart disease.
The state of your lips can reveal much about your health. Changes in color or appearance, for example, pale, dry, or discolored lips, may indicate some conditions ranging from mild to more serious. Healthy and naturally red lips can be attained with proper hydration, nutrition, and care. However, if the changes do not improve or worsen, it would be best to visit a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
With the knowledge of all these signs, you may take proactive measures to care for your overall health. Healthy lips reflect a healthy body, so it's advisable to give them the proper care and attention required.
We’re Star Health. We offer the coverage that’s designed to help keep you healthy. It's the care that comes to you, and stays with you.