What medical condition causes numbness of the lips?
May 23, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Lip numbness may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as allergies, facial neuritis, etc., and symptomatic treatment should be provided based on the specific situation. The detailed analysis is as follows: Prolonged prone positioning can compress the face, leading to local circulatory impairment and insufficient blood supply to areas such as the lips, which may result in lip numbness. This is considered a normal phenomenon.
Lip numbness may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions, such as allergies, facial neuritis, etc. Appropriate treatment should be based on the specific cause. The detailed analysis is as follows:
I. Physiological Factors
If a person remains in a prone position for a prolonged period, resulting in facial compression and local circulatory impairment, insufficient blood supply to areas such as the lips may lead to lip numbness. This is considered normal and typically resolves spontaneously.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Allergy
Patients with an allergic constitution may develop symptoms after consuming allergenic substances such as mangoes or crabs. Prolonged contact of these substances with the lips allows certain food components to enter the subcutaneous tissue, triggering mast cells to release inflammatory mediators and causing an allergic reaction, including lip numbness. It is recommended that patients take antiallergic medications such as loratadine tablets or levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets under medical supervision.
2. Facial Neuritis
If a patient is exposed to cold temperatures for a long time, the facial nerves may be irritated by the cold, leading to circulatory disturbances. Local blood vessels constrict in response to cold, causing facial muscle spasms and resulting in facial neuritis. Given the high density of nerves in the lips, abnormal nerve conduction can occur, manifesting as lip numbness. Patients are advised to seek medical evaluation at a hospital for a comprehensive assessment to determine disease severity and receive appropriate treatment.
In addition, lip numbness could also result from other causes such as trigeminal ganglion paralysis, mandibular osteomyelitis, or brainstem injury. In daily life, it is recommended to maintain adequate nutrition and avoid chronic sleep deprivation.
