What does it mean if my lips are dry and purple?
Mar 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
In general, dry and purplish lips may be caused by factors such as dehydration, cold exposure, allergic cheilitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or congenital heart disease. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and follow the guidance of a physician for treatment. In daily life, avoid known allergens, engage in moderate exercise to strengthen cardiopulmonary function, and maintain humid indoor air.
Generally, dry and purple lips may be caused by dehydration, cold exposure, allergic cheilitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congenital heart disease, or other factors. It is advisable to seek timely medical attention and follow the guidance of a physician for treatment. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Dehydration
When the body lacks sufficient water intake or loses excessive fluids due to heavy sweating, diarrhea, or other causes, the moisture content in the lip mucosa decreases, leading to dry lips. At the same time, blood circulation slows down, and hemoglobin's ability to carry oxygen diminishes, which may cause the lips to appear purple. In daily life, it's important to replenish fluids promptly, drinking at least 1500-2000 milliliters of water per day, and avoid prolonged exposure to high-temperature environments.
2. Cold Exposure
In cold environments, peripheral blood vessels in the body constrict to reduce heat loss, including those in the lips. Vasoconstriction leads to poor blood circulation in the lips, causing them to turn purple. Additionally, low temperatures accelerate evaporation of moisture from the lips, resulting in dryness. It is important to keep warm, wear a mask when outdoors, and minimize the time the lips are exposed to cold air.
3. Allergic Cheilitis
Allergic cheilitis can be caused by allergens or infections. When patients come into contact with allergens such as lipstick or lip balm, an allergic reaction occurs in the lips, causing inflammation, dryness, flaking, and local circulatory disturbances that may lead to purple discoloration. Symptoms may also include itching and swelling. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as hydrocortisone butyrate cream, tacrolimus ointment, and loratadine tablets.
4. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is often caused by long-term smoking, air pollution, and other factors, which may lead to airway obstruction and impaired ventilation. The body becomes oxygen-deficient, increasing the level of reduced hemoglobin in the blood, causing the lips to turn purple. Due to impaired respiratory function, increased respiratory rate may cause moisture loss from the lips, resulting in dryness. Symptoms may also include coughing, sputum production, and difficulty breathing. Patients may use medications such as salbutamol aerosol, budesonide-formoterol powder inhaler, and aminophylline tablets under a physician's guidance.
5. Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease primarily results from abnormal heart development during fetal stages. Structural abnormalities in the heart alter blood flow dynamics, allowing some venous blood to enter systemic circulation without sufficient oxygenation, causing systemic hypoxia and purple lips. Due to oxygen deficiency, metabolism is impaired, making the lips prone to dryness. Symptoms may also include palpitations, shortness of breath, and delayed growth and development. Patients may take medications such as digoxin tablets, furosemide tablets, and spironolactone tablets according to a physician's recommendations.
In daily life, it is important to avoid known allergens, engage in moderate exercise to strengthen cardiopulmonary function, and maintain indoor air humidity.
