Why is the center of my baby's lower lip purple, and what should I do?
Mar 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, a baby's central lower lip turning blue or purple may be caused by cold stimulation, emotional factors, contact cheilitis, iron-deficiency anemia, bronchopneumonia, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's guidance for treatment, which may include general care and medication. In daily life, high-risk behaviors should be avoided; do not allow the baby to bite hard objects for prolonged periods, to reduce the risk of mechanical injury to the lips.
Generally, a bluish discoloration in the middle of a baby's lower lip may be caused by cold exposure, emotional factors, contact cheilitis, iron deficiency anemia, bronchopneumonia, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and follow the doctor's guidance regarding general care and medication. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Cold Exposure
In cold environments, peripheral blood vessels constrict to reduce heat loss, resulting in decreased blood flow and insufficient oxygenation in the lips, causing the middle of the lower lip to appear bluish.保暖 measures should be taken to avoid prolonged exposure to cold environments, and infants can wear scarves when going outdoors.
2. Emotional Factors
Excessive crying or hyperventilation can cause excessive carbon dioxide exhalation, leading to respiratory alkalosis and subsequent vasoconstriction, causing the middle of the baby's lower lip to turn bluish. Parents should soothe the baby's emotions, prevent excessive crying, and maintain a quiet environment.
3. Contact Cheilitis
Contact cheilitis occurs due to allergic reactions triggered by exposure to irritating substances. Inflammation causes local vasodilation and increased permeability, resulting in bluish discoloration of the lips. Symptoms may also include redness, swelling, and peeling of the lips. Treatment may include topical application of hydrocortisone cream, loratadine syrup, or tacrolimus ointment under the doctor's guidance.
4. Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia may result from insufficient iron intake or impaired absorption, leading to reduced hemoglobin levels and decreased oxygen-carrying capacity. The lip mucosa may appear purplish-blue due to hypoxia. Symptoms may also include pallor and fatigue. Patients may follow medical advice to take medications such as ferrous sulfate syrup, pediatric compound vitamin iron powder, or iron protein succinate oral solution.
5. Bronchopneumonia
Bronchopneumonia may be caused by viral or bacterial infections that trigger pulmonary inflammation. Due to impaired gas exchange caused by inflammation, oxygen intake may be insufficient, resulting in decreased blood oxygen levels and increased reduced hemoglobin, leading to bluish discoloration of the lips and other areas. Symptoms may also include fever and cough. Patients may follow their doctor's recommendations to use medications such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium dry suspension, ribavirin granules, or ambroxol hydrochloride and clenbuterol oral solution.
In daily life, ensure the baby's diet is balanced and rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and iron, including fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and other iron-rich foods.
