What causes a man's lips to turn purple?
Mar 20, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, purple lips in men may be caused by environmental irritation, vitamin deficiency, cheilitis, iron-deficiency anemia, Raynaud's disease, or other factors. If you experience any discomfort, please seek medical attention promptly and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. In daily life, avoid lip irritation, reduce the use of lip products containing alcohol, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and wear a mask when going outdoors.
Generally, purple lips in men may be caused by environmental factors, genetic factors, cheilitis, iron deficiency anemia, Raynaud's disease, or other reasons. If any discomfort occurs, please seek medical attention promptly and undergo appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Environmental Stimulation
Exposure to cold or dry climates may cause vasoconstriction of the lip blood vessels, reducing localized blood flow and causing the mucous membrane to appear bluish-purple. At the same time, accelerated evaporation of moisture may lead to chapping. It is recommended to wear a mask for warmth when going outdoors, use lip balm containing petroleum jelly or vitamin E, and use a humidifier indoors to maintain proper humidity.
2. Genetic Factors
If one or both parents have naturally purple or darker lips, their offspring may exhibit the same characteristics, which is generally considered normal and does not require special treatment. It is advisable to consume foods rich in vitamins, such as animal liver, leafy green vegetables, and nuts.
3. Cheilitis
Cheilitis may be related to intense ultraviolet exposure, poor lifestyle habits, allergic reactions, or drug side effects. Inflammation can damage the mucosal barrier, cause capillary dilation, lead to blood leakage and purple discoloration, and worsen dryness and chapping. Symptoms may also include flaking and swelling of the lips. Treatment may involve medications such as riboflavin tablets, acyclovir tablets, and mometasone furoate gel, as directed by a physician.
4. Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is mainly caused by insufficient iron intake, poor iron absorption, excessive iron loss, or increased iron requirements. When hemoglobin synthesis decreases and the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood declines, the lip mucosa may become hypoxic and appear purple. This condition may also present with symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness. Patients may take medications such as compound ferrous sulfate granules, iron dextran tablets, or ferrous fumarate tablets as prescribed by a doctor to alleviate symptoms.
5. Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud's disease may be associated with genetic factors, vascular nerve dysfunction, autoimmune diseases, or obstructive arterial diseases. Patients may experience vasoconstriction and ischemia of the lip blood vessels upon exposure to cold or stress, causing the lips to turn pale, followed by cyanosis upon rewarming, and repeated ischemia may lead to mucosal dryness and cracking. Other symptoms may include color changes and pain in the toes when exposed to cold. Patients may use medications such as metformin hydrochloride tablets, prazosin hydrochloride tablets, or xuesaitong soft capsules as recommended by a doctor.
It is advisable to avoid lip irritation, reduce the use of lip products containing alcohol, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and wear a mask when outdoors.
