What causes purple and cracked lips?

Generally, purple and chapped lips may be caused by environmental dryness, unhealthy habits, iron deficiency anemia, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other factors. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Environmental Dryness

Dry environments, such as during autumn and winter or in air-conditioned rooms, may accelerate evaporation of moisture from the lip mucosa. Dehydration of the stratum corneum reduces its elasticity, leading to chapping. Regular use of lip balms containing petroleum jelly or hyaluronic acid, and using a humidifier indoors to maintain humidity, are recommended.

2. Unhealthy Habits

Frequent lip licking may stimulate the lips with amylase in saliva, accelerating moisture evaporation and worsening dryness. Mouth breathing also reduces lip moisture. It is recommended to correct habits such as lip licking or biting, and to wear a mask to reduce lip exposure.

3. Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia may be caused by insufficient iron intake or absorption disorders. Reduced hemoglobin levels may lead to tissue hypoxia, causing the lip mucosa to appear pale or purplish and dry. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness. Treatment may include medications such as compound ferrous sulfate granules, iron dextran tablets, or ferrous fumarate tablets under medical guidance.

4. Diabetes

Diabetes is caused by insufficient insulin secretion or insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. High blood sugar can cause microvascular lesions, resulting in insufficient blood supply to the lip mucosa, and osmotic diuresis-induced dehydration, leading to the above symptoms. Symptoms may also include excessive thirst and frequent urination. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as metformin hydrochloride tablets, voglibose tablets, or acarbose tablets to alleviate symptoms.

5. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD may be caused by long-term smoking or chronic bronchitis leading to airway obstruction. Ventilatory dysfunction may cause hypoxemia, resulting in decreased oxygen saturation and bluish discoloration of the lip mucosa. Mouth breathing further exacerbates dryness. Patients may also experience symptoms such as coughing and sputum production. Treatment options include medications such as budesonide suspension for inhalation, compound salbutamol sulfate inhaler, and ipratropium bromide inhaler, used under medical guidance.

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. If purple and chapped lips persist for more than two weeks or are accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, seek medical attention promptly.