What causes purple, dry, and peeling lips?

Generally, purple, dry, and peeling lips may be caused by factors such as dry and dehydrated environments, habitual irritation, allergic cheilitis, anemia, or congenital heart disease. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a reputable hospital. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Dry and Dehydrated Environment

Dry climates or insufficient water intake can lead to rapid moisture loss from the lip mucosa and reduced local blood circulation, resulting in dryness, peeling, and a purplish discoloration. It is important to hydrate adequately, use simple-ingredient lip balms for moisturizing, and wear masks outdoors to reduce moisture evaporation.

2. Habitual Irritation

Frequently licking or biting the lips damages the protective mucosal barrier. As saliva evaporates, it removes moisture, leading to dryness and peeling. Repeated irritation may also impair local blood supply, causing lips to appear purple. Consciously correct habits like lip-licking or biting. Clean lips with warm water and apply lip balm afterward; avoid tearing off flaky skin.

3. Allergic Cheilitis

Inflammation triggered by allergens such as lipstick or toothpaste can cause lip mucosa congestion and swelling, leading to purple discoloration, cracking, and peeling, often accompanied by itching. Antihistamines such as loratadine tablets, cetirizine hydrochloride capsules, or ebastine tablets may be used under medical guidance. Avoid known allergens and choose fragrance-free, additive-free lip products.

4. Anemia

Insufficient red blood cells or hemoglobin reduces oxygen and blood supply to the lip mucosa, causing a purplish appearance. Poor nutrition in the mucosa also makes it prone to dryness and peeling. Under medical supervision, iron supplements such as ferrous fumarate tablets, ferrous succinate tablets, or compound ferrous sulfate and folic acid tablets may be taken. Increase dietary intake of iron-rich foods like lean meat and spinach.

5. Congenital Heart Disease

Abnormal heart structure leads to circulatory dysfunction and reduced pulmonary oxygenation, resulting in low blood oxygen levels. This causes chronic lip cyanosis (bluish-purple discoloration), while hypoxia also contributes to dry, peeling lips. Treatment should follow medical advice based on specific conditions. Common surgical interventions include atrial septal defect repair, ventricular septal defect repair, and patent ductus arteriosus ligation.

Maintain regular hydration, avoid prolonged exposure of lips to dry and cold environments; use gentle lip and oral care products to minimize irritation; maintain a balanced diet to ensure adequate nutrition, and undergo regular health check-ups to detect and address abnormalities early.