What are the reasons for prolonged lack of lip color?

Aug 14, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, I have often noticed that my lips appear pale. I would like to know what causes lips to lose their color for an extended period of time.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng

Changes in lip color can reflect the health status of the body. Causes of prolonged abnormal lip color:

1. Anemia: This is a common cause of pale lips. In anemia, the number of red blood cells decreases or the hemoglobin level drops, affecting the blood's ability to carry oxygen, which leads to paler lips. Patients are advised to consume foods rich in iron, such as pork liver and pig blood, and to take blood-building medications under a doctor's guidance.

2. Hypoxia: When body tissues do not receive sufficient oxygen, the lips may turn blue or purple, a condition known as cyanosis. It is commonly seen in heart disease, lung disorders, or severe respiratory problems.

3. Malnutrition: Poor nutrition is another common cause of colorless lips. Long-term picky eating or dietary imbalances may lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients such as vitamin A and vitamin B, which can cause pale lips and dry skin.

4. Cold exposure: In cold weather, inadequate protection against the cold may cause poor local blood circulation, resulting in loss of lip color. In such cases, no special treatment is required; simply taking proper warming measures is sufficient.

If abnormal lip color persists for a prolonged period, prompt medical attention is recommended.