Why are my lips constantly dry and chapped and now turned black?
Question posted by emmanuelsam on 28 June 2015
Last updated on 11 February 2020 by answeringurquestion
About 2 months ago I noticed that my lips started having black patches. they then (within a week) turned almost all black with some spots of pink skin. Before this my lips were occasionally chapped and now that they are black they are more chapped with even peeling skin. I have tried carmax, burts beeswax, lip scrub, Vaseline, scrub with toothbrush,and a sugar/olive oil scrub, None are working and only make my lips smooth(until dry off) and dark.
Feel free to ask me questions so I can get to the bottom of this sudden epidemic.
To note: - Don't smoke - Don't drink - Used to wake up thirsty though I drink a ton of water - Used to lick lips frequently until they started turning black
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8 Answers
AN
answeringurquestion
11 Feb 2020
This is a very late response, but if anyone is still wondering, this same exact thing happened to me, my dermatologist prescribed me desonide ointment (it’s clear ointment from a tube and feels like lip balm on your lips) and it completely went away (although I do have to continue to use it so it doesn’t come back after a while).
Votes: +0
JA
Janeley
26 Jan 2019
Hi, I have the exact same issue since last year just that i dont lick my lips. I have seen doctors and dermatology no one has given me a solution. I would like to know if your dark lips has gone or still there? Kindly help me. Im desperate for answers. Thank u
Votes: +0
GR
graycie
23 Sep 2018
Hello i read this (as well as the comments), i am also from a nigerian descent, and i started experiencing this a few months ago. Have you found a solution? please share
Votes: +0
TT
TTD777
14 July 2018
I have been having the same problem as well for about 2 weeks. The inner part of my lip is now turning dark brown in patches. I plan on seeing a doctor asap.
Votes: +0
JA
Janeley
26 Jan 2019
Hi, I have the exact same issue since last year just that i dont lick my lips. I have seen doctors and dermatology no one has given me a solution. I would like to know if your dark lips has gone or still there? Kindly help me. Im desperate for answers. Thank u
KN
Knewt80
24 April 2018
Did you receive a response to this? I think I am experiencing the same symptoms.
Votes: +0
JA
Janeley
26 Jan 2019
Hi, I have the exact same issue since last year just that i dont lick my lips. I have seen doctors and dermatology no one has given me a solution. I would like to know if your dark lips has gone or still there? Kindly help me. Im desperate for answers. Thank u
AN
anu_dutt
28 Jan 2018
Hello, I have the same condition and i tried all those lip balms that you mentioned and nothing helped. Are u saying avoiding caffeinated drinks helped you? Please help!
Votes: +1
KN
Knewt80
24 April 2018
Has yours cleared up? I am experiencing the same thing
JA
Janeley
26 Jan 2019
Hi, I have the exact same issue since last year just that i dont lick my lips. I have seen doctors and dermatology no one has given me a solution. I would like to know if your dark lips has gone or still there? Kindly help me. Im desperate for answers. Thank u
SH
SHEsevEN4
28 June 2015
I think you need to get checked out with a Dermatologists, I had a spot on my shoulder that I had from childhood, it started getting bigger and had black spots in it, they did a biopsy it was melanoma from sun.
Votes: +0
CO
coloresue
28 June 2015
Here are some results of my research and your description: Possible cause: Lentigo Lentigo is a flat brown to black spot (several spots ~plural : lentigines) that can affect the skin and lips. It may be associated with long term sun exposure (solar lentigines, also known as actinic lentigines or liver spots) or with systemic diseases (non-solar lentigines) like Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by the presence of gastrointestinal polyps (read more on intestinal polyposis syndromes) and hyperpigmentation of the skin and mucosal membranes. This condition is associated with a very high risk of intestinal cancer. The darkened skin patches (lentigines) is in most cases accompanied by darkening of the mucosal lining in the mouth (buccal mucosa). Source for more answers: healthhype dot com . What Causes Black Lips
Frequent drinking of hot beverages that contain caffeine like coffee and any kind of hot tea. Constant biting and licking of the lips. Iron levels of the body can contribute in making the lips black. When there is an increase or overflow of iron levels in the body, this will usually show in the lip area and can be observed when it turns black. Low vitamin B levels. (There are a lot of B vitamins!) Change in hormonal levels that are contributed by age, infection, diseases, and other factors. Certain toothpaste brands and lip medications along with other kinds of medications used to treat diseases and infection. Improper dental fixtures can also cause lips to darken but very rarely. Allergic reactions and injuries. Source for more answers: simple-remedies dot com
I can't let this pass without saying something: "Used to wake up thirsty though I drink a ton of water." If you no longer do this, great. Being thirsty often can indicate diabetes. Just had to mention it. I'll search further if you have more input to give me.
Votes: +1
EM
emmanuelsam
29 June 2015
More useful tips: - I have been taking Super B Complex for almost a month now - Been using same brands of toothpaste - Don't have dental fixtures - I doubt it is diabetes: no one is my family line has diabetes(I am from Nigerian descent of that matters) - Once my lips started changing(2 months ago) I stopped drinking caffeinated beverages and licking lips often
JA
Janeley
26 Jan 2019
Hi, I have the exact same issue since last year just that i dont lick my lips. I have seen doctors and dermatology no one has given me a solution. I would like to know if your dark lips has gone or still there? Kindly help me. Im desperate for answers. Thank u
