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Suggest Treatment For Dark Pigmentation Of Lips

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Posted on Wed, 27 May 2015
Question: Over the pass two weeks I noticed in pictures that my lips are getting dark and so two days ago I noticed again in the mirror and my family member said they thought I was wear some form of lip gloss or lip stick. My lips are getting even darker, I do not smoke or do drugs, do I need to see my doctor?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Investigation is needed

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

hormonal factors (like in pregnancy) and inadequate oxygenation (anemia, respiratory disease, heart disease) are common causes of lip darkening. You doctor should check you with clinical examination which may reveal clues to respiratory (like the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - COPD) or heart disease (heart failure) and ask for blood tests (the hematocrit value is essential to know).

Please note that respiratory and heart conditions are accompanied by shortness of breath, so I guess that you should have visited your doctor before your lip darkening could be spotted.

If you take any supplements or drugs, check the package for potential warnings or side effects. Iron, tetracyclines, some antidepressants etc may cause the lips to become darker.

So in conclusion, a uniform lip darkening without other symptoms is usually not a feature of a serious disease but investigation is needed.

I hope I've helped!
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (46 minutes later)
Thanks doc I will check the medications I'm on and also do a follow up with my doctor because I do have shortness of breath when I exercise.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
You're welcome

Detailed Answer:
I'll be glad to help, if you have any further questions.

Kind Regards!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3814 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Dark Pigmentation Of Lips

Brief Answer: Investigation is needed Detailed Answer: Hello, hormonal factors (like in pregnancy) and inadequate oxygenation (anemia, respiratory disease, heart disease) are common causes of lip darkening. You doctor should check you with clinical examination which may reveal clues to respiratory (like the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - COPD) or heart disease (heart failure) and ask for blood tests (the hematocrit value is essential to know). Please note that respiratory and heart conditions are accompanied by shortness of breath, so I guess that you should have visited your doctor before your lip darkening could be spotted. If you take any supplements or drugs, check the package for potential warnings or side effects. Iron, tetracyclines, some antidepressants etc may cause the lips to become darker. So in conclusion, a uniform lip darkening without other symptoms is usually not a feature of a serious disease but investigation is needed. I hope I've helped! Kind Regards!