We often look to different parts of our bodies to tell us different things about our health. It is amazing that the outside of our bodies can project what's going on inside. Our lips are one of these body parts that tell us about our health and here's what they're trying to tell you:
1. Cold Sores or Blisters
Cold sores are a symptom of the herpes simplex virus. This virus is contracted by coming into direct contact with someone's saliva or skin that has the virus or indirectly, by drinking out of the same cup. Once you have this virus it never goes away, but the symptoms will come and go.
Any sore that lasts longer than two weeks should be looked at by a doctor.
2. Burning
Burning lips could be from a number of things. A lip burning sensation may result from abnormal sensations in the lips due to nerve damage. The sensation may also result from different types of lip burns or even chapped lips. Try to avoid touching them if possible, also putting Vaseline on them should relieve the burning.
3. Chapped
Occasional chapped lips could just be from dry air, especially in the winter. If you often have chapped lips and don't believe it's from the air, it could be an allergic reaction. It could stem from food or even make-up. See a doctor if you believe it's an allergy.
4. Crusted or Scaly
This could happen because of dry air or from licking your lips too often. This is most often seen in children who lick their lips frequently. There are less oils in your lips than the rest of your skin, so licking them dries them out very easily.
Try to stop licking them and in the meantime try Vaseline or lip balm. But be careful with lip balm, as many brands actually dry your lips out in the long-run.
5. Pale
Pale pink lips are often a side effect of anaemia. This happens because anaemia affects the amount of oxygen being carried in the blood. When this level drops significantly, the lips often go from a deep pink color to a light blush tone.
6. Cracked
There a few reasons why your lips could be cracked. If it only happens once in awhile, it is probably just the effect of cold or dry weather. If it happens very frequently or all the time and especially in the corners of your mouth, it could be the effect of diabetes. This can happen because diabetes encourages the growth of candida, a yeast-like infection which typically attacks the thin dermis at the corners of the mouth, causing cracks.
7. Swollen
Swollen lips are a common indicator of an allergy, especially to something that comes into contact with your lips such as make-up or food and drinks. Swollen lips can also be caused by Crohn's disease. Crohns normally causes swelling in the bowel but can inflame the lymph ducts at any point in the body. If your lips are often swollen, see your doctor.
Have you ever found out something about your health from your lips?