Should you be worried if you find a dark spot on your lip? After all, you’re quite accustomed to how your normal, healthy lips look, and finding anything unusual can be worrying.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the possible causes for a dark spot on your lips.
What Can Cause Dark Spot On Lip?
The lips are different from the rest of the skin on your body. Importantly, they have a thinner and more delicate layer that is particularly susceptible to skin issues. You may have noticed your lips chapping or chafing with changes in the weather, for example.
Commonly, dark spots on the lips can be due to angiokeratoma – a condition that causes small, wart-like lesions on the surface of the skin. The spot can be thick and rough to the touch, and there may be more than one. Their appearance may be worrying, but they are largely harmless, though aesthetically unpleasant.
Another common reason is the development of the amelanotic macule. This happens when the skin layer produces more melanin than usual, causing a similar wart-like lesion.
However, there could be several causes responsible for dark spots on the lips:
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Hyperpigmentation
- Sun or UV exposure
- Dehydration
- Side effects of certain medications
Could A Dark Spot On Lip Mean Cancer?
Skin cancers are a serious concern. That’s why you might worry about whether the black spot on your lip is cancerous. Note that the lower lip is much more likely to develop a cancerous lesion than the upper lip and that men are more likely to develop lip cancer than women. So, here are two of the most common forms of skin cancer that can potentially affect the lips and the associated signs to look for if you suspect your spot might be cancerous.
A basal cell carcinoma is a form of skin cancer that commonly affects fair-skinned individuals, particularly men over 50. Squamous cell carcinoma is another common cancer. Both of these may cause open sores, a reddish patch, or a bump that may be red, pink, or shiny. If your spot is tender, bleeding, or seems to be spreading rapidly, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Fortunately, most lip cancers are easy to detect, diagnose and treat, with a nearly 100% treatment success rate if detected early.
Conclusion
Because of the nature of dark spots, it’s a good idea to visit a dermatologist for a checkup. They can diagnose whether there are any underlying conditions present or whether the dark spot is
harmless.
This post is brought to you by Care Dermatology. We’re proud to offer the best dermatology in Florida. Our experts are always here to help you with all of your skin concerns. If you have any questions, please call one of our offices, and we’ll be happy to help.
You can reach us at (352) 612-1722 for our Fruitland Park location or (352) 218-3211 for our location at The Villages. You can reach our Kissimmee location at (407) 553-3979.