How To Get Rid Of Darkness Around The Mouth?

Author: Nidhi Sood on Jun 16,2022
Womenwire Darkness Around The Mouth

 

Hyperpigmentation is commonly shown by discoloration or darkness around the mouth. These darkening skin spots appear in tiny patches and can appear anywhere on the body. The discoloration is caused by an increase in melanin synthesis in your skin. While hyperpigmentation is typically not significant, it can be caused by underlying medical issues, lifestyle behaviors, and drugs.

Dark patches may not always necessitate treatment, but depending on the size of the patches, some people may become irritated since it is harmful to their appearance and hence bad for their self-esteem. Scroll down to explore more on the causes, prevention, and treatment options for darkness around the mouth. Let’s start with the basics.

 

What is the reason for black patches around the mouth?

Melanin, a pigment in your skin, gives it its natural color. Changes in melanin synthesis can be caused by sun exposure, hormonal shifts, drugs, and certain underlying diseases. This might result in hyperpigmented patches that look like discoloration and cause darkness around your mouth.

 

Causes of Darkness around the mouth

Many factors can contribute to this condition, and they are mentioned as follows:

 

1. Melasma

Melasma, sometimes known as "the mask of pregnancy," is characterized by dark brown and grayish brown areas on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip. They are usually brought on by hormonal changes in women. These can happen when pregnant and while taking birth control tablets (oral contraceptives) or hormone replacement treatment.

Melasma is most commonly found on the face, particularly on the upper lip and chin, as well as the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Sunlight might make the patches more visible. Men have a lower prevalence of the illness, accounting for an estimated 10% of all melasma occurrences.

 

 2. Side effects of medication

While oral contraceptives can induce melasma, other drugs can raise the risk of hyperpigmentation. These are some examples: hormone replacement treatment, particularly estrogen doxycycline, an antibiotic that may enhance sun sensitivity chemotherapy medications.

 

3. Sunlight exposure

UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds might raise your chance of developing dark patches as you age. Age spots, often known as sun spots or liver spots, are examples of this. These are most frequently found on the face, chest, and arms. Melasma can also be exacerbated by sun exposure.

You are more vulnerable if you avoid applying sunscreen to your mouth and lips. There is fresh evidence that visible light has a role in the development of melasma.

 

Skin traumatism

After healing from a significant accident, acne outbreak, burn, or infection around your mouth, you may acquire hyperpigmentation in brown or black areas. The resulting darkening, also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, resolves typically after several months.

Lip licker's dermatitis or contact dermatitis from lip balms and toothpaste can also produce this sort of discoloration.

 

Deficiency of Essential Vitamins

The condition may also be linked to vitamin deficits, such as vitamin B12 and vitamin D. According to a 2018 study, vitamin D deficits are common in persons with darkness around the mouth and other areas.

 

Who is predisposed to get dark spots around the mouth?

Individuals with dark complexion are more prone to hyperpigmentation in general. This is due to a greater rate of melanin formation than in light skin. As you age, you may see more spots on your face, chest, and other exposed regions to UV radiation. If you don't apply sunscreen in this region, UV exposure makes you more likely to get skin pigmentation.

During the summer, you may notice that any yellowing around the mouth is worse. This is most likely due to increased sun exposure, which can accelerate melanin production and make hyperpigmentation more visible.

 

womenwire treatment of darkness of mouth

 

Treatment for hyperpigmentation of the lips

Because of the fragile quality of the skin in this area, hyperpigmentation around the lips may be more challenging to correct than in other places of your face. Home remedies and medical therapy from a dermatologist, on the other hand, are excellent therapeutic alternatives.

 

  • Natural cures

Dark patches may diminish if you practice sun protection, such as applying sunscreen daily. Because the mouth region is sometimes overlooked when applying sunscreen, use it regularly and reapply as needed. Exfoliation and skin lightening serums containing antioxidants such as vitamin C may also aid in the reduction of the appearance of dark spots. However, the spots may reappear quickly after you discontinue these treatments.

Retinoids may also aid in skin lightening. As your skin adjusts to these products, use them every other day. These items are not without danger. Before applying it to your skin, perform a patch test to verify you are not allergic to vitamin E. Wait 48 to 72 hours after placing some into your elbow before continuing. Retinoids are frequently associated with dry and itchy skin. Redness, itching, and peeling skin are possible adverse effects.

 

  • Medical Treatment

A dermatologist may prescribe one of the following treatments if you want to permanently remove skin pigmentation around your mouth:

  • Strong retinoids or hydroquinone for discoloration and inflammation, kojic acid for melasma and aging spots
  • Chemical peels to exfoliate the skin and minimize the visibility of pigmentation

 

When should you see a doctor?

Some types of discoloration around the mouth may diminish with time or when specific drugs are stopped. Other reasons, such as sunspots and melasma, may be more persistent and necessitate dermatological care.

  • If home therapies do not reduce the look of discoloration, you should consult a dermatologist.
  • A primary care physician can assist in addressing pigmentation disorders caused by underlying medical conditions and pharmaceutical side effects.

 

Keeping darkness around the mouth at bay

You may be able to help avoid black stains around the mouth by:

  • Using sunscreen with iron oxide every day can prevent hyperpigmentation or melasma induced by visible light exposure
  • Wearing a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face
  • Correcting any underlying nutritional deficits that have been identified

 

Key-Takeaways

  • Excess melanin synthesis in your skin causes skin discoloration around the mouth.
  • Hyperpigmentation is linked to hormonal changes, medicines, and sun exposure. Skin discoloration can also be caused by nutritional deficits, skin damage, and other medical disorders.
  • Dark patches around the mouth are usually harmless and only require treatment if their look concerns you. Consult a doctor if you believe hyperpigmentation is caused by a medical problem.

 

Conclusion

Men and women both suffer from hyperpigmentation, or darkness around the lips. That is why WomenWire.com assists in bringing you all of the important information that will aid in your path to cure yourself not only from the outside but also from the inside. Keep reading our blogs for frequent updates on skin and beauty issues.