Your lips are an essential feature of your facial beauty, and they play a vital role in your daily activities such as eating, speaking, and socializing.

They are also the most sensitive part of your face with a high concentration of sensory receptors that enable you to feel sensations such as pleasure, pain, and temperature. However, your lips can also reveal critical health issues that you may not be aware of. Here are ten common health issues that your lips may reveal.

1. Dehydration and Dry Lips

Dehydration is a common health issue that affects many people, especially during hot weather conditions or when you don’t drink enough fluids. One of the earliest signs of dehydration is dry, cracked, and peeling lips.

When you’re dehydrated, your body produces less saliva, which can cause your lips to become drier. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids such as water, coconut water, or fruit juices.

2. Pale Lips and Anemia

Anemia is a medical condition that results from a lack of adequate hemoglobin in your body. Hemoglobin is the protein in your blood that carries oxygen to all parts of your body.

When you have anemia, your lips may become pale due to a lack of oxygen in your blood. Other symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath. A blood test can help diagnose anemia, and treatment may involve taking iron supplements, engaging in physical activity, and eating iron-rich foods.

3. Blue Lips and Respiratory Problems

Blue lips are a symptom of a medical emergency that could indicate a lack of oxygen in your blood due to respiratory problems.

Respiratory problems such as asthma, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and emphysema can cause blue lips. Other symptoms of respiratory problems may include wheezing, coughing, chest pain, and fever. Seek medical attention immediately if you have blue lips.

4. Cold Sores and Herpes Simplex Virus

Cold sores are small fluid-filled blisters that appear on or around your lips and are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores may last for seven to ten days and can be painful and unsightly.

The virus spreads through close contact such as kissing, sharing utensils, or touching the blisters. There is no cure for herpes, but antiviral medications, creams, or ointments can help speed up healing and prevent outbreaks.

5. White Spots or Patches and Oral Thrush

White spots or patches on your lips or inside your mouth may be a sign of oral thrush, which is caused by a fungus called Candida.

Oral thrush is common in people with weakened immune systems, people with diabetes, and people who take antibiotics, steroids, or birth control pills. The symptoms of oral thrush may include white patches on your lips or tongue, soreness, pain, or difficulty swallowing. Treatment may involve antifungal medications, oral rinses, or lozenges.

6. Swollen Lips and Angioedema

Angioedema is a medical condition that causes swelling in the deeper layers of your skin and tissues. Angioedema can affect your lips, face, throat, and tongue, and can make it difficult for you to breathe or swallow.

Angioedema may be caused by food allergies, insect bites, medications, infections, or autoimmune disorders. Treatment for angioedema may involve antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine injections.

7. Yellow Lips and Jaundice

Jaundice is a medical condition that results from the buildup of bilirubin in your blood due to liver problems, such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when your body breaks down red blood cells. When your liver is unable to process bilirubin, it can build up in your blood and cause yellowing of your skin and eyes. Yellowing of your lips may also be a sign of jaundice. Other symptoms of jaundice may include abdominal pain, fever, and nausea.

8. Purple or Black Spots and Skin Cancers

Unusual purple or black spots on your lips may be a sign of skin cancers such as melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma. These types of cancers can develop on your lips due to excessive sun exposure, smoking, or a weakened immune system.

Early detection and treatment are essential for successful treatment of skin cancers. If you notice any unusual spots or changes on your lips or skin, seek medical attention promptly.

9. Swollen and Cracked Lips and Vitamin Deficiency

Vitamin deficiency, especially a lack of vitamins B2, B3, and B6, may cause swollen, cracked, and sore lips. Vitamins B2 and B3 are essential for healthy skin, and a deficiency can cause chapped and cracked lips.

Vitamin B6 deficiency may cause a smooth, red, and sore tongue and lips. Other symptoms of vitamin B deficiency may include fatigue, anemia, and skin rashes. A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can provide you with adequate vitamins and minerals.

10. Tingling Lips and Nerve Damage

Tingling or numbness in your lips may be a sign of nerve damage, which may be due to an injury, infection, or medical condition such as multiple sclerosis or diabetes.

Nerve damage may also cause pain, burning, or weakness in your lips or other parts of your face. Treatment for nerve damage may involve medications, physical therapy, or surgery.