Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My lips are black. However, I do not smoke or drink. Can you kindly suggest some medicines?
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
I have reviewed your pictures (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). Hyperpigmentation of the lips can occur due to multiple factors like genetic, dietary, melanin production due to sun exposure, dehydration, salivary accumulation, frequent allergies, frequent habitual licking of lips, vitamin deficiencies, hormonal fluctuations, and dryness. Medications need to be used consistently for a long duration as the disappearance of hyperpigmentation requires time. Also, medications have limitations. So instead, dermatological procedures are more beneficial and show faster results.
I suggest the below treatment:
Consult a specialist doctor, talk to him or her, and start the medicines with their consent).
In case of family history, it can be considered a normal pigmentation and usually does not fade away. However, using creams, medications, and procedures will help lessen the pigmentation. Dermatological procedures include chemical peels containing glycolic acid, kojic acid, and azelaic acid every two weeks to one month on the face and lips for at least six sessions and laser therapy, where a laser beam penetrates the skin and helps in breaking down the melanin pigment leading to hyperpigmentation. This is done every month. I suggest you consult a dermatologist to get these procedures done. Lip pigmentation procedures are also available. It is a single-session procedure that helps achieve the desired lip pigmentation. However, it requires post-procedure maintenance and care and can be done only if the patient is 18 years old.
If medications alone are used, it may take a few months to show the results. However, a combination therapy of medications and procedures helps achieve results faster.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
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