Health 13/08/2025 10:58

The 8 warning signs your lips reveal about your health – from herpes to liver disease

WE often only think of our lips in terms of beauty, another part of our bodies that we can add a pop of colour to with lipsticks and glosses.

They are a major feature that set us aside from others and we use our lips for kissing, eating and, of course, talking.

Pucker up! Your lips can reveal a lot about your health

But your smackers can also reveal underlying health issues from everything to liver disease to herpes, according to experts.

Wellness expert Hari Simran says the colour, shape and texture of your lips can reveal signs of health issues that you might be ignoring if you have other symptoms.

She said lips are the “doorway” to the inner workings of our bodies.

Writing for Kora Organics she said the upper lip represents the heart, lungs, liver, stomach and the thyroid.

This is while the lower lip can reflect issues you may be having in the intestines.

Lisa Borg, skin specialist and nutritionist at Pulse Light Clinic said minor issues can be easily dealt with.

But how can you spot the signs? Here are the eight lip symptoms Hari says you should be on the lookout for.

1. Wrinkles on the upper lip

As we get older we all get wrinkles in places we would rather not have them.

Both physical and mental tension can cause wrinkles, as can smoking.

If you’re anxious about something, worry can also cause your top lip to wrinkle.

Lisa said that dental hygiene also plays a big role in lip health of those in their advanced years.

"Dry lips accompanied by a dry mouth in those over 70 can lead to pneumonia", she adds.

As we get older we naturally develop wrinkles but stress can also be a factor

2. Chapped and dry lips

A dry mouth is usually a sign that you’re a little bit dehydrated and this is something that can become visible on your lips.

Lips can become dry and chapped when you don’t have enough water in the body.

A change in climate can also lead to dry lips which is why many people carry a lip balm with them in winter months.

Hari says you should avoid licking your lips as this could make them even worse.

She adds that if your lips are itching while chapped then you might have an allergy.

If you have dry and chapped lips then you might need to drink more water

Lisa said dry lips are simply an indication of dehydration or exposure to weather such as wind and sun, commonly accompanied by low humidity.

"The best medicine for dry lips is plenty of fluid intake spaced throughout the day, and preferably quality water (filtered) as opposed to dehydrating coffee and fizzy drinks; it is good to keep some fresh water by the bedside too."

3. Bumps

Cold sores or blisters can sometimes appear in the winter months and usually heal on their own or with over the counter creams.

However they can also be a result of herpes.

If you have this you will usually feel a tingling before it surfaces.

Your doctors can prescribe medication but you should try and avoid spending too much time in the sun as this will irritate the sore.

If you have bumps on your lips then your should avoid the sunlight

4. Cracks on the edges

It’s all too easy to lick your lips to give them moisture but if you do it too much it might cause infections.

Dermatologist Dr Mona Gohara said if you drool in your sleep or wear a retainer then bacteria can accumulate in around your mouth and cause infection.

If your lips are dry you could try using a balm before bed.

Cracks on the edge of your mouth and on your lips is cause by too much licking

5. Discolouration

Many smokers often have stained lips due to years of puffing away.

But if your lips have changed colour then you may have severe liver issues.

Blue lips can indicate a lack of oxygen to the body and similar discolouration can be seen in fingers and toes.

If your lips have gone a shade lighter and look pale then you might have anaemia, vitamin deficiencies or low blood sugar.

A simple blood test conducted by your GP would determine what deficiency you are suffering from and they would be able to advise on supplements or medication to help.

If your lips are discoloured then you may have low blood sugar levels

6. Black spots

The sun has been shining in the UK and if you have black spots on your lips then you may have developed sun spots.

These are usually dark brown and can be quite painful. You can protect your lips by using a balm with SPF included.

You may also find black spots on your lips if you have a vitamin B-12 deficiency or hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation can also appear on your nose, forehead and cheeks.

Lip service: The minor and major issues you need to look out for

Lisa Borg says that dry lips can indicate underlying health issues ranging from minor to major, here we take a look at the best way to tackle issues on both ends of the scale.

Speaking to The Sun, Lisa said the minor issues are easy to deal with.

"Change the diet to a more hydrating one, halt mouth breathing and switch to nose breathing; stop habitual licking of the lips and the use of tobacco.

"Where appropriate, speaking with your doctor about medications that were introduced around the same time that dry lips developed because there may be alternatives."

She said that median conditions can include yeast infections, allergies, and food intolerances; recreational drug and alcohol use can also bring about dry lips and dehydration, and can be classed under both Median and Major categories depending upon the individual’s level of dependency.

"Major issues include Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Sjögren's syndrome which often accompanies other auto-immune diseases (in Sjögren's the immune system attacks the fluid producing glands causing dryness); Actinic cheilitis which is damage to the epithelial cells of the lips brought about by prolonged exposure to the UV rays in sunlight, particularly UVB, and which is considered to increase the risk of skin cancer."

7. Swollen

You usually get a swollen lip if you’ve had an impact to the area, but puffy and swollen lips can also be a sign of an allergic reaction.

If your lips become swollen or puffy after you’ve applied your favourite lipstick then you might be allergic or sensitive to some of the ingredients.

However, if your swollen lips are accompanied by an itchy or tight throat then it might be something you have eaten or come in contact with that you are allergic to.

Your doctor will be able to give you advice and referrals if this is the case and you can also purchase DIY allergy kits online.