مجلات علمية
Pigmentation around mouth
Pigmentation around the mouth is a common condition that affects people at any age. It occurs as a result of some medications, vitamin deficiency, sun exposure, and hormonal changes. It is not a dangerous manifestation. There are various options for treatment.
What Causes pigmentation around the mouth?
Hyperpigmentation
Skin gets its color from melanin pigments. Some factors increase melanin production as hormonal fluctuations and sun exposure.
These factors lead to hyperpigmentation and discoloration around the mouth.
Melasma
It is also called the mask of pregnancy. Melasma causes dark brown patches on the cheeks, around the mouth, upper lip, and forehead. It occurs due to hormonal changes during pregnancy or taking oral contraceptive pills.
Medications
Some medications increase the risk of hyperpigmentation and cause dark spots around the mouth as a side effect. These include:
Tricyclic antidepressant.
Antimalarial drugs
Doxycycline (antibiotic)
Oral contraceptive pills
Clofazimine
Chlorpromazine
Weather changes
During summer, people exposed to UV rays. Sunspots occur on the face, arms, and neck. You can avoid pigmentation around the mouth by applying sunscreen.
In cold weather, the area around the mouth becomes dry. It may show a change in color and get darker.
Vitamin deficiencies
Vitamin deficiencies affect our body in various aspects. It causes dermatological manifestations.
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes hyperpigmentation and angular stomatitis.
Studies show that patients with melasma have a low level of vitamin D.
Addison’s disease
Patients with Addison’s disease have a high level of ACTH hormone. It stimulates melanocytes to produce more melanin pigments and causes hyperpigmentation.
Addison’s disease causes pigmentation on the vermillion border of the lip, gingiva, and buccal mucosa.
There are allergic conditions that cause a red rash around the mouth
Perioral dermatitis.
Allergic contact dermatitis.
Eczema.
Who is at risk to have pigmentation around the mouth?
Skin discoloration increases as you age. Prolonged exposure to sun rays without sunscreen increases the risk of pigmentation around the mouth.
People with dark skin have a high level of melanin. They are more prone to hyperpigmentation.
How to get rid of pigmentation around the mouth?
First, see the dermatologist to detect the cause of pigmentation and get the proper treatment. Treatment options include the following:
Exfoliate the area around the mouth
Exfoliants help you get rid of dead skin, which may make the area around the mouth dark. Chemical exfoliants are the best choice for dark pigments around the mouth.
Skin brightening cream
Skin brightening cream contains vitamin C, azelaic acid, niacinamide, grapeseed extract. These ingredients inhibit the action of the tyrosinase enzyme, which makes the skin produce more melanin.
Ask the dermatologist for suitable cream for your skin, and don’t use them for more than 14 days.
Laser treatment
It’s the most effective way to remove dark spots. The number of visits depends on the size, number, depth, and color of patches. Pigmentation around the mouth usually needs 2-3 visits.
Salicylic acid peels
Acid peels treat the damaged cells and make your skin smoother and less wrinkled. There are three types of chemical peels: superficial, medium, and deep.
Deep peels are effective for remove dark spots around the mouth.
How can I get rid of pigmentation around the mouth at home?
There are some natural remedies for the treatment of dark spots:
Lemon juice with honey
Put ¼ lemon with one tablespoon of honey. Spread the mixture over the dark area, let this mask dry for 5 minutes. Wash your skin with warm water.
Lime juice with cucumber
Mix an equal amount of lime juice and cucumber, put this mixture over dark areas around your mouth. Wash your skin after 20 minutes.
Oatmeal scrub
You need one tablespoon of the following ingredients: oatmeal, tomato, and yogurt. Mix these ingredients and scrub the skin around the mouth with it for 5 minutes. Rinse your skin after 15 minutes.
Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel is an effective treatment for dark spots and sunspots. It moisturizes your skin and makes it smooth.
