A brown spot on the lip can be concerning due to its visible location. While many causes of lip pigmentation are harmless, understanding the reasons a brown spot might appear can help differentiate between common occurrences and those that warrant further attention.
Benign Causes of Lip Pigmentation
Brown spots on the lips often arise from benign causes, many linked to sun exposure. Ephelides, or freckles, are small, flat, light brown spots that become more prominent with sun exposure and tend to fade in winter. Lentigines, also called sun spots or age spots, are slightly larger, more defined pigmented areas from chronic sun exposure. Unlike freckles, lentigines do not fade and can appear as distinct brown or black spots.
Moles (nevi) are another common cause of brown spots on the lips. These growths vary widely in color, size, and shape, from light brown to black, and can be flat or slightly raised. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a darkening of the skin after injury, inflammation, or infection, can also cause temporary brown marks on the lips after trauma like a cold sore or burn. Additionally, a venous lake, a benign blue-purple vascular lesion, may appear as a dark brown spot on the lips due to deoxygenated blood.
Signs Requiring Medical Evaluation
While many brown spots on the lips are benign, certain characteristics indicate a need for medical evaluation. These include asymmetry, where one half of the spot does not match the other in shape or color. Irregular borders, appearing ragged, notched, or blurred, also warrant assessment, as benign spots typically have smooth, well-defined edges. Variations in color within the spot, such as different shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue, can also be concerning.
Any spot larger than 6 millimeters (approximately the size of a pencil eraser) should be examined by a healthcare professional. The most important indicator for medical evaluation is any evolution or change in the spot over time. This includes changes in size, shape, color, or elevation, as well as new symptoms like bleeding, itching, tenderness, or crusting. The sudden appearance of a new spot that does not conform to typical benign characteristics also necessitates a medical consultation.
Understanding Diagnosis and Treatment
When a brown spot on the lip raises concern, a healthcare professional, often a dermatologist, performs a visual examination. This assessment helps observe the spot’s characteristics and overall appearance. A specialized magnifying tool called a dermoscope may then be used for a closer look, providing a detailed view of its structure and pigmentation patterns beneath the skin. This non-invasive technique helps distinguish between benign and potentially concerning lesions.
If visual and dermoscopic examinations suggest a suspicious lesion, a biopsy may be performed. A small tissue sample is taken from the spot for microscopic examination by a pathologist, which is the definitive diagnostic method. The biopsy type (punch, shave, or excisional) depends on the spot’s size and location. Treatment varies based on diagnosis; benign spots often need no treatment or are removed cosmetically, while confirmed conditions may require laser therapy, cryotherapy, or surgical excision.
Protecting Your Lips from Sun Damage
Protecting your lips from sun damage is an effective measure for maintaining lip health and preventing brown spots. Regular application of SPF lip balm shields lips from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours when UV radiation is strongest, further reduces exposure. Wearing wide-brimmed hats also provides physical protection, offering shade to the lips.