Dark spots on the side of the lips: what to know

Saliva, lip licking, toothpaste, fragranced products, waxing, shaving, and repeated rubbing can irritate the skin at the mouth corners. A healed spot or rash may leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure can deepen existing colour, and melasma can affect nearby facial skin. Cracking, burning, scale, blisters, or a sore may point to an active problem that needs treatment rather than pigment care alone.

Wash with a mild cleanser, avoid licking or rubbing the area, and use a bland barrier moisturiser. Keep toothpaste and fragranced products off the surrounding skin where possible, and protect the face from sun. Do not apply strong acids or bleaching products close to the lips without professional guidance. A dermatologist may consider [Skin Brightening Treatment](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/skin-brightening-treatment/), [Chemical Peel](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/chemical-peel/), or [Picosecond Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/picosecond-laser-treatment/) only after identifying the trigger and accounting for sensitivity.

Arrange care for a mark that spreads, becomes raised, crusted, painful, itchy, blistered, or bleeds, or for cracking that does not heal. Seek assessment if the colour change follows a new medicine or product, or if it persists after irritation stops. [Melasma](/conditions/melasma/) and [Dark Patches On Skin](/symptoms/dark-patches-on-skin/) provide related background.

Could saliva, toothpaste, cosmetics, hair removal, or another rash be responsible? Which barrier product and sunscreen suit this area? Is pigment treatment safe near the lip, and should the active irritation be treated first?