Lips are the most attractive feature of the face which is made of soft skin muscle. It has no bones. The outer portion of the lips contains sweat glands and oil glands and the edge of each lip is sheltered with reddish skin. This is called the vermillion border which contains multiple nerve endings that are meant to produce sensation. Any damage in these nerve endings can produce tingling sensation or numbness in the lips.
Tingling sensation in the lips can be due to several reasons. It can be described as “pins and needles” in the lips. Very cold temperature, stressful situations, allergies, cold sores and deficiency of vitamins can cause tingling or burning sensation in the lips. The lips can become numb for few minutes without having any sensation. Soft tissues in the lips can get damaged due to allergic reaction. In some cases tingling of lips can be due to neurological problem. Whatever may be the cause, it is necessary for you to consult a doctor if you have such signs. Treatment for tingling lips depends on the actual cause.
Symptoms :
There might be burning feeling in the lips. Some people might feel that the lips have become numb totally. Some of the other symptoms of tingling lips include “pins and needles” feeling in the lips, swelling and redness of lips, dryness and pain in the lips. Some people may have changes in the sensation while having tingling lips, which indicates there is potential problem of nerves. It can be due to cut off blood supply in the nerves or peripheral neuropathy.
If tingling of lips is accompanied with tingling feet or hands it is very much essential for you to visit your doctor immediately. Numbness in other body parts indicates neurological damage. Seek immediate medical care if you have symptoms of tingling lips with change in mental status, change in consciousness level and sudden change in vision etc.