Red Ring Around the Lips: Lip-Biting or Lipstick-Loving?

Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed a bright red ring around your lips, making you look like you’ve been drinking red Kool-Aid all day? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! This mysterious red ring can be a real nuisance, but the good news is that in most cases, it’s nothing serious.

One of the most common causes of a red ring around the lips is actually something that many of us do without even realizing it – lip biting or licking. Sure, it may seem harmless enough, but over time, the constant irritation can lead to inflammation and a tell-tale red ring. So, if you’re a chronic lip biter or licker, it might be time to break the habit!

Another culprit behind the dreaded red ring is an allergic reaction. It could be to a certain food, medication, or even a new lipstick or lip balm that you’ve started using. So, if you notice a red ring around your lips shortly after trying out a new lip product, it might be time to say goodbye to that shade of lipstick or balm.

If you’re not a chronic lip biter or licker, and you’re not experiencing an allergic reaction, the red ring could be a sign of a vitamin deficiency. In particular, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause a red ring around the lips. So, if you’re a vegan or vegetarian, it might be worth considering taking a B12 supplement.

Now, if you’re experiencing other symptoms along with the red ring, such as itching or blistering, it could be a sign of a more serious condition, like cold sores or eczema. But don’t worry, even if it is something more serious, there are plenty of treatments available to help get your lips back to their beautiful, non-red selves!

So there you have it, folks! The red ring around your lips may be annoying, but in most cases, it’s nothing to worry about. Just be sure to take care of your lips, avoid biting or licking them too much, and maybe try out a new lip color or two to distract from the redness!