Lip Numbness: Possible Causes and Treatments

Numbness of the lips?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask some questions.
My father started taking heart medication about six months ago, and since then, his lips have been almost constantly numb, sometimes feeling like they are going to crack.
The cardiologist prescribed a topical ointment (Ningkang oral gel), which provides relief for several hours, but the numbness returns once the medication wears off.
What could be the reason for this? My father has never experienced this before; it has only been happening for the past six months.

Xiao Juan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/03

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Miss Hsiao-Chuan,
You mentioned that your lips feel numb almost all day and sometimes have a sensation of cracking.
However, you find that applying Nincort oral gel alleviates the numbness for several hours.
The active ingredients in Nincort oral gel are steroids and some moisturizers.
Each tube contains 6 grams, with each gram containing 1 mg of the active ingredient Triamcinolone.

Indications for use include the treatment of acute and chronic inflammation of the gums, oral mucosa, tongue, ulcerative stomatitis, and angular cheilitis, as well as conditions related to alveolar pyorrhea and denture irritation.
It may be worth considering whether the numbness is caused by your body or medications leading to oral dryness.

I recommend consulting with an oral surgeon or a periodontist to discuss your symptoms or speaking with your physician regarding your medication.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to reach out for further discussion on related issues!
Wishing you and your father good health and happiness.
Best regards,
Dr.
Chih-Yi Chiang
桃醫神內

Reply Date: 2022/03/03

More Info

Lip numbness can be a concerning symptom, especially when it persists over an extended period. In your father's case, the onset of lip numbness coinciding with the initiation of heart medication raises several potential considerations.
Firstly, it's important to recognize that numbness in the lips can be attributed to various causes, including medication side effects, neurological issues, or even systemic conditions. Given that your father has started a new medication regimen for his heart condition, it is plausible that the numbness could be a side effect of one of the medications he is taking. Certain heart medications, particularly those affecting blood flow or nerve function, can lead to sensations of numbness or tingling in the extremities, including the lips.

Another possibility is that the numbness could be related to a condition known as angioedema, which is swelling that can occur in the lips and surrounding areas. Some medications, particularly ACE inhibitors used for heart conditions, can cause this reaction. While angioedema typically presents with swelling rather than numbness, it can sometimes be accompanied by altered sensations.

Additionally, it is essential to consider other factors that might contribute to lip numbness. For instance, vitamin deficiencies, particularly B vitamins (such as B12), can lead to neurological symptoms, including numbness and tingling. If your father has dietary restrictions or absorption issues, this could be a contributing factor.
Stress and anxiety can also manifest physically, leading to sensations such as numbness or tingling in various body parts, including the lips. If your father has been under increased stress due to his health condition, this could be a contributing factor as well.

The use of the topical medication (Ningkang oral gel) that provides temporary relief suggests that the numbness may have a localized cause, possibly related to irritation or inflammation of the mucosal lining of the lips. This could be due to dryness, allergic reactions, or other irritants.

To address this issue, it is crucial for your father to consult with his healthcare provider. A thorough review of his medication list is necessary to identify any potential side effects or interactions that could be causing the numbness. The doctor may consider adjusting his medications or switching to alternatives if a specific drug is identified as the culprit.

Furthermore, the healthcare provider may recommend blood tests to check for vitamin deficiencies or other underlying conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms. If necessary, a referral to a neurologist may be warranted to rule out any neurological conditions that could be causing the numbness.

In summary, lip numbness can arise from various causes, including medication side effects, nutritional deficiencies, or stress-related factors. Given the complexity of the situation, it is essential for your father to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Regular follow-ups and open communication with healthcare providers will be key in managing his symptoms effectively.

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