Upper lip darkened. Doesn't seem to be from the sun???

[Marie585]

How can I return the color of my upper lip to normal, and how can I prevent it from getting dark again?  My lip looks like I have a mustache, but it is the skin, not hairs.  I am 55 years young, and through with menopause.  The rest of my skin is an average white caucasian color.  The lip skin turned darker about one year ago.  Since then, I also noticed the same color on the inside of my elbows, in a "patch" about one inch square.  An esthetician said to use sun block before I go outside, but it seems like other parts of my body would be getting dark, too, if sun exposure was the cause.  I am not a sun seaker, and usually avoid exposure to it.

I will go to a dermatologist, but want to educate myself first, as to some possible diagnoses.

Thanks.

[jagesh50]

It is due to reduced production of cortisol by adrenals.However since you have no other problem,you may not have this but you should just be aware.

[jagesh50]

Apart from local conditions,addisons has to be ruled out in a mucosal pigmentation.If the pigment is per se is on the pink of the lip if it is.