Exam of Lips Head and Neck Exam Extraoral Examination of Lips Inspect for changes in shape, color, texture and lesions. Upper and lower lips usually the same color. In individuals exposed to the elements, look for chapped or scaling on lips.
Red dots seen on lips can be inflammation.
Bluish color may be present in cardiac failure, emphysema or increased blood volume or viscosity. Any variation in color may be due to disease that affects the number of RBC's, hemoglobin, or oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, mouth breathing, or pressure on teeth due to malocclusion. Ask patient to close. Observe relationship between lips and teeth. Patient should be able to make lips meet.