Lip bumps are common and can be concerning due to their visibility. They arise from various factors, ranging from harmless conditions to those needing medical attention. Understanding these origins can help identify the cause.
Common Non-Infectious Bumps
Fordyce spots are tiny, yellowish-white or skin-colored dots, typically measuring 1-3 millimeters. These visible sebaceous glands naturally occur on the lips and do not require treatment.
Mucoceles, also known as mucous retention cysts, form when a minor salivary gland duct becomes blocked or injured. These soft, fluid-filled sacs are painless and can appear translucent or bluish, often developing on the inner lower lip. They range from a few millimeters to over a centimeter and may rupture on their own, releasing clear fluid before reforming.
Canker sores, medically termed aphthous ulcers, present as painful, round or oval sores with a white or yellowish center and a distinct red border. They develop on the inside surfaces of the lips and mouth. These ulcers, 1-10 millimeters in size, are not contagious and often heal within one to two weeks, though larger ones may take longer.
A traumatic fibroma is a smooth, firm, dome-shaped bump that arises from chronic irritation or repetitive trauma, such as biting the lip. This lesion represents an overgrowth of fibrous tissue, is painless, and appears flesh-colored. Fibromas measure a few millimeters to a centimeter and persist unless surgically removed.
Milia are tiny, white, pearl-like cysts, 1-2 millimeters, that form when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin’s surface. While commonly found on the face, they can also appear on the lips. These small, firm bumps are harmless and resolve on their own over time, though some may persist for months.
Minor trauma, such as accidental lip biting, burns from hot food, or severe chapping, can lead to temporary bumps or swelling. These localized reactions are a direct response to injury and resolve as the tissue heals. The appearance varies depending on the trauma, from a small bruise to a blister or localized swelling.
Bumps Caused by Infections and Allergic Reactions
Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), begin as a tingling sensation, followed by clusters of small, painful, fluid-filled blisters. These blisters appear on or around the lip border, rupture, and then crust over, healing within 7-10 days.
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that can affect the area around the mouth and nose. It presents as red sores or blisters that quickly rupture, leaving a honey-colored crust. This highly contagious infection requires antibiotic treatment and can spread through direct contact with the sores.
Oral thrush, or candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans. It appears as creamy white lesions, often resembling cottage cheese, on the inner lips, tongue, and other oral surfaces. These patches can be scraped off, sometimes revealing red, tender tissue underneath.
Warts, also known as oral papillomas, are benign growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear as small, flesh-colored, cauliflower-like growths on the lips or inside the mouth. These lesions are painless and can vary in size from a few millimeters to over a centimeter.
Allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis or angioedema, can cause sudden swelling, redness, itching, or bumps on the lips. Contact dermatitis results from direct contact with an allergen, like certain lip balms, cosmetics, or food ingredients, leading to localized irritation. Angioedema involves deeper swelling of tissues, potentially affecting the entire lip, often triggered by food, medications, or environmental allergens.
Perioral dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by small, red, sometimes pus-filled bumps that appear around the mouth. The skin may also be dry, flaky, or itchy. This condition is often linked to the use of topical steroids or certain cosmetic products and spares the immediate border of the lips.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While many lip bumps are harmless and resolve on their own, some situations warrant evaluation by a healthcare professional. If a bump on your lip persists for more than a few weeks without showing signs of healing, seek medical advice. Any bump that appears to be growing larger over time should also be examined.
Bumps that become increasingly painful, bleed, or ooze pus require professional assessment. Changes in the bump’s appearance, such as alterations in color, shape, or texture, also warrant medical consultation. If the lip bump is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, or difficulty eating or speaking, prompt medical attention is needed.
Recurrent or severe episodes of certain types of lip bumps, even if previously diagnosed, can also benefit from professional guidance for management or prevention strategies. If you are uncertain about the cause of a lip bump or have any concerns regarding its nature, seeking advice from a doctor or dentist can provide clarity and appropriate care. This information does not replace professional medical advice.