Small bumps on the lips are common. While many are harmless, some indicate an underlying condition. Knowing the causes helps determine when medical advice is needed.
Common Benign Causes
Many small bumps on the lips are harmless, representing normal anatomical variations or minor, temporary skin conditions.
Fordyce spots are tiny, painless, white or yellowish bumps that are enlarged sebaceous (oil) glands. Present in approximately 70% to 80% of adults, they typically range from 1 to 3 millimeters and can appear as single spots or in clusters.
Milia are small, harmless white cysts that form on or around the lips when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin’s surface. They can appear on the lips, sometimes in response to prior skin trauma.
Chapped lips, resulting from dryness, sun exposure, or irritation from lip products, can also lead to small bumps, peeling, and cracking. Additionally, minor physical trauma, such as accidentally biting the lip, can temporarily cause small, localized bumps or swelling.
Infectious Causes
Some lip bumps arise from infections, varying in appearance and progression.
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common cause of lip bumps, leading to what are widely known as cold sores or fever blisters. These typically begin with a tingling sensation, followed by the development of fluid-filled blisters that eventually crust over. These lesions are highly contagious and can recur, often triggered by stress or other factors.
Warts on or around the lips, caused by certain types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), are known as oral squamous papillomas. These growths typically appear as small, flesh-colored, and sometimes cauliflower-like lesions and are generally benign.
Molluscum contagiosum, a viral skin infection, can also manifest as small bumps on the lips. These lesions are typically firm, dome-shaped papules, ranging from 1 to 6 millimeters, often with a characteristic central dimple. The bumps may be white, pink, or skin-colored and can appear individually or in clusters.
Inflammatory and Cystic Causes
Bumps on the lips can also stem from inflammatory processes or the formation of cysts.
A mucocele, or mucous cyst, is a common, fluid-filled swelling that frequently forms on the inner surface of the lower lip. These typically painless, soft, dome-shaped lesions occur when a salivary gland duct is blocked or damaged, causing mucus to leak into surrounding tissues. They can range from 1 to 15 millimeters and may appear clear, translucent, or bluish.
Allergic reactions, specifically contact dermatitis, can lead to bumpy rashes on the lips. This occurs when the lips come into contact with an allergen, such as certain ingredients in cosmetics, lip balms, or even some foods. Symptoms often include itching, redness, swelling, and a bumpy or scaly appearance, which can develop hours or even days after exposure.
Cheilitis, a general term for inflammation of the lips, can also present with small bumps, along with redness, dryness, and cracking. This inflammation can be triggered by various factors, including infections, persistent lip licking, irritation, or underlying systemic conditions. The appearance can vary, with affected lips potentially becoming scaly, flaky, or sensitive.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While many lip bumps are harmless, certain signs indicate a medical evaluation is advisable.
If a lip bump persists for an extended period, typically more than a few weeks, or if it grows larger or changes in appearance, it warrants professional attention. Any associated symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or ulceration are also important indicators for seeking medical advice.
Other concerning signs include fever, significant swelling, difficulty eating or drinking, or if the bumps begin to spread to other areas. If there is any uncertainty about the cause of a lip bump, consulting a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate guidance is recommended.