Bumps on the lips are common, varying widely in appearance and underlying causes. While many are harmless and resolve without intervention, others may indicate conditions warranting attention. Understanding their origins helps determine when professional evaluation is needed and alleviates unnecessary worry.
Benign Lip Bumps
Several types of lip bumps are typically harmless, representing normal variations or minor, temporary conditions.
Fordyce spots are visible, enlarged sebaceous (oil-producing) glands. They appear as small, white or yellowish bumps, usually 1 to 5 millimeters, commonly found along the vermillion border or inside the cheeks. These spots are painless, not contagious, and affect approximately 80% of adults.
Milia are small, white or yellowish cysts that can form on the lips. They occur when keratin, a skin protein, becomes trapped beneath the skin’s surface. Milia are painless and often resolve on their own.
Minor allergic reactions can manifest as small bumps or swelling on the lips. These reactions might stem from contact with certain foods, cosmetic products, or environmental allergens. Such bumps often appear suddenly and subside once allergen exposure is removed, sometimes aided by over-the-counter antihistamines.
Additionally, severely chapped lips can develop small bumps or peeling as a result of dryness and irritation.
Common Conditions Causing Lip Bumps
Beyond benign variations, several common conditions can lead to bumps on the lips, often requiring specific care or management.
Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), begin with tingling or itching before developing into fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips. These blisters break open, ooze, and form a crust, usually healing within one to two weeks; they are highly contagious.
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, differ from cold sores. They appear as painful, round or oval sores with a white or yellowish center and a red border. Typically forming inside the mouth on inner lip surfaces, cheeks, or tongue, they are not contagious. These sores can make eating and speaking uncomfortable but usually heal within one to two weeks.
Mucoceles, or mucous cysts, are fluid-filled swellings common on the lower lip, though they can appear on the gums or inside the mouth. They often look translucent or bluish, resulting from a blocked or ruptured salivary gland, sometimes due to accidental biting. Most mucoceles are painless and may resolve spontaneously as trapped fluid drains.
Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection causing reddish sores, often around the nose and mouth. These sores quickly progress into oozing blisters that develop a characteristic honey-colored crust. The infection can spread to other body areas through touch or shared items.
Lip acne, similar to acne elsewhere on the face, arises from blocked pores or hair follicles around the lip line. This is due to excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, manifesting as raised red bumps that might contain whiteheads or blackheads.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many lip bumps are harmless, certain characteristics or accompanying symptoms should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional. Seek medical attention for any lip bump that persists for more than a few weeks without healing. A healthcare provider can diagnose the cause and recommend management.
Changes in the bump’s size, shape, or color, particularly if it grows rapidly or becomes discolored, warrant evaluation. If a lip bump becomes painful, starts to bleed, or interferes with daily activities like eating or speaking, a medical consultation is recommended. These signs could indicate a more involved underlying condition.
Additional symptoms like fever, general illness, or jaw swelling alongside a lip bump are also reasons to consult a doctor. If concerned about a lip bump, seeking professional medical advice provides reassurance and ensures timely intervention.