A bump on or around the lips can be confusing, as many skin conditions manifest in this sensitive area. Not all are pimples, so understanding their characteristics helps identify them.
What a Lip Pimple Looks Like
A lip pimple appears as a raised red bump, similar to acne. It may have a white or yellowish center, or a dark spot if it’s a blackhead. These pimples can be tender or sore, with slight swelling. They often form along the lip line or on the skin directly above or below the lips.
Distinguishing From Other Lip Bumps
Differentiating a lip pimple from other common lip bumps involves observing key visual cues. Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus, appear as clusters of small, fluid-filled blisters. These often cause tingling, itching, or burning before erupting and eventually crust over. Unlike pimples, cold sores can occur directly on the red part of the lip.
Canker sores form inside the mouth, on the inner lip, gums, or tongue. They are painful, round or oval sores with a white or yellowish center and a red border. These sores are not contagious.
Fordyce spots are enlarged oil glands appearing as small, painless, yellowish-white bumps, often in clusters along the lip border. They are a normal skin variation and are not inflamed or contagious.
Angular cheilitis manifests as redness, cracking, and soreness at the corners of the mouth. This condition is often due to fungal or bacterial infections and is not contagious.
Milia are small, pearly white or yellowish, dome-shaped cysts that feel firm. They form when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin’s surface and typically do not cause pain. They can occur on the lips.
Common Causes of Lip Pimples
Lip pimples arise from clogged pores in the skin surrounding the lips. This blockage occurs when dead skin cells, excess oil (sebum), or external substances like makeup accumulate in hair follicles. Hormonal fluctuations, such as during puberty or menstrual cycles, increase oil production, contributing to pimple formation.
Stress can exacerbate acne breakouts around the lips. Diet, particularly foods high in sugar or unhealthy fats, can also contribute to pimples. Irritation from habits like frequent lip-picking, harsh cleansers, or touching the face can transfer bacteria and oils, leading to clogged pores and inflammation.
When to Consult a Doctor
While many lip bumps are harmless and resolve on their own, some signs warrant medical attention. Consult a doctor if a lip bump has persistent pain, rapid growth, or unusual discoloration. Signs of infection, such as fever, spreading redness, or pus, also require evaluation.
If a lip bump does not heal within a typical timeframe (a couple of weeks), or causes difficulty eating or drinking, seek medical advice. Bleeding, worsening over time, jaw swelling, or the appearance of a white patchy area or numbness also prompt consultation.