Pimples on or around the lips are a common skin concern. While typically harmless, these breakouts can cause discomfort. Understanding their contributing factors is key to effective management and prevention.
Specific Causes of Lip Zits
The skin around the mouth has many sebaceous glands that produce sebum. Excess sebum and dead skin cells can clog hair follicles, forming pimples. This area is susceptible due to the high concentration of these glands.
Bacterial accumulation also plays a role in lip zit development. Bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes thrive in clogged pores, causing inflammation and characteristic red, sometimes pus-filled, bumps. Saliva and mouth moisture create a favorable breeding ground for these bacteria.
Products applied near the lips can contribute to breakouts. Oily lip balms, lipsticks, and cosmetics may contain comedogenic ingredients that clog pores if they spread onto surrounding skin. Fragrances and chemicals in these products can also irritate the skin, triggering breakouts. Toothpastes containing fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), or cinnamon can irritate skin around the mouth, exacerbating acne.
Dietary habits and food residue can influence lip zits. Greasy or sugary foods may be linked to breakouts. Not promptly cleaning the area after eating can leave residues that clog pores. Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause increase androgen levels, stimulating sebum production and contributing to acne around the lower face.
Habitual touching of the face, including the lips, transfers dirt, oil, and bacteria from hands to skin, aggravating pores and leading to zits. Hair removal methods like waxing, shaving, or threading around the lip can irritate hair follicles, potentially causing inflammation or ingrown hairs that resemble pimples.
Distinguishing Lip Zits from Other Conditions
It is important to differentiate lip zits from other similar skin conditions around the mouth.
Cold Sores
Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus, are often confused with pimples but have distinct characteristics. They appear as a cluster of small, fluid-filled blisters that may tingle, burn, or itch before erupting, usually on the lip or at its border. In contrast, a lip zit is a single, raised red bump, possibly with a whitehead or blackhead, and does not typically present with initial tingling or fluid-filled clusters.
Perioral Dermatitis and Folliculitis
Perioral dermatitis can resemble acne around the mouth. It presents as a rash with small red bumps, sometimes scaling or redness, often leaving a clear band of skin around the lips. Unlike acne, perioral dermatitis lacks comedones and can be triggered by topical steroids, toothpastes, or cosmetics. Folliculitis, an inflammation of hair follicles, also manifests as small, red, sometimes pus-filled bumps, related to hair follicles and caused by bacterial or fungal infections.
If a breakout is persistent, painful, spreading, or its diagnosis is uncertain, seek professional advice. A doctor or dermatologist can diagnose the condition and recommend treatment, especially if home remedies are ineffective or infection is suspected.
Effective Management and Prevention
Gentle cleansing practices are important for managing and preventing lip zits. Wash the face twice daily with a mild cleanser, especially after sweating or eating, to remove excess oil, dirt, and bacteria without irritation. Avoid over-scrubbing, as it can worsen irritation.
Targeted topical treatments address existing breakouts. Over-the-counter products with salicylic acid unclog pores, while benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation. Apply these carefully to the affected area, avoiding contact with the lips unless formulated for lip use.
Choose non-comedogenic makeup and skincare, especially for the lip area, to prevent new breakouts. Select lip products without heavy oils, waxes, or irritating fragrances that clog pores or cause sensitivity. Consider fluoride-free or SLS-free toothpastes if they contribute to perioral irritation.
Avoid picking or squeezing lip zits, as this introduces bacteria, worsens inflammation, leads to infection, and causes scarring. Allow the skin to heal naturally or use a warm compress to encourage drainage.
A balanced diet and avoiding excessive consumption of certain foods may be beneficial for some individuals. Stress management techniques help, as stress influences hormonal fluctuations and increases oil production. Adequate skin hydration, through drinking water and using moisturizers, prevents the skin from becoming overly dry, which can trigger increased oil production.