Bumps on Lips
Last reviewed by Dr. Raj MD on January 12th, 2022.
Bumps on lips can be caused by a variety of things that can range from mild to serious causes. The bumps can also occur on just your top or bottom lip.
They do need to be addressed quickly because they can have a negative impact on your appearance and they can be discomforting. Usually when you have bumps on lips they come in small patches.
Causes of Bumps on Lips
Lip care that is inadequate
This is a common reason why a person might develop bumps on lips in addition to sores on your lips. If this is the cause you will see it most often during the winter when your lips are flaky and excessively dry.
If you are one that licks/bites your lips continuously you are more likely to suffer from inflammation of the lips. These bumps on lips can happen because of the lack of moisture. They may also bleed.
Lichenoid and spongiosis inflammation
Both of these medical conditions can cause red bumps on lips. This is an infection that can last for three to four days and then will disappear. After a few days the bumps on lips will erupt again. These infections are caused due to exposing your lips to oral medications or allergens.
Bilateral infection
Some bumps on lips may be painful and itchy and look like blisters that could occur from insect bites that are poisonous or allergic reactions to something. The red bumps on lips will often become swollen and very painful.
They could also crowd into the corners of your mouth and become pus filled. If you are seeing these symptoms it could be angular cheilitis, which is a medical term for an inflammatory lesion that appears in the corner of your mouth. It is also referred to as labial commissures. A bilateral infection means that it occurs on both sides.
Sexual contact with HSV 2 individuals
HSV stands for herpes simplex virus and this type of infection can be contracted from oral sex, sharing drinks with a person who has HSV, or just from kissing.
It is a contagious virus so the infection is spread to other people who come in close contact with one who is affected. Herpes simplex virus A and B are both responsible for spreading sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s)
Fever blisters caused by HSV1
These tiny bumps on lips could be canker sores or fever blisters and are two common disorders of the mouth that can cause intense discomfort and are very contagious.
They are also referred to as cold sores. They are the result of a herpes simplex virus 1 infection. Children and adults both are vulnerable this particular virus.
Cancer
This is usually the cause for the most extreme bumps on lips. With oral cancer the sore will not heal and the patches of bumps on lips can appear from white to red in color. The swelling of these bumps on lips can spread to your tongue, jaw, and gums.
Fordyce spots
These are non-contagious white or red bumps on lips and are very small measuring one to three millimeters or less. They are painless and cluster in groups.
Acne
These bumps on lips could be premature acne development. People who practice pore skin care or have a hormone imbalance may have these types of bumps on lips.
Other reasons that you might have bumps on lips are overexposure to sunlight, stress, and during a woman’s menstrual cycles. They can also be caused by ulcers, chemical burns, and oral cancers.
Treatment for Bumps on Lips
If you are experiencing any bumps on lips, especially if they are painful, you should see a dermatologist to find out the cause in order to get the right treatment before they become worse.
What treatment is used depends on what is causing the bumps on lips. Some of the treatments that can be used include:
Antibiotics and ointments
To help cure the soreness and irritation that these bumps on lips can cause you can use lip ointments and topical creams. The ointments can help to soften the crust of the sores, numb the blisters, and relieve the pain.
Your dermatologist may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent a secondary bacterial infection. For lichenoid eruptions the dermatologist usually prescribes Lidex ointment.
Liquid nitrogen treatment
This treatment is often used to treat bumps on lips that are caused by skin cancer. The liquid nitrogen burns the blisters off but the scars and scabs can take a considerable amount of time to heal.
Surgery and grafting
Surgeries and grafting may be done in serious cases but this is the last option to permanently get rid of the bumps on lips and restore the original texture of your lips.
You can also use home remedies for dry flaky lips by nourishing your lips with aloe Vera, cocoa butter, or coconut oil. You can also use petroleum jelly. Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
You should also make sure that you are not engaging in any sexual acts with a person who is suffering from any sexually transmitted disease, kissing or drinking after anyone with fever blisters. You should also use natural lip products as much as you can to avoid any allergic reactions.
Pictures of Bumps on Lips
Collection of images, pics and Pictures of bumps on lips…
Picture 1: Bumps on Lips