What Are Those White Bumps on Lips?

It’s not uncommon to notice small, white bumps on your lips, leading to curiosity or concern. While many of these bumps are harmless, understanding their causes can help you determine if any action is needed.​

Fordyce Spots

Fordyce spots are enlarged oil glands that appear as small, pale bumps on the lips, inside the cheeks, or even in the genital area. They’re benign and quite common, present in approximately 70% to 80% of adults. Treatment isn’t necessary, but if their appearance bothers you, options like laser therapy or cryotherapy are available. It’s essential to consult a dermatologist for removal and avoid manipulating them to prevent irritation.

Oral Herpes

Caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), oral herpes manifests as painful, burning, or itching small blisters along the lip border, commonly known as cold sores. These lesions eventually break open, crust over, and heal within a couple of weeks. They are highly contagious, so it’s advisable to avoid close contact during an outbreak.

Milia

Milia are tiny, white cysts that can appear on the lips or around the eyes. These small epidermoid cysts are typically few and usually asymptomatic. They often resolve on their own, but if persistent, a dermatologist can offer removal options.

Oral Thrush

By Matthew Ferguson 57 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45719116

Oral thrush is a yeast infection that primarily affects the inside of the mouth but can sometimes be seen on the lips. It can also affect the tongue and the corners of the mouth, manifesting as red or pink areas, often with cracking or scaling. Antifungal medications are typically prescribed for treatment.

Oral Cancer

While less common, persistent white or red patches on the lips that start painless but continue to grow may indicate oral cancer. If you notice such changes, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional promptly for evaluation.

Other potential causes of white bumps on the lips include:

• Flat Warts: Small, skin-colored bumps caused by specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). While less common on the lips, they can occasionally appear in this area.
• Allergic Reactions: Exposure to certain allergens can lead to lip irritation and bumps.
• Blocked Salivary Glands: Obstructions can cause cyst-like bumps on the lips.​
• Comedonal Acne: Non-inflammatory acne lesions can appear around the mouth area.​

If the white bumps on your lips are growing, painful, or accompanied by other symptoms like a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty swallowing, bleeding sores, or sudden changes in oral health, it’s advisable to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. ​