Have you ever looked at your face in the mirror for long enough that you start to wonder if there’s something there you haven’t noticed before? Say, some bumps on your lips that you’re certain weren’t there yesterday? Before you start to panic, know that what causes white bumps on lips is likely completely benign—but there are a few important things you need to consider.
Meet the Experts: Michelle Henry, M.D., a dermatologist at Skin Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan; Ruth McTighe, M.D., a dermatologist at Waccamaw Dermatology in Charleston.
Here, dermatologists explain all the possible causes of tiny white bumps on your lips, plus when you should call your doctor and at-home steps you can take to soothe any discomfort they are causing.
What causes white bumps on lips?
Fordyce spots
The most common type of lip bumps, fordyce spots are “small pale bumps that can be seen on the lips, sometimes inside the cheeks and you may even see them on the genital region,” explained Michelle Henry, M.D., a dermatologist at Skin Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan. “They are just enlarged oil glands, or we call them sebaceous glands, and they are completely benign and very common.” Research shows that between 70 and 80% of adults have them.
Removal should only be done by a dermatologist, Dr. Henry added, because it requires either laser surgery, cryotherapy, other invasive removal methods, or prescription retinoids. However, no treatment is truly necessary. Most importantly: “Avoid manipulating them to prevent irritation,” said Ruth McTighe, M.D., a dermatologist at Waccamaw Dermatology in Charleston.
Oral herpes
Oral herpes, which is caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), presents as painful, burning, or itching small blisters along the lip border that are commonly referred to as cold sores. “These lesions eventually break open, crust over, and heal within a couple of weeks,” Dr. McTighe said, and they are highly contagious.
Milia
Milia are little white cysts that can appear on the lips. You may also see them on the skin around your eyes. “These small epidermoid cysts are typically few in number and usually asymptomatic,” said Dr. McTighe. There are also a variety of ways to get rid of them.
Oral thrush
Oral thrush is a yeast infection that is most often contained inside the mouth; however, “you can sometimes see it on the lips,” Dr. Henry explained. It can affect the tongue and the corners of the mouth as well. It may “manifest as red or pink areas, often with cracking or scaling,” Dr. McTighe added.
Related: Doctor lists five causes of swollen lymph nodes
Oral cancer
Oral cancer typically affects the inside of the mouth or throat, but signs of it may appear on the lips and face. “If you have any new white or red patches that start out painless but are persisting and growing, you may want to have a doctor look at that because it could potentially be oral cancer,” said Dr. Henry.
Less common causes
Less common white bump causes worth noting are:
Flat warts: “These small, skin-colored bumps are caused by specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV),” said Dr. McTighe. “While less common on the lips, they can occasionally appear in this area.”
Allergic reactions
Blocked salivary glands
Comedonal acne, the non-inflammatory type of acne that manifests as many small bumps on the skin
Can you get rid of white bumps on lips at home?
Unfortunately, there aren’t many home treatments for white bumps on your lips, said Dr. Henry. “If they ever get inflamed, you can use a warm compress to soothe them. And avoid picking them and use gentle skincare,” she added.
Dr. McTighe said that, although no home remedies have been proven particularly effective in removing Fordyce spots, regularly moisturizing lips with a product like Vaseline may help reduce irritation or slightly improve their appearance.
When to see a doctor about bumps on your lips
