Pimple On Your Lips: Sunburn, Cancer And Bacterial Infection

Sunburn

Everybody’s skin is a little different, and thus requires different care. One cause for a bump or growth on your lip could be over-exposure to the sun. If you are a sportsperson or in a profession where you have to spend large amounts of time in the sun, then using a zinc-based cream for protection can be a good idea.

Topical medication and protection from the sun is the treatment required.

Cancer

Any sudden growth which does not recede on its own, shows an increase in size or does not heal is a red flag that needs to be looked at closely immediately. Squamous cell carcinoma is often found to occur in the region of the lip. One of the risk factors associated with its occurrence is an excessive exposure to the sun. Other risk factors include smoking, a family history of the disease and other recurrent types of trauma in the region.

Cancer in the region of the lip can metastasize quickly due to the region being close to lymph nodes from which lymphatic vessels communicate with different parts of the body. It can also invade the surrounding tissues extending into the underlying alveolar bone, gums and muscles of the oral cavity.

A biopsy (excisional/incisional) might be needed for confirmation of the diagnosis. If confirmed, the treatment is usually aggressive involving radiation therapy, surgical excision with a margin of the normal affected tissue, chemotherapy individually or in combination with each other.

The earlier the detection of the tumor, the better the treatment outcomes possible with the least morbidity involved. Also remember that skin cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers in the world.

Bacterial Infection

A bacterial infection is also a common cause for infection in the region of the lip. It can due to a cut, scrape or even sharing infected cosmetics. A bacterial infection is almost never anything to be afraid about, however there are certain instances in which retrograde infection from the area can spread to the brain. This is because of anatomic connections which exist in the circulatory system.

Conclusion

A seemingly straightforward pimple on the lip can be something much more sinister and so it is always better to take a professional medical opinion if you find yourself unsure as to what the exact nature of your problem is.