Mystery Pimple On Your Lip? Here's What It Could Be

There are a number of reasons which can cause a growth on your lip, ranging from something that is largely cosmetic in nature to something that requires a much closer look at things. Their appearance and the social stigma attached with their presence means that most people are looking to a quick fix to the problem and are likely to turn to off the shelf acne medication. Here are some other things that can cause that mystery pimple on your lip.

Cold Sores

This is one of the most common types of infection that is seen in the world. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. The type 2 herpes simplex virus is associated with sexually transmitted diseases and it is unusual to find it affecting the upper half of the body.

The typical lesion is that of a small cluster of blisters which burst over the course of a few days. The underlying skin is reddish and tender for a period of a week to ten days. The only treatment required is topical in nature with an antiseptic and analgesic gel enough to do the job. Patients should avoid scratching that area, intimate physical contact, dental treatment, applying makeup over the area as that can all contribute to spreading the infection to other people.

Allergic Reactions

This is probably the most common reason for a sudden growth or lesion on the lip. There are a number of chemicals and ingredients in the different types of cosmetics, toothpastes, and mouthwashes that we use on a daily basis. The better brands are all tested to be hypoallergenic to the large majority of the population, however that does not mean that they will not cause an allergic reaction in anyone.

If you have noticed the bump on your lip after having recently changed any particular product then it is likely to be an allergic reaction. The best way is to stop using the product altogether and go back to your original choice. Anti-allergy medication may be all that is required to get rid of the growth that had you worried.

Acne

It is a popular myth that acne is only seen during the teenage years. The truth is that it is seen in people of all ages. The most common reason for acne to occur is a blockage of the sebaceous glands that lie underneath the surface of the skin and the lips leading to a localized bacterial infection. The growth will appear to be filled with whitish-greenish pus like material and will usually be solitary in nature. A visit to the dermatologist will be a good idea so that you can get your skin type and the most effective method for managing it from a professional.

READ How to Get Rid of Cold Sores - Tips for Cold Sore Treatment

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.