Lip lesions can be caused by injury, dryness, infections, digestive disorders, and other medical conditions. Herpes simplex virus is a common infectious agent, while Crohn’s disease and celiac disease can cause painful mouth sores. Lip balm can help with dryness, and squamous cell carcinoma may be a rare cause of lip lesions.
Lip lesions are cuts or other abnormal openings in the surface of the lip that are often painful and prone to bleeding. Injury to the lip through biting or other hard contact causes a large percentage of injuries. Dry lips are another common factor in the development of lip sores. Sometimes, a sore on the lip can appear as a symptom of an infection or other medical condition. Such ailments could include digestive disorders, inflammatory conditions, or cancer.
Simple injury is a frequent cause of lip injury or any other type of mouth injury. Because the skin on the lips is sensitive and vulnerable, any rough contact such as biting the lip or repeatedly rubbing with an abrasive material can open the skin’s surface. Also, substances brought to the mouth and lips that contain certain chemicals can leave the lips vulnerable. For example, spicy foods or toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate can cause injury problems. These types of lesions will often appear just inside the lip area as a white, painful ulcer.
Infections can also cause mouth sores, including sores on the lips. Perhaps the most common infectious agent responsible for lip lesions is the herpes simplex virus. This viral agent attacks the mucous membranes in the mouth, causing water-filled blisters when it hits. A yeast infection can also cause white bloody spots called oral thrush, but this particular condition is typically found inside the mouth.
Disorders of the digestive system can also negatively impact the lips and mouth. Namely, Crohn’s disease can ease painful mouth sores. The condition results from inflammation of the digestive tract, usually starting in the small intestine. Gut dysfunction can also cause improper absorption of nutrients in a condition called celiac disease, of which lip lesions are a primary indicator.
Other medical conditions can also create lip injury conditions. An inflammatory skin disease called erythema multiforme can form knots on the lips, as well as the limbs, eyes and genitals. Other inflammatory disorders with unknown causes such as glandular chellitis and granulomatous chellitis can cause swelling and crusting of the lips. Additionally, the STDs gonorrhea and syphilis can produce crater ulcers and swellings on the lips, gums, and tongue. An abnormal urinary secretion can further accompany these particular conditions.
One of the main causes of lip lesions is dryness. Lips need to stay moist to maintain proper texture and function. When weather or health conditions make your lips dry, they crack. Such problems can be corrected by moistening the lips with lip balm or similar substances.
On rare occasions, a lesion on the lower lip may indicate the cancer squamous cell carcinoma. This particular type of injury is often relieved and painless. Heavy smoking or alcohol consumption can increase your risks for this event.
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