Bumps on the lip can be caused by acne, cold sores, skin tags, or cancer. Acne can be treated with warm compresses and over-the-counter medications, while cold sores can be managed with prescription medication. Skin tags can be removed by a dermatologist, and cancer should be evaluated by a doctor.
A bump on the lip can have a number of causes and can be harmless, but sometimes it may require medical attention. One of the more benign conditions is acne; pimples can form on the edge of the lip and are sometimes painful, but usually disappear within a few days. A cold sore is another potential cause, which usually starts with a tingling sensation on the lip before a blister forms and eventually forms a scab before healing. A third possible reason for having a bump on your lips is a skin tag, which is a harmless skin growth believed to form from repeated friction. Lumps or bumps on or near the lips can also form as a result of skin or mouth cancer, although this is less likely than a more benign cause.
Acne pimples often form on the skin right next to the lips and usually look the same as other areas of the skin. They may have a white head or they may form under the skin and look like a red bump. Sometimes these bumps can be painful because the lips are a sensitive area on the face. People with this type of bump may find it helpful to apply a warm compress several times a day to reduce the swelling and help it go away faster. Some over-the-counter acne medications can also be used to dry out the pimple, but they should be used sparingly to avoid drying out the skin on your lips.
Another possible reason for having a bump on your lip is a cold sore, which is a blister caused by the herpes virus. Once a person is infected with this virus, he may periodically experience outbreaks of one or more cold sores on the lips or inside the mouth. The person usually first notices a tingling sensation in the affected area, followed by the appearance of a blister. The blister can last up to a week before a crust forms and then eventually heals. Cold sores can be painful and there may be a large amount of swelling in the area. A doctor can prescribe medications that reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks, even if there is no cure for the virus.
Skin tags are skin growths that form in different areas of the body and can look like a bump on the lips. They are usually small, round, and the same color as the skin. While not painful, skin tags can be annoying or embarrassing for some people. Dermatologists can remove skin tags using a number of techniques, including freezing, burning, or cutting them. In rare cases, large, bumpy, or rapidly growing skin tags may need to be biopsied to rule out the possibility of skin cancer. Some cancers can also cause a bump on the lip and can mimic the look of a skin tag, so it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist regularly for an evaluation.
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