The sight of a pimple is irritating. It can appear anywhere on your body. Many people ask “Can you get a pimple on your lip?” The simple answer is yes. It looks bad anywhere on the face, and even worse when appears at the edge of your lips which interferes with eating and talking. Luckily, you can find a number of remedies to help prevent and treat pimples around your mouth.
Can You Get a Pimple on Your Lip?
The red little bump with or without a white tip can appear anywhere on your body, so the answer is yes. While you do not usually get it exactly on your lips, it is quite common on the edge of your lips. You are more likely to get pimples in these areas if acne runs in your family. You do not remove makeup completely before going to sleep, or you consume too much of dairy products. Certain medications, including corticosteroids can lead to acne breakouts. Hormonal changes and stress may also contribute to pimples.
What Causes a Pimple on Lip?
Now that you know you can get a pimple on the lip, you may also be wondering what causes it in the first place. When hair follicles become clogged with dead skin and sebum, you get pimples. Sebum is vital for keeping your skin moisturized, but excessive sebum production and dead skin cells can clog those pores and lead to pimples. The following factors may also contribute to pimples:
- You use cheap quality lip gloss, lipstick, lip balm, or you are allergic to one of the ingredients in them
- You have used expired facial makeup
- You have herpes that lead to the development of acne
- You do not pay attention to your diet
- You do not clean your lips properly after eating greasy food
- Your body is undergoing hormonal changes caused by puberty, stress, pregnancy, or menstruation
Is It a Pimple or Cold Sore?
Many people ask the question “Can you get a pimple on your lip?” because they mistake what they have for a cold sore. Since both pimples and cold sores can appear near your lips, it could be difficult to tell.However, you have a pimple if it is red with a white head, whereas cold sores are viral infections and look more like blisters. You usually experience a tingling sensation before cold sores develop, but that is not the case when you have pimples.
What Should I Do About a Pimple on Lip?
Home Remedy
Okay, so you now clearly know the answer to your question “Can you get a pimple on your lip?” You may also be wondering what treatment options are available once you do get a pimple. The treatment option depends on the severity of your condition. If you have mild to moderate acne, use OTC creams and soaps, and take the following steps:
- Wash your face regularly using mild soap
- Wash your hair frequently if you have oily hair
- Wear oil-free sunscreen to help prevent clogging
- Avoid using greasy makeup products
- Use tea tree oil to wash your face
- Apply creams containing zinc to treat your pimples
- Wash your face properly after eating anything oily
- Always use fragrant-free toothpaste and avoid fluoride if you are allergic to it
In addition to the basics above, there are also a few remedies you can easily try at home:
- Use benzoyl peroxide: buy a tube of benzoyl peroxide gel and apply it after washing your face with a non-medicated soap. Be sure to pat dry your face before apply the gel. Use it twice a day and avoid using it for children under 12 years of age. The gel works by unclogging your pores, but keep in mind that it can cause a bit of skin irritation during the first few weeks of use. Stop using it if an allergic reaction occurs.
- Apply ice: ice works by constricting the oil glands and reducing swelling. This helps flush out bacteria and excess oil. Simply wrap an ice cube in a napkin and place it on your acne for a few seconds. Repeat several times for relief. Do not apply ice directly to your skin and never use it for more than 20 minutes in one session.
- Try steam: it works by opening up clogged pores and getting rid of dirt and bacteria. Get a bowl of hot water and bend over it with a towel around your head. Let your face be exposed to the steam for about half an hour to relieve your pimples. Be sure to maintain enough distance from the bowl when exposing your face to the steam.
- Use lemon juice: citric acid in lemon juice has antibacterial properties and helps eliminate bacteria to give you relief from a pimple around your lip. Simply, wash your face thoroughly and then apply a cotton swab dipped into the lemon juice to your pimple. Be sure to dilute the lemon juice if you have sensitive skin. Do not apply it directly on open pimples or wounds.
- Drink plenty of water: You ought to see pimples on your face if you do not drink enough water. Drinking plenty of water will help your body flush out chemicals and toxins. This cleanses your skin from the inside out.
Medical Treatment
When OTC measures do not work, you may consider contacting your dermatologist and use a medical treatment for relief. There are medical treatments to help control acne breakouts, prevent scarring, and make scars less noticeable.
Some acne medications will help lower the production of oil, which in turn will keep you from having clogged pores. These medications also reduce inflammation and fight bacterial infections, which will help prevent scarring. Keep in mind that it usually takes up to 8 weeks for prescription acne medications to produce results. So, be patient and talk to you doctor immediately if you notice any side effects.