Why do I get pimples on my lower, upper, inside, around, on lip edges (lip line) or near my lip? Are they cold sore or something else? What can I use on this form of acne especially if it is infected and hurts so badly? Learn more about causes, treatments, and remedies of zits on your lips
Before we start looking at what the causes are, it is important to differentiate or distinguish cold sores from acne i.e. cold sores versus pimples.
Pimples or cold sores?
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By description, “a pimple is a tender, small red bump that can have a white tip, a black tip, or no tip at all.” [healthline.com]. They can appear anywhere on the surface of the skin and may be painful to touch especially if infected.
On the other hand, cold sores are small or tiny blisters filled with fluid that cluster in one area caused by viral infection. At inception, cold sores can be itchy too and cause a burning feeling. Although some may never show any symptoms, other signs accompanied by this infection include:
- Fever and headaches,
- Painful gums,
- Muscle aches and feeling of tiredness,
- A sore throat.
Cold sores are comon lower lip edges and lower part of the nose. However, they can also be around your mouth and mouth corners,
Causes
The truth is that anyone can get them. Here are the main causes
1. Allergic reactions
One common reason could be due to an allergy. Some people may be allergic to ingredients in lipsticks or lip balms they use, especially if one goes for the quality or cheap brands. Foods can also cause allergies.
2. Lip products
How do chemicals give rise to this form of acne? It’s simple. Certain chemical ingredients can trigger them i.e., some of these products contain harmful chemical ingredients that when they penetrate the skin can cause damage. In addition, some can block pores and thus trigger pimple formation.
3. Herpes infection
According to Healthline, one of the symptoms of herpes, a viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV1 or type 1) is largely signaled by the formation of pimple-like bumps. These ‘bumps’, are actually cold sores and not zits.
One of the common means of getting herpes is by oral sex though it is rare. If your partner is already infected with genital herpes, the viruses may pass on to your mouth during oral sex. The other way is after kissing. The rest may include sharing contaminated tools, towels and utensils such as spoons and forks.
4. Hormonal changes
Apart from the causes we have looked at, certain stages of growth may lead to the formation of these zits or bumps that may appear anywhere on the body. These changes occur as due to an increase or decrease in concentration of certain body hormones, for instance, androgens, estrogen and progesterone and can affect both males and females. The affected individuals are those at puberty and also during pregnancy. Some people may get hormonal imbalance during periods.
The primary way by which hormonal changes can affect the formation of acne is through increased activity in the sebaceous glands, leading to more oi being produced. If clogged, it can form whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and other forms of acne on your lip area.
5. General poor hygiene
Sometimes, if your personal hygiene is low and poor, you are more likely to start developing more acne due to the accumulation of dead skin, dirt, and sebum.
6. Oily skin
Excess oil on the skin can evoke formation of pimples on your face and near your lips. Similarly, taking fast foods, greasy or foods with a lot of fats can trigger them since they will also clog your pores. Ensure you properly cleanse and white your mouth after taking such foods.
7. Waxing
When on upper or above lips, they could be due to waxing. Waxing can lead to ingrown hair and consequently pimple like bumps.
8. Certain chemicals in toothpaste
If you are using a toothpaste that contains fluoride as an element, it can possibly cause this problem.
9. Smoking
Smoking does trigger infections that may lead to the formation of zits
10. Stress
Stress is another factor that contributes to increased chances of ance formation as it disrupts certain normal body functions such as respiration as well as increase production of some hormones that can trigger acne.
Red, Big Swollen, and painful ones
It is possible to end up with swollen and painful lip pimples especially if you disturb or scratch them because they will get inflamed and begin to swell. Here are the main causes of swelling, pain and them being big.
1. Infections
One of the common causes of lip swelling is due to infected zits.This is commonly a bacterial infection or any other kind. When they swell much, they can turn red.
Popping and squeezing
Popping itself can make them swell and become huge in a matter of minutes, especially if you unsuccessfully try to pop a premature pimple. This can also cause redness
Licking and scratching
Licking them with the tongue could also trigger them to swell. Always, leave them alone and don’t try feeling them with teeth either.
Seek medical assistance if your lips are so swollen and very painful or cases that won’t go away on their own and keeps on reappearing time and again.
Treatments
Although some causes do not require any treatments, especially if they are mild, some serious cases may need treatment. Besides, they do not look good i.e., they can lower self-esteem, Here are some of the best ways to treat pimples on your lips or make them go away.
1. Topical Ointments and medications
Cold sores heal and go away on their own. If you have cold sores with red and itchy or painful blister-like clusters, you need to see your doctor who will prescribe antiviral medicines. The medications will include pills, ointments, and creams.
Ointments will reduce symptoms of cold sores. Examples of such include Acyclovir and Penciclovir. Besides these, you may also go for creams available over the counter which are also helpful in relieving pain.
When choosing topical products, ensure you are not allergic to them. Some people are allergic to ingredients such as lidocaine or benzocaine. Your dermatologists will help you choose good alternatives.
Besides the above, there are many other treatments options such as hormonal therapy and other prescribed products to go for.
How to cure pimples naturally
Besides treatments, there are many home remedies or natural treatments that can banish those zits. These remedies will not only get rid of the symptoms but prevent pimples themselves and ensure they are not infected.
1. Exfoliation
It is advisable to regularly gently exfoliate or scrub on your lips to remove layers of dead cells and residuals of lip care products. Try sugar scrub (homemade remedy) or buy an exfoliator especially those with salicylic acid or low concentrated alpha hydroxyls.
2.Skincare routine
The following brief description shows how you can take care of your facial skin which should be part of your daily regimen for skin care.
i. Washing
The first thing to do as a routine to get rid of pimples on lips or around your mouth is to wash clean these areas daily. Whenever you are washing ensure that your hands are clean. Warm water does better. Once done, gently wipe the area to dry them. As you wash, avoid soaps or other medicated products unless they are particularly meant for the facial skin.
ii. Makeup removal
The second thing many people forget doing is leaving those makeups to stay when going to bed. Some chemicals contained can trigger acne. Always use your preferred cleanser or makeup remover to wipe all the makeup off before you cleanse your face. After that, you can apply a thin layer of a moisturizer.
iii. Moisturize Daily
Always remember to apply a suitable moisturizer those that are unscented and do not have oils.
2. Stop using some facial or lip products
If you recently started to develop zits after you started using certain beauty product (makeup, lipsticks, lip gloss, etc.) it may be the reason. Stop using such products. Also, stop using any shampoos, concealers or harsh soaps that worsen things such as the ones with sodium lauryl sulfate.
3. Apply compresses
Basically, there are two types of compresses, hot and cold compress. Both types can help relieve swelling and or pain. These remedies are good for painful kinds of acne. Use hot compress before you pop them and avoid cold compresses if you have an open sore or after you have popped it.
4. Lime juice
Lime juice has anti-bacterial properties and can fight bacteria. Massage it on the lips and leave it to get absorbed. Unless you are allergic it, you can also add a few drops of carrot oil or jojoba
5. Consider your cosmetics
Avoid any type of greasy makeup or other beauty products. Instead, go for water-based products since greasy ones will tend to clog your pores.
6. Eat healthily
Owing to the indisputable fact on proper nutrition is the mother of good health, a healthy eating habit and diet should be essential in solving certain skin problems. Your diet should include all the essential vitamins or multi-vitamins, some proteins, and water. Also, incorporate fresh fruits, green vegetables such as lemon, spinach, etc.
7. Stop touching and licking them
If there is slight irritation or itchy, touching them may encourage swelling. Obviously, with that, you expect to invite more bacteria – and so a possibility of increasing the number of zits.
When and how should you pop them?
Is it necessary to pop your pimples and when is it most appropriate? Some people can wait for them to heal on its own or go away. If you are not patient enough, there are certain things to observe before you pop them.
Do this only when the head is whitish, yellowish or greenish with a clear base or border. According to Glamcheck.com, you should first apply a hot compress. To pop it:
- Take small cotton swabs one in each hand and place them around a pimple you want to pop.
- Apply gentle pressure on either side until pus begins to ooze out.
- When you see it start bleeding, stop. Throw the swabs away and wash your hands only.
- Do not wash the area. Leave it to dry then apply a gel to prevent germs and swelling.
Note that popping is not recommended as it only worsens things. However, if you follow the above procedure, you may be successful.
Reference
- http://www.glamcheck.com/health/2012/02/09/pimples-on-lip-causes-treatment/
- http://www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders/pimple-vs-cold-sore.
- http://noskinproblems.com/how-to-treat-a-white-head-pimple/
- https://www.healthtap.com/topics/swollen-lip-due-to-pimple