The acne on my back, neck, chest, scalp, and hair is very severe, and I have even experienced lip acne. The pain of pimples on lips won’t relax me, even though I have partially made peace with zits. If you’re concealing cystic acne, spot-treating it can be challenging. Cold sores dressed up as pimples also appeal to me.
What causes pimples on lips?
The following factors contribute to lip bumps:
- Pore clogs
- A buildup of dead skin
- Lip products with an oily base
- Allergies or dermatitis
- A cold sore (not acne)
Inflammation results from clogged pores caused by dead skin cells and oil. A clog may be caused by hormonal factors (which trigger oil production) and genetic factors. It is best to consult a dermatologist before doing a DIY fix on your skin (even virtually if you can’t leave your bed).
Pimples on lips hurt so much; why is that?
Due to the huge number of nerve endings in our mouths, pimples on the lips can be extremely painful. Consequently, “if you have an infection or inflammation around your lips, it can lead to lots of tenderness,” says Dr. Yadav. The home remedy for lip pimples suggested by Dr. Yadav is to apply a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes over the bump. The cream should be applied twice daily with a concentration of 1 percent hydrocortisone. It is possible to get an injection of cortisone through your dermatologist if the zit is too painful.
What treatment should use if I’ve got pimples on my lips?
Pimples on lips can be treated by following a consistent skincare routine, which includes cleansing, exfoliating, and spot-treating your skin (to prevent future pimples). Let’s break it down:
Make sure your lips are exfoliated
Exfoliate your lips regularly to prevent pimples on your lips. Those aren’t the lips you want to scrub with intense, gritty lip scrubs. Dr. Koo suggests using an acid-based toner instead. A salicylic acid toner will eliminate acne-causing bacteria, eliminate excess sebum, and help your skin During the healing process, apply a hydrocolloid pimple patch on top of a salicylic acid-based spot treatment if you have a lip pimple already. A warm washcloth two to three times a week will remove dead skin from your lips without potentially depositing pore-clogging ingredients.
Nightly lip cleansing
Before bed:
- Remove all your makeup–foundation, concealer, lip liner–every night.
- Use a makeup removal towel to dab it in water to break down the pigments and oils, then sweep it across your face.
- Use makeup wipes only when necessary (makeup wipes can leave pore-clogging gunk behind, so every time, you shouldn’t use them).
Retinoids can help you fight acne.
Adapalene, a retinoid for acne, can help increase cellular turnover and prevent new pimples from forming on your lips, suggests Dr. Koo. Adapalene can be irritating at first, so apply it gently after moisturizing your lips at night. Over time, retinoids can become less irritating when used twice a week for three weeks and then three times a week indefinitely. Make sure you moisturize afterward with an oil-free product.
Lightweight lip products are the best.
Koo advises people with lip pimples to avoid waxy, occlusive lip products. Skin inflammation is often aggravated due to the use of harsh formulations, in particular, ones that contain irritants. Use an oil-free moisturizer instead of balms or a lightweight lip serum.
Inflamed areas can be soothed by heat.
Your lip pimple might be relieved by holding a warm, damp washcloth against it. Heat a reusable gel heat pack for 25 seconds in the microwave, and gently apply it to your pimple daily. When you use the pack, wipe it down with soap and water.
Do I need to pop pimples on my lips?
The doctor advises against popping a lip pimple yourself. For some inflammation relief, use a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream if tempted to pop a pimple. Lip skin is very delicate and easily scarred.
Cold sores or pimples on your lips?
The difference between an open sore that is cold and a pimple and how you care for them correctly can make the difference. Dr. Koo says that pimples are caused by bacteria, whereas viruses cause cold sores. Herpes simplex virus, or HSV1, causes cold lip sores, according to Dr. Koo. The watery, painful blisters look similar to them.
What is the difference between a pimple and a cold?
In most cases, a pimple will appear to have one head filled with pus, like a whitehead. Or it may appear to have clogged sebum, like a blackhead. There is no pus in cold sores, and they are composed of clusters of blisters.”
A pimple is treated differently from a cold sore, says Dr. Yadav. The best way to shorten the duration and prevent the spread of cold sores is by using antiviral medications, such as ointments. You’ll create an even more irritated bump using spot treatments and salicylic acid toners on cold sores.
Do pimples on lips last for an extended time?
The frequent use of pimples on lips medicine can make treating them difficult, says Dr. Yadav. Healing can be slowed by irritation, he says.
One last thought:
It’s not a problem when you’ve got pimples on your lips. Natural Golds clogged pores cause it due to genetics, makeup, or insufficient exfoliation. Please wait for it to heal by wiping it with a salicylic acid toner. You may want to utilize a retinoid for acne, such as adapalene if you consistently get pimples around your lips. You should consult your dermatologist for a cold sore instead of a lip pimple.
- Experts in their fields: In addition to founding Dr. Koo’s Private Practice in Aspen, CO, Dr. Koo Skincare is her skincare line.
- A medical and cosmetic dermatologist who specializes in treating BIPOC patients, Dr. Geeta Yadav founded Facet Dermatology.