Little white bumps or spots on the lips can be attributed to a lot of problems, such as Fordyce Spots and even oral cancer in some cases. If you are seeing white spots on your lips, make sure you consult a doctor immediately. These spots can be a social problem and may make it difficult for you to go out and interact with people, but various treatments are available.
Fordyce Spots
Fordyce spots are a variant of sebaceous glands that are white or yellowish in color and can appear on the lips, penis or labia. These spots are a permanent condition that is present at birth but becomes more visible with time when the diameter of the sebaceous glands keeps growing. Though they are completely harmless, Fordyce Spots present a cosmetic concern for most people suffering from them. They can be removed through laser treatment but it is advisable to consult your doctor first, since the symptoms of some sexually transmitted diseases may look like Fordyce spots too.
Herpes Labialis
Medline Plus indicates little white bumps on the lips can be an infection of the herpes simplex virus, which results in the formation of blisters and white spots on the mouth and the lips. Herpes labialis is different from genital herpes and symptoms are usually seen soon after birth, between ages 1 and 5. Your doctor can suggest anti-viral medications for the white spots, but the symptoms usually will disappear within one or two weeks, even when left untreated.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer affects the lips, gums, tongue and the throat. According to the Stanford Medical Center, excessive intake of alcohol and smoking can cause oral cancer. Though there are various symptoms of oral cancer, white spots on the lips is one of them. Other symptoms include problems chewing and swallowing food and a sore throat that does not heal.
Treatment
Depending on the cause of the white spots on your lips, the treatment can vary. Your doctor may prescribe anti viral or antibiotic treatments in case of herpes labialis while Fordyce Spots can be treated only with a laser removal. In the case of oral cancer, your doctor will first recommend a series of tests to determine the cause of white spots and then start the needed treatment.
Considerations
If the white bumps or spots on your lips are there since birth, then it is most likely a permanent problem with no side effects. However, if you have just noticed the formation of these spots, it is best to consult your doctor immediately, especially if you smoke or drink.
