Even if they're small and painless, visible bumps on your lips can feel uncomfortable and make you self-conscious. Some common causes of bumps create nothing more than an annoyance and may not even need treatment, although treatment may help get rid of them faster. Learning the symptoms of conditions that can cause white lip bumps can help you diagnose yours, but if you're experiencing significant pain or open sores that won't heal, consult a health-care provider.
Causes
Fordyce spots, or Fordyce granules, are one possible cause of white bumps on the lips. These are visible sebaceous, or skin oil, glands without hair follicles that may appear on the lips or the genitals. Up to 95 percent of adults have these spots, according to DermNet NZ, a website from the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Another cause is herpes labialis, an infection of the herpes simplex virus on the lips, which causes cold sores. In the United States, most people over age 20 have contracted this virus, notes MedlinePlus, the website from the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
Symptoms
Fordyce spots appear as slightly raised white or yellowish bumps or spots between 1 to 5 mm in size. You may see just one or groups of 50 to 100. Although they may be present when you're born, they tend to become more prominent after puberty and can seem to appear quickly. A herpes labialis outbreak, or cold sores, begins as a group of tiny, fluid-filled blisters that appear white or yellowish. You may also feel increased sensitivity, itching or burning at the affected area.
Medical Treatment
Fordyce spots are harmless and require no treatment. If their appearance bothers you, though, laser treatment and electrodessication are options for eliminating the spots. A cold sore should clear up on its own in one to two weeks, but antiviral medications can help speed healing. Both oral and topical medications are available.
Home Remedies
No home treatment is necessary for Fordyce spots, other than avoiding picking or squeezing the spots, states DermNet NZ. Basic home care can help you manage a cold sore, though. You may be able to prevent the sore from developing by applying 1 or 2 drops of pure tea tree oil to the affected area as soon as you experience symptoms, reports the International Aromatherapy and Herb Association. Applying ice or a warm compress may help ease pain or burning. Wash the area with soap and water to control the virus.
Considerations
While Fordyce spots are usually harmless, consult a health-care provider if yours become irritated or itch. Don't apply tea tree oil to broken blisters or open sores. Antiviral medications can help treat cold sores but can't eliminate the herpes simplex virus from your body. The virus remains dormant and may cause cold sores later.
