If you have a pimple on the lip line or upper lip, you must be terrified right now. We understand that dealing with pimples in this sensitive area can be very taxing.
However, there are enough dermatologist-recommended ways of treating pimples on lips effectively. Let’s find out.
Highlights:
Can You Actually Get A Pimple On Your Lip?
Pimples (also called pustules) can develop anywhere on the skin, including your lip line, around lips, lip corner or upper lip. Pimples are inflammatory acne that forms when the hair follicle gets trapped with dirt, excess oil and bacteria [1].
What Causes Pimples On Lip?
Excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria are number one culprits for pimples on lip. Hormonal imbalances can also trigger breakouts around the lips [2]. Consider a blood test to rule this out.
Products like lip balm, makeup, toothpaste and shaving cream may contain ingredients that can irritate the skin, clog pores and cause pimples. Stress and certain medications can increase your chances of having pimples on your lips too.
How To Get Rid Of Pimples On Lip?
Pimples on the lip line or around lips are usually not a matter of concern. They can be treated effectively with some simple home remedies:
1. Warm Or Cold Compress
Cold compress is an effective way to relieve inflammation and pain from the pimple on lip. Hold a cold compress on your pimple for a minute or two twice a day. Repeat till you see the size of the pimple decreasing.
Hot compress also works in a similar way by decreasing the inflammation associated with pimples on lip. It can also help drain the pus in case the pimple is infected.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil comes to your rescue when there is a pimple on lip or around lips. It exhibits anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Topical tea tree oil is suited for all skin types. But if you are still worried about any allergic reaction, consider a patch test.
3. Toothpaste
You thought toothpaste is only for your teeth? Think again. Hydrogen peroxide and alcohol in the toothpaste can dry out and shrink your pimples on the lip line and upper lip. Cooling agents like menthol can have the same cooling effect on them and relieve pain.
4. OTC Soaps And Creams
You need to take extra care when you have a pimple on your lip. Use a mild cleanser twice a day to wash off the dirt, excess oil and dead skin cells. Avoid exfoliants as scrubbing the skin can dry your skin and signal sebaceous glands to make more sebum. Look for light-weight, non-greasy, non-comedogenic moisturizers.
5. Turmeric
Reach out for this kitchen ingredient when you have a pimple on the lip. The yellow pigment in turmeric and curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Mix turmeric with water to make a fine paste. Apply it on your lip pimple and wash off after 10 minutes. Repeat twice a day till you see a reduction in the size of the pimple.
6. Castor Oil
Castor oil is used for healing wounds due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Ricinoleic acid in castor oil reduces inflammation of the lip pimple and can inhibit growth in the bacteria that cause acne. Apply a drop or two of castor oil on the pimple and leave it overnight. Rinse off the next morning.
7. Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide [3] kills the bacteria which causes lip pimples. It comes in the form of cleansers, gels, creams and soaps. You could use benzoyl peroxide in your morning and evening skincare routine. It can cause drying but can be controlled with a good moisturizer.
8. Dermatologic Treatments
Topical treatments - Consult your dermatologist in case you have stubborn pimples on your lips. You will be prescribed topical medication like azelaic acid, salicylic acid [4], retinoids or antibiotics.
Oral medicines - Your dermatologist will assess your acne. After figuring out whether it's mild, moderate or severe, you'll be prescribed antibiotics.
In-office treatments - Laser therapy, chemical peels [5] and microdermabrasion are treatments for pimples which are performed by your dermatologist.
How To Prevent Lip Pimples?
- Cleanse your face with a mild cleanser to remove dirt, excess oil and dead skin cells from your skin.
- Moisturize to lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Address skin concerns like acne with an active ingredient.
- Use sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outdoors. Sun exposure can dry out the skin and lead to the overproduction of sebum around lips.
- Drink at least 3 litres of water every day to prevent your skin from drying and overproducing sebum.
- Never go to sleep with your lipstick or makeup on as it can clog pores.
- Avoid greasy or comedogenic skincare products as these can cause breakouts on lips or upper lips.
- Follow a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Avoid sugars and fats as these can flare up acne around lips.
- Avoid popping pimples on the lips. Popping or squeezing can disrupt the skin barrier and infect the surrounding pores. As a result, you may notice more acne around the lips.
Can A Pimple Cause My Lip To Swell?
A pimple on or around the lips can cause the lip to swell. Severe swelling can be due to cystic acne (the most serious form of acne).
You can get rid of the swelling by placing a hot washcloth as this can take away the pus. You should be able to notice a considerable change within 24 hours with hot compresses. Do not pick at the swollen lip.
While a pimple or two may pop up on your lip once in a while, there is no shortage of treatments. Let us know what worked for you when dealing with pimples on the lip line.
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