White Spots on Lips: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Geetanjali Gupta
Written By Sheena Mehta
on Oct 25, 2024
Last Edit Made By Sheena Mehta
on Oct 25, 2024
White spots are certainly a cause for concern, especially when the cause of their formation is unknown. Another thing that can raise your eyeballs is whether they can be treated. Some white spots are harmless and may indicate a viral or bacterial infection. Still, others can be a sign of underlying health issues that may require medical attention to remove them.
Today’s topic doesn’t intend to interfere with medical procedures. It will explore the most common causes of white spots on the lips, their symptoms, and potential treatments.
What are white spots on lips?
Your lips are the reason for your smile, but if that smile gets a dent in white spots, it might make you uncomfortable. These white bumps are unexpected and unusual, lowering your self-esteem.
While these white bumps on lips are generally not harmful, there are circumstances when these bumps are painful or uncomfortable. They can form for different reasons, including infections, nutritional deficiencies, and cosmetic issues. Early and accurate diagnosis can help you treat sooner rather than later.
5 Common Causes of White Spots on Lips
Below are five reasons for white bumps on your lips:
- Fordyce Spots
Although the cause of fordyce spots is unknown, these small, pale, or yellowish-white bumps can occur inside the mouth or outside the lips. These spots do not cause any pain, infection, or itching.
What is the main cause of Fordyce spots?
Fordyce spots are one of the most common causes of white spots on the lips. They often appear on the Vermilion border and can occur at any age but typically attack the adult population. Additionally, these spots are not associated with any particular disease and do not pose a risk to your health.
We are born with Fordyce spots; they are present in our bodies. Whether you are male or female, you are likely to develop these spots if you have oily skin. Although rare, Fordyce spots can be formed on the penis in men or on the labia in women.
Medical Treatment
You do not need any treatment for Fordyce spots, as they are harmless. However, if their appearance bothers you, contact a healthcare professional, as he might suggest laser therapy, topical applications, and micro-punch surgery, and thus reduce their visibility.
Home Remedies
Home remedies concerning Fordyce spots include:
- Jojoba and argan oil
- Coconut oil
- A concoction of garlic flakes mixed with water and lemon juice taken on an empty stomach
- Apple cider vinegar (ACV) and water mix
- Milia
Milia are small, white bumps, often acting like tiny cysts under the skin. Milia is usually formed around the eyes and can develop on the lips.
What is the main cause of milia?
There is no specific cause for the milia bumps, which are normal, typically painless, and very common. There can be a single bump or multiple bumps on the face, including the skin. They can form due to skin trauma, sun damage, or certain skincare products that clog pores.
Medical Treatment:
One good thing about Milia's formation is that it gets resolved independently. However, if they don’t, contact a skin specialist, as he can use an extraction method using a sterile needle or a procedure called deroofing. Additionally, do not pick, press, or scratch Milia, as it could worsen the condition and lead to swelling or redness.
Home remedies
Doing these things at home can help treat Milia:
- Wash your face every day. Dry it gently.
- Avoid over-the-counter medicines to exfoliate your skin.
- Apply sunscreens when you are out in the sun.
- Lemon juice may help in drying the milia spots.
- Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers)
Canker sores, also known as cold sores, fever blisters, or aphthous ulcers, can develop on the soft tissues inside the mouth, including the lips. Initially, they are painful white or yellow ulcers before turning into open sores. Canker sores neither occur on the surface of your lips nor are they contagious.
What is the main cause of canker sores?
Cold sores or canker sores can be caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Factors such as stress, fatigue, and sun exposure trigger them. Besides, minor mouth injuries (such as lip biting), acidic or spicy foods, or nutritional deficiencies of vitamin B12, folic acid, or iron can lead to this sore.
Medical Treatment
Fortunately, most canker sores heal within a week or two. There are over-the-counter medicines that can help relieve pain. In case of serious side effects, contact your healthcare provider, as he may suggest antiviral drugs to stop the pain and treat outbreaks quickly.
Home Remedies
By following these methods, you can treat cold sores at home:
- Eat pain relievers.
- Apply aloe vera gel.
- Apply docosanol (Abreva) ointment.
- Wash your hands often, especially after touching the face.
- Keep your hands away from your mouth.
- Oral Thrush (Candidiasis)
Oral thrush (Candidiasis albicans) is caused by white, creamy lips, tongue, or inner cheek patches. It may develop cracking or redness at the corners of the mouth. Besides, it tends to cause pain or discomfort when eating or swallowing. Oral thrush is more likely to occur in infants, the elderly, and individuals with weaker immune systems.
What is the main cause of oral thrush?
The main cause of oral thrush is the fungal infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Hence, the white spots on the lip might be a symptom of oral thrush.
If white bumps continue to occur, it is even more serious. Your doctor may suggest an HIV test for confirmation.
Medical Treatment
Once diagnosed with oral thrush, your healthcare provider may suggest antifungal medications such as nystatin or fluconazole.
Home Remedies
Home remedies that can help minimize the symptoms of oral thrush:
- Maintain good oral hygiene.
- Reduce sugar intake.
- Rinse your mouth with salt water.
- Rinse your mouth with baking soda.
- Eat yogurt as many times as possible.
- Oral Cancer
Oral cancer occurs in the mouth, throat, and lips. It is a flat, or raised, white bump, which is painless initially. Then, you may see bleeding after some time.
What are the main causes of oral cancer?
The main causes of oral cancer are tobacco abuse, sun exposure, heavy alcohol use, and prior human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Medical Treatments
Medical treatments for managing Fordyce spots include removing affected lesions, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Home Remedies
Home remedies for oral cancers include:
- Rinse your mouth several times a day.
- Gently floss your teeth.
- Avoid using whitening toothpaste to prevent pain.
- Drink a lot of water.
- Use a straw for drinking liquids.
- Vitamin Deficiency
White spots on lips may also occur due to a deficiency of B vitamins, iron, or folate. Deficiencies of these essential nutrients can cause oral health issues, including sores or white spots. Common symptoms include fatigue or weakness.
What is the main cause of vitamin deficiency?
The main cause of vitamin deficiencies includes inadequate dietary intake or poor absorption of certain nutrients that help maintain healthy lips and oral tissues.
Medical Treatment
A healthcare provider may suggest vitamin-rich foods or supplements to eat. Foods such as green leafy vegetables, fortified cereals, meat, and dairy products are healthy foods high in vitamin B. Incorporating these foods into your diet will help you get desirable results.
Home Remedies
Home remedies to improve your vitamin deficiencies:
- Spend time in sunlight.
- Eat egg yolks.
- Add more mushrooms to your diet.
- Eat fatty fish and seafood.
- Eat fortified foods
- Allergic Reactions
Certain foods, makeup products, or lip products can cause white spots on the lips. You may also find your lips are swollen or irritated.
What is the main cause of allergic reactions?
Fragrance, preservatives, and certain dyes are common allergens in lip products. They can cause rash or hives on the skin. Besides, some foods, such as nuts, shellfish, or acidic fruits, can also cause allergic reactions.
Medical Treatment
It is essential to identify allergens and avoid them completely. Using over-the-counter antihistamines or hydrocortisone creams may help reduce swelling and itching.
Home Remedies
Home remedies to treat allergic reactions include:
- Drink green tea.
- Apply aloe vera gel to the affected skin.
- Apply honey to the infected area.
- Use coconut oil to minimize the rash.
- An oatmeal bath can help alleviate the allergy.
- Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia indicates thick, white patches form on the lips or inside the mouth. These white bumps on lips are harmless but can sometimes signify precancerous changes.
What is the main cause of leukoplakia?
The main cause of leukoplakia is chronic irritation, which is linked to tobacco use or alcohol. Though most cases are benign, some may result in oral cancer.
Medical Treatment
In most cases, leukoplakia will get treated independently, but if it doesn't, consult your doctor. He may recommend quitting smoking or avoiding other irritants. Besides, a biopsy to rule out cancer and leukoplakia supplementation may also be recommended.
Home Remedies
Follow these instructions and treat leukoplakia at home:
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- No use of tobacco
- Avoid alcohol
- Drink water
Are you getting white bumps on the lips? When should you see a doctor?
You should seek medical attention immediately if:
- The white spots persist for more than two weeks.
- If white spots are accompanied by pain, swelling, bleeding, rashes, or other symptoms.
- If you have a history of tobacco use or heavy alcohol consumption.
Conclusion
Various factors are responsible for the causing of white spots on the lips, including oral thrush, leukoplakia, oral cancer, or milia. Comprehending the cause of the white bumps on the lips is key to finding the appropriate treatment.
In most cases, white spots are not a cause for concern, but if they persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, seeking medical advice is recommended.
Nevertheless, maintain good oral hygiene, eat a balanced diet, and avoid known irritants to prevent the formation of white spots.
