White Bumps on Lips
White bumps on lips can be unattractive, if not a very embarrassing condition. It would certainly not help you with your social or love life either. The best option to consider is to visit the dermatologist and have it diagnosed. Small, white bumps on lips can be due to several factors including some serious diseases. This can be due to oral herpes or worse, oral cancer. It can also be a reaction to any medication taken, or any other allergies. White bumps on the lips can never be ignored, nor should it be put off for later diagnosis. This is not a wise idea. Therefore, if you notice any little, white bumps on lips consider seeking medical attention right away.
What is Oral Herpes?
An infection of the mouth and lips caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is known as oral herpes. The most predominant symptom of oral herpes is the white, painful sores on the lips and tongue, and inside the cheek. In addition, this will be followed by fever and swollen neck glands. There are two types of HSV. These are HSV1 and HSV2. HSV1 affects the body from the waist up concentrating mostly in the facial area. It is contracted through saliva, skin or mucous membrane and is extremely contagious. This condition can clear up within a few weeks; however, it can recur. Anti viral medication can relive symptoms of oral herpes.
What are Fordyce Granules?
Small, white bumps on lips can be due to another condition known as Fordyce granules. These are most often visible in the genital area of the body, but can develop on the lips. Fordyce granules occur due to sebum trapped in a sebaceous gland. Usually, these glands open into a hair follicle where the sebum secretes into the hair shaft. But when a sebaceous gland does not have hair, a fordyce granule can develop in if the sebum gets trapped in it. This is what causes the white bumps on lips. This is not an infectious condition; however, it can be unsightly. This is the main reason why many individuals will be keen to cure them of the condition and therefore seek prompt medical attention. There are several medications that may be prescribed for Fordyce granules, including creams and gels. Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet of folic acid, and garlic are some of the home remedies that can be used in treating the condition.
What is Oral Cancer?
White bumps on the lips, gums or other areas of the mouth, red or white patches in the mouth, pain, numbness, difficulty chewing and dramatic weight loss can indicate a more dangerous condition than any of the above causes discussed. This is oral cancer. Persistent sores on the face and mouth that do not go away should be diagnosed immediately by a doctor. Any person can get oral cancer, but those who smoke or consume alcohol excessively, have a family history of cancer, and are overexposed to the sun are more at risk of getting oral cancer. In addition, those who are exposed to the human papilloma virus are also at risk of getting oral cancer. White bumps or sores on the lips or anywhere in the facial area, therefore, should be checked out medically without fail. Without early detection and treatment, oral cancer can be fatal. Upon a definitive diagnosis, a doctor may prescribe radiation treatment, chemotherapy or surgery. This, however, will depend on the stage to which the cancer has progressed.
Little, white bumps on lips can be due to other less serious causes. These include dermatitis, allergies and skin reactions to certain creams or foods and fibromas. While most cases can be mild and negligible, persistent and aggravated white bumps on lips, should not be left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment is one of the most critical factors in successful recovering from any medical condition.
