Bumps, lumps, or minor growths frequently appear on or around the lips. These small changes, occurring on the exterior skin or the moist inner lining, are usually harmless. They typically represent a reaction to minor irritation, clogged pores, or localized inflammation. Most of these bumps are benign and resolve without specific medical intervention. Knowing the location—outside on the skin or inside on the mucosa—helps identify the likely cause.
Common Bumps on the Exterior Skin
Bumps forming on the skin surrounding the lip (the perioral area) often originate from hair follicles and sebaceous glands.
Acne is a frequent cause, resulting from a buildup of dead skin cells, oil, and Cutibacterium acnes bacteria clogging a pore. This results in an inflamed papule or pustule. These shallow lesions usually resolve quickly with basic hygiene and topical treatments.
Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicle, presenting as small, red, or white bumps, particularly in areas subjected to shaving or irritation. It may be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, leading to tender, pimple-like bumps centered on the hair shaft. Managing flare-ups involves cleaning the area and avoiding irritating products.
A more persistent bump is the epidermoid cyst, which feels like a slow-growing, firm lump beneath the skin. These cysts form when surface skin cells move inward and multiply, creating a sac filled with keratin. Epidermoid cysts are noncancerous and generally painless, often remaining stable in size, but they can become inflamed or infected if ruptured.
Bumps Originating from the Inner Lip Lining
Lumps on the mucosal surface (the moist tissue lining the inside of the lip) originate from trauma or the minor salivary glands.
The most frequent bump is a mucocele, or mucous retention cyst, resulting from damage or blockage of a tiny salivary gland duct. This blockage causes saliva to leak into the connective tissue, forming a dome-shaped, soft swelling that is typically painless and may appear clear or bluish. Mucoceles are often caused by localized trauma, such as habitually biting the lower lip, which disrupts the duct structure. Many mucoceles spontaneously rupture and drain within a few weeks.
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) begin as a small, tender swelling or bump before the surface breaks down. This forms a painful, open ulcer with a white or yellow center.
The irritation fibroma is a benign mass of scar-like tissue developing in response to long-term irritation. This firm, smooth, dome-shaped lump is usually the same color as the surrounding tissue. It forms where chronic friction occurs, such as from repeated biting or rubbing against a sharp tooth. Unlike a mucocele, an irritation fibroma is a solid growth that does not contain fluid and will not disappear on its own.
When to Consult a Medical Professional
While most lip bumps are benign and temporary, certain characteristics warrant examination by a physician, dentist, or dermatologist.
Any bump that persists without changing for longer than two weeks should be evaluated, regardless of its appearance. Persistence is a reliable indicator that a lesion requires professional diagnosis.
Specific physical signs that raise concern include a lump that is fixed, hard, or rapidly increasing in size. Bumps that bleed easily, have irregular borders, or appear as a non-healing sore should be promptly assessed to rule out serious conditions like skin or oral cancer. Systemic symptoms accompanying a lip bump, such as fever, unexplained weight loss, or swelling of the neck lymph nodes, also necessitate urgent medical attention.