Pimples can pop up on any part of your body and face. Some of the common areas where pimples usually show up are the back, chest and on the t-zone of the face. However, sometimes a pimple may appear in the most unpredictable of places and be quite bothersome. Your lip line is one such place where a pimple may appear, while it's rare, a pimple on the lips can be painful and unsightly. A red bump with a white centre is a result of bacterial infection in the pore around your lip. While your first impulse will be to pop or squeeze it, avoid doing that, as it may result in scarring. Pimple scars take several months to fade. Instead, learn how to deal with a pimple on the lip with home remedies.
01What Causes Pimples on the Lip?
Pimples on or around the lips can be surprisingly common and are usually caused by a mix of everyday habits and internal factors. Here's what might be triggering them:
- Blocked Pores: Just like the rest of your face, the skin around your lips can trap oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. This buildup clogs pores, which can lead to breakouts.
- Touching Your Lips Often: We tend to touch our mouths without realizing it. Doing so can transfer bacteria from your hands to the delicate skin around your lips, increasing the chances of a pimple forming.
- Certain Lip Products: Some lipsticks, balms, or glosses contain heavy or pore-clogging ingredients. If a product is comedogenic, it might be irritating your skin or causing blocked pores near the lip line.
- Hormonal Fluctuations: Changes in hormone levels—especially around menstruation, during stress, or due to other health factors—can cause an increase in oil production, leading to breakouts in areas like the chin and lips.
- Diet and Hydration: Diets high in sugar or dairy and not drinking enough water can affect your skin health. Dehydration, in particular, can throw off your skin's balance and contribute to breakouts.
In this article, we will tell you a number of natural and effective ways to get rid of a lip pimple. But before that, it is important to first identify its type so you can treat it better. Sometimes a cold sore can also look like a pimple, so you need to take a closer look to understand what you are dealing with. Here are a few signs to help differentiate between the two.
02Difference between Lip Pimples and Cold Sores
Lip pimples:
- Red, swollen bump near the lips
- May have a white or yellow head
- Caused by clogged pores and bacteria
- Can be painful or tender to touch
- Not contagious
Cold sores:
- Small, fluid-filled blisters in clusters
- Caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1)
- Often start with tingling, burning, or itching
- Highly contagious
- Needs medical attention—home remedies won't help
03Effective Home Remedies for Lip Pimples
How to get rid of a pimple on your lips overnight? Here are some easy home remedies to help calm and get rid of lip pimples:
Turmeric
Turmeric boasts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. To make this home remedy, combine a small amount of turmeric powder with water or honey to form a paste. Dab it on the pimple and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before washing with warm water. Repeat this process 1-2 times daily.
Honey
How to get rid of lip pimples quickly? Honey retains moisture and is an antibacterial agent. To use honey for skincare, apply a little bit of raw honey directly to the pimple. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes, then wash it off. The honey will calm your complexion and minimise the inflammation.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is well-loved for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. To use tea tree oil to get rid of a pimple on your lip, dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut or jojoba oil) in a 1:10 ratio. Apply it on the pimple using a cotton swab. Use it cautiously, as it can be drying. Apply this mixture 1-2 times daily.
Tomato
How to cure a pimple on your lips? Use tomatoes, which consist of acids that dry out acne. To make this lip pimple treatment at home, cut a slice of fresh tomato, and dab it directly to the pimple. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing. The acids in the tomato will minismise the swelling and redness.
Castor Oil
How to get rid of lip pimples? Castor oil features antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. To use this home remedy, apply castor oil to the pimple using a cotton swab. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight before washing off.
04How to Prevent Lip Pimples?
To avoid lip pimple :
- Maintain good hygiene (wash face twice daily, clean pillowcases regularly)
- Avoid touching your face or lips to reduce bacterial transfer
- Use non-comedogenic lip balms and lip products
- Always remove lip makeup before going to bed
- Keep lips moisturised to prevent dryness and irritation
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced, skin-friendly diet
- Manage stress levels, as stress can trigger breakouts
05FAQs about Pimples on Lips
Here are some frequently asked questions about pimples on lips answered by the experts:
Q: Can toothpaste help get rid of a lip pimple?
A: While some people find that toothpaste can dry out pimples, it can also cause irritation in the delicate skin around the lips. It's typically better to use gentler home remedies as mentioned above..
Q: How long does a lip pimple usually last?
A: With proper care, a lip pimple should clear up within a few days to a week.
Q: When should I see a doctor for a lip pimple?
A: If the pimple is very painful, persistent, or accompanied by other issues such as fever or swelling, consult a dermatologist.. Also, if you suspect it is a cold sore, consult a healthcare professional.
Q: Can stress cause lip pimples?
A: Yes, stress can worsen acne breakouts, including those on the lips. Stress increases hormone production, which could result in enhanced oil production and clogged pores.
Q: Can certain foods cause pimples on the lips?
A: While food sensitivities differ from person to person, some individuals find that dairy, sugary foods, and greasy foods can contribute to acne and pimples. Therefore, you can easily get rid of that annoying lip pimple with these easy home remedies. If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding lip pimples and their treatment, it's best to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional. Additionally, it's advisable to always perform a patch test before using any new ingredient on your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
