Pimples can appear in most of your parts of the body. In the places including the forehead, cheeks, chin, arms, legs, back butts, and son. It also at times appears on your lip or lip line. Pimples are a type of acne. Wondering how to get rid of a pimple on your lip? Read on for natural remedies, topical treatments, and oral medications.
Acne is a disorder that causes outbreaks of skin lesions commonly called pimples
The Office on Women’s Health (OWH)
The main cause of the formation of pimples is oil overproduction in the oil glands of the skin. Then the presence of bacteria and trapped hair follicles. The clogged skin pore which turns out to be a pimple may be inflamed and contain pus. Hormone imbalances also may cause pimple breakouts around the lips.
The ingredients in toothpaste, lip balm, makeup, and shaving creams can be culprits. It can irritate skin and clog pores and eventually, cause pimples on the lip.
First of all, pimples are not a major concern as a skin condition. It is also not an indicator of poor hygiene. Popping up pimples may lead to infection and also end up leaving scars on your skin.
The objective of this article is to look at the best ways to get rid of a pimple on the lip. Along with that how to prevent pimples and the right time to consult a dermatologist.
Table of Contents
Differentiating Pimples and Cold Sore
To deal with the pimple first, you have to identify whether it is a pimple or a cold sore. Since both look alike at the initial stages. Treating a pimple on the lip and a cold sore is different. Therefore, a little bit of extra care needed in identifying pimples is important.
Lip Pimples: Pimples have a black or white head at the top middle. If you touch it may cause slight pain. A bursting pimple produces white or yellowish liquid. Needless to say, you are not encouraged to burst it.
Cold Sores: You will have itching, tingling, or burning feeling from cold sores. Seeing deep into cold sores you will spot many tiny blisters. It also discharges clear liquid just like weeping.
Great! If are able to now clearly determine it is a pimple you are good to go with the remedies in this article. Otherwise, it is worth the effort to reach out to a dermatologist.
Effective ways to get rid of a pimple on a lip in practice include:
Home remedies: Tea tree oil, honey, tomato, turmeric paste, lemon juice, and castor oil. Also, hot or cold compress.
Other methods include using:
- soaps
- creams,
- benzoyl peroxide
- oral medications
- facial masks
- laser therapy
Home Remedies to Get Rid of a Pimple on Lip
Your effort always is to reduce the risk of damaging your skin and lips. Let us now look at the home remedies to get rid of a pimple on the lip and in practice. Helping in removing the pimple safely with no damage to the lip or skin.
1. Hot or Cold Compress
Firstly, the effect of the cold compress is to relieve pain. It also shrinks the pimple from swelling and makes it less noticeable. Meanwhile, a hot compress helps to remove excess oil and dirt from the clogged follicle.
The application of a hot or cold compress on a pimple on the lip is very simple.
Cold Compress: Gently press the cold compress on the pimple just for about a minute. Doing this twice a day helps to reduce swelling or inflammation. If there is more pain increase the number of applications.
Hot Compress: Do it similarly to a cold press. Gently press over the pimple in the lip for longer until you feel comfortable. Again, twice a day suffice. In case your pimple is already infected it helps to drain off the pus. So, that pain and redness also get reduced.
2. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is effective on a pimple on the lip. This is because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. You may be aware that tea tree oil is being used as a natural remedy for acne and many other skin conditions.
A 2017 study was published in PubMed in relation to the effectiveness of tea tree oil over acne. It produced positive results.
Conclusion: This study shows that the use of tea tree oil products significantly improved mild to moderate acne and that the products were well tolerated.
The Australasian journal of dermatology
If you have sensitive skin avoid using tea tree oil because it can cause you serious irritation.
Here are the safe steps to applying tea tree oil to a pimple on the lip:
- Dilute 2 drops of tea tree oils with 12 drops of any carrier oil.
- You should try a patch test inside your elbow with diluted tea tree oil. Avoid this treatment in case of an allergic reaction. The allergic relations such as redness, itching, swelling, or burning sensation. If the patch test is successful then move to the next step.
- Gently wash your lip with lukewarm water then pat it to dry.
- Use a cotton swab and put the diluted tea tree oil on top of the pimple for it to spread over.
- Allow it to dry by itself.
Try these steps in the morning and at night two times a day. Never use tea tree oil without carrier oil. It is very strong and you may end up with undesired results.
The use of tea tree oil is one of the great methods to get rid of a pimple on the lip. It is a great method to treat any pimple on your body, not just a pimple on your lip.
Buy always a label saying 100 % tea tree oil if you are buying to use on a pimple on your lip or skin. Having said that do not forget to dilute the tea tree oil with carrier oil.
3. Turmeric Paste
The magical component curcumin of turmeric has numerous health benefits. It also helps effectively in curing pimples on the lip. The anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties make the difference. These properties are effective in treating skin conditions including pimples.
Turmeric paste also works great for removing pimple scars.
Turmeric is a multipurpose remedy. Various practitioners including Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and also traditional Chinese medicine use turmeric.
Application is very easy. Pick some quality turmeric powder and mix it with water to make a paste. Make sure the turmeric powder is well diluted with water. Apply over the pimple on the lip and let it dry. After that rinse off with lukewarm water. For better results repeat twice a day.
4. Lemon juice
Lemon juice is traditionally popular in treating acne and other ailments. It is effective because of vitamin C with its antibacterial properties. However, there isn’t enough evidence to support its effectiveness over pimples.
The citrus acidity of the lemon juice may cause irritation on the skin. If you wish to try out this method then use a cotton swab and dab it on the pimple on the lip. Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. You should try with stored lemon juice or any other form of juice.
5. Castor oil
Castor oil comes with many health benefits which are also effective in getting rid of a pimple on the lip. The Ricinoleic Acid it contains has anti-inflammatory properties. This plays a role in reducing inflammation and pain.
Experimental models done in 2000 helped to assess the effectiveness of Ricinoleic Acid in castor oil. It exerts remarkable analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Another 2015 study, proved gel containing ricinoleic acid reduced skin inflammation and pain.
Apply a drop or two of castor oil over the pimple and leave it overnight. Just wash it off gently in the morning.
6. Toothpaste
The use of toothpaste is rather common and in practice to get rid of a pimple on the lip. Since toothpaste is the easiest accessible product at home.
The ingredients hydrogen peroxide and alcohol in toothpaste shrink and dry out pimples. The menthol in the toothpaste provides a cooling effect and helps in relieving pain.
You have to take a little extra care for some people it can cause irritation and over-dryness. Therefore, end up with more harm than good. So, the recommendation is to use other methods.
7. Honey
Honey is a natural therapeutic agent for skin disorders including pimples. Studies have revealed that honey has potent anti-microbial activity against skin-relevant microbes. Honey has been considered for ages a safe home remedy, cosmetic, and nutrient used by people. Yet comprehensive studies are needed to understand the full medicinal potential in dermatology.
The Application is very simple. Dip your clean finger in the honey and apply it over the pimple. Then leave it as is. Apply three to four times a day for better results. All you have to make sure that you are using quality organic honey for this purpose.
8. Tomato
Tomato is also used to treat pimples because it has salicylic acid in it. Salicylic acid is effective against pimples. It suppresses the bacteria and unclogs the skin pores. That is why over-the-counter products for treating pimples contain salicylic acid. The use of tomatoes is a great alternative and an inexpensive natural remedy for pimples.
How to apply tomato on a pimple on your lip? Mash an organic tomato with a fork. Then place a small pulp right on the pimple on your lip. Leave it for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off with water. You may repeat it three times a day.
9. Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is capable of killing bacteria that cause acne or pimples. It can be bought over the counter in the form of gel, creams, cleansers, and facial wipes.
Check the labels and use them accordingly as directed. It helps to prevent further breakouts of pimples. You have to take extra care when using benzoyl peroxide. You may get a burning sensation if swallowed. It is not safe at all to drink.
Medical Treatments for a Pimple on Lip
Certain people may get a pimple on the lip on a regular basis. Such people may try the above remedies first. If these remedies are still failing to heal pimples then one may opt for medical treatments such as:
Oral Medication
This covers generally moderate to severe pimple acne breakouts. The doctor would prescribe antibiotics or hormone therapies. He or she may prescribe isotretinoin drugs in severe cases.
Topical medication
This is a medication mostly prescribed for all kinds of pimple skin conditions also known as spot treatment. The medication used such as retinoids, salicylic, and azelaic acid. Your dermatologist decides which one to use based on the severity of the condition. Again, the lip or the lip line are sensitive areas of the skin.
Other medical treatments
Other medical treatments include laser therapy, chemical peels, and the extraction of pimples. These methods are strictly confined to licensed practitioners only.
How to Prevent Lip Pimples?
- Do not go to sleep with lipstick or makeup on.
- Avoid using greasy or comedogenic Skincare products. This can cause breakups in the lips.
- Always choose make-up skincare products that are “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic.” These products do not cause acne.
- Moisturize to lock moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outdoors. Exposing lips can dry out the skin. It allows the overproduction of sebum around lips causing pimples.
- The usual advice for a healthy lifestyle. Drink more water at appropriate intervals. At least 3 liters of water every day.
- Cleanse your face and lips with a mild cleanser. It removes dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells. That helps to prevent pimples.
- Use appropriate active ingredients to fight acne.
- Avoid eating fats and, sugar-rich food. These flare up the acne and lead to pimples as well. Instead, go for vegetables and fruits.
- Never pop or squeeze pimples on your lips. Popping up pimples removes the skin barrier and allows the infection to spread.
When to see a dermatologist?
Here are some of the reasons to see a doctor if you have a pimple on your lip:
- The pimple on the lip is stubborn and lasts over a week
- Severe itching and irritation
- Any breathing problems
- Affecting your voice
- Eating difficulties
- Mouth or face swelling
- Pimples are spreading in the lip and lip lines
Takeaway
Typically, the lip pimple does not require medical treatment. Mostly, it will go away on its own. A pimple on the lip is not a major skin condition to worry about. It can easily be treated with home remedies. Otherwise with topical medication, oral medication, or laser therapy.
Before deciding to treat pimples, you need to identify whether it is actually a pimple or a cold sore. Because they look almost similar. You better be alert and see a doctor if pimples are not disappearing within a couple of weeks. Because it can be a symptom of some troublesome health conditions.
6 Sources
Noble Home Remedies relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations for accuracy and reliability while avoiding tertiary references. Our editorial policy provides more information about how we ensure our content is accurate and up-to-date.
- A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology published in PubMed in 2013
- Turmeric is an excellent traditional herb – published in CAB Direct in 2006
- Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation published in PMC in 2000
- Medicinal and cosmetic uses of Bee’s Honey – A review published in PMC in 2012
- Familydoctor.org. (2014, March). Acne: Isotretinoin
- Acne is a skin disorder The Office on Women’s Health (OWH)