White pimples on the lips are a possible sign of Fordyce granules

Herpes

is a viral disease. One of the most well-known manifestations of a herpes infection is small, clear, painful blisters on the lips. Previously, in such a case they said “a cold on the lip popped up”, now they more often talk about “herpes on the lip”.

However, the family of herpes viruses is quite large. There are several types of herpes virus that can infect the human body. The most studied types are:

• herpes simplex virus type 1
  (HSV-1). It is he who is responsible for pimples on the lip. HSV-1 primarily affects the mucous membranes of the lips, oral cavity and nasopharynx. Herpetic rashes can also appear within the nasolabial triangle (in particular, on the wings of the nose), less often on the cheeks and other parts of the face. Recently, HSV-1 quite often becomes the cause of herpetic lesions of the genital area, where it is introduced through oral sex;
• herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) – genital herpes
  . Main manifestations: redness, the appearance in the area of ​​redness of bubbles filled with liquid, tending to merge, the appearance of erosions and crusts at the site of the bubbles, itching, headache and muscle pain, increased urination;
• chickenpox virus
  (varicella) is a type 3 herpes virus. In people who have already had chickenpox, this type of virus causes herpes zoster. Therefore, this type of herpes is also called Varicella-Zoster;
• Epstein-Barr virus
  (Epstein-Barr viral infection - EBVI) is a type 4 herpes virus. It is the causative agent of mononucleosis, causes malignant diseases of lymphoid tissue, and is considered the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome;
• cytomegalovirus
  – herpes virus type 5. The virus poses a threat to children during fetal development. May affect internal organs.

Causes of herpes

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can be transmitted through household contact. Airborne transmission is also possible.

The airborne route is the main route of infection with the varicella zoster virus.

Genital herpes and cytomegalovirus are transmitted sexually.

You can also become infected with herpes through blood or saliva. The virus can be transmitted through saliva through kissing. Small children who put things in their mouths every now and then are also very vulnerable. If at least one child in a children's group is infected, a rapid spread of the infection can be expected.

How does the virus become infected?

The virus can be infected in different ways: airborne droplets, contact (through shared towels, cutlery, through kissing), sexual intercourse, self-expression (when the virus from ulcers enters healthy mucous membranes and infects them). You can become infected through a blood transfusion and a child can receive the virus from the mother in utero. The incubation period (from the moment of contact until the first signs appear) is 2-14 days. A person becomes contagious as soon as sores appear on the lip, and is contagious to others until the scabs fall off .

Photo: One of the most common ways of transmitting herpes is contact.

Herpes symptoms

Currently, most people are infected with some type of herpes virus. It is believed that antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus can be detected in almost every adult (up to 98% of the adult population of the Earth). Antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 1 are detected in 90% of the adult population of large cities.

However, as a rule, carriage of a herpes infection does not lead to the development of the disease. The herpes virus is activated when the body's defenses decrease. The weaker the immune system, the more likely the virus is to transition from dormant to active.

That is why the herpes simplex virus type 1 is popularly called “cold on the lip.” The appearance of herpetic rashes is usually preceded by a common runny nose, that is, ARVI. The disease weakens the immune system, which is what the herpes virus takes advantage of.

Symptoms of herpes simplex

When infected with herpes simplex virus type 1, the incubation period ranges from 1 to 8 days. Typical symptoms: chills, fever up to 39-40°C, headache, general weakness and drowsiness. Then redness appears, in place of which characteristic bubbles form. When the oral mucosa is affected, blisters are usually found on the inside of the lips, tongue, and less often on the palate, palatine arches and tonsils. Bubbles appear at the site where the virus enters the mucous membrane. Subsequently, the bubbles burst, leaving behind painful erosions.

The disappearance of symptoms does not mean complete recovery. The virus remains in the body and after some time (in conditions of decreased immunity) a relapse of the disease is possible. Relapses can occur 1-3 times a year for several years and even decades.

Symptoms of genital herpes

The incubation period of genital herpes lasts from 1 to 10 days, after which itching (burning) may be observed in the areas of future rashes. After which swelling appears, and then groups of bubbles appear on the mucous membranes of the genital organs. The inguinal lymph nodes are enlarged. The blisters burst and erosions and ulcers form in their place. The process can last from two to five weeks.

Relapse of the disease is possible within two weeks after the initial lesion. Relapses occur in at least half of those who have recovered from the disease.

Why does acne occur on the lip?

A pimple on the lip will be noticeable almost immediately, because this part of the face is always visible, and women associate it with beauty and attractiveness. It is on the lips that people focus their gaze during communication.

The problem is that in this place there is a mass of nerve endings that quickly react to any changes in the body. Therefore, acne is not only an aesthetic problem, but a physiological one, and is a signal of an existing malfunction.

A pimple that pops up on the lip does not pose a serious threat to health, but it can noticeably spoil your mood and also create discomfort when eating food and hot drinks.

To solve the problem, visit a cosmetologist and dermatologist. The doctor will determine the root cause of the disease and help you figure out options for quickly and completely eradicating it.

We recommend reading: Eyelash extensions: before and after photos

Methods for diagnosing herpes

Diagnosis of herpes is carried out, first of all, on the basis of examination of the patient, since herpetic rashes have a certain specificity. However, your doctor may order laboratory tests. Laboratory tests can detect infection even in the absence of obvious manifestations.

Herpes test

Be prepared that if you suspect a herpes infection, the doctor will write a referral for a blood test, which will determine the presence of antibodies to the herpes virus in the blood. Based on the results of the analysis, it will be possible to judge not only the presence of the pathogen, but also its activity.

More information about the diagnostic method

Sign up for diagnostics To accurately diagnose the disease, make an appointment with specialists from the Family Doctor network.

How to deal with acne?

Treatment for acne depends on the severity of the disease. It is prescribed exclusively by a specialist. For mild to moderate acne, external therapy is primarily used18. For severe acne, emphasis is placed on systemic treatment18.

Clindovit® is a topical antibiotic that can be prescribed for acne vulgaris6. The main active ingredient in its composition is the antibiotic lincosamide clindamycin6. It fights a wide range of propionibacteria strains6. After contact with the skin, clindamycin quickly accumulates in comedones, exhibiting antimicrobial activity6. Clindovit® gel helps reduce free fatty acids on the skin6.

The drug must be applied twice a day (morning and evening) to previously cleansed and dry skin. The first results from treatment with a topical antibiotic usually become noticeable after 6-8 weeks. It is recommended to combine the use of the drug with the use of benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid (Azelik® gel)18,28.

Treatment methods for herpes

Treatment of herpes is aimed at suppressing viral activity, as well as increasing immunity. Oral and topical medications may be prescribed.

The selection of drugs is carried out by a doctor depending on the type of disease (type of infection), as well as on the location of the lesion.

It is impossible to completely eliminate the herpes virus from the body. That is why it is important to always maintain the body’s defenses at a sufficiently high level, and also to prevent re-entry of the virus.

Prevention of herpes

If a person close to you has manifestations of herpes (“a cold has popped up on the lip”), try to ensure compliance with the following hygiene rules:

• use an individual towel and personal hygiene products (soap, toothbrush, etc.);
• be careful with cosmetics: do not use lipstick of a sick person;
• If you have genital herpes, avoid sexual intercourse.

Make an appointment Do not self-medicate. Contact our specialists who will correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Rate how useful the material was

thank you for rating

Suspect No. 2 – acne

• Cause. Acne is a multifactorial disease. The main links in its pathogenesis are hyperkeratosis, excessive sebum production, colonization of propionibacteria, and inflammation. For example, if a small whitehead appears on the lip, a blockage of the sebaceous gland could occur, leading to the formation of a closed comedon.
• Emergence. Acne usually appears suddenly.
• Localization. With acne, pimples rarely appear on the lip, since there are few sebaceous glands in this area. Most of them are in the so-called seborrheic zone - the nose, forehead, chin, this is where acne occurs most often.
• Spring view. A slight swelling of red color; if a purulent pimple has formed on the lip, then a white head can be seen inside, the acne takes a cone-shaped shape.
• Quantity. Most often they pop out one at a time. In severe cases of acne, they may merge.
• Feel. Papules and pustules may be painful, especially when palpated.

After opening, the acne fades, so many people think that this is a great way to get rid of them, but this approach can lead to aggravation of the problem, an even greater spread of the rash.

How to cure?

Despite the fact that white pimples on the lips may indicate the need for additional skin cleansing, the existing problem must be eradicated. It cannot be left without attention. The body says that it needs help. If there is no treatment, then the problem remains internally, and acne will appear again and again.

It is necessary to adhere to 2 basic rules in order to cure a pimple on the lip, regardless of its location:

1. Avoid using decorative cosmetics, and use only high-quality and proven products to care for the skin of your lips (preferably from a pharmacy).
2. Completely give up bad habits.

We recommend reading: Castor oil for eyelashes: how to use? Application, reviews

Why an abscess is dangerous - causes and possible complications

Sometimes an abscess on the lip appears as a consequence of a banal microtrauma of the skin. In such a situation, the symptom can be provoked by insufficient oral hygiene and the penetration of bacteria into the open wound. However, in other cases, the formation of a painful neoplasm is caused by overheating or hypothermia, stress and fatigue, disturbances in the functioning of the liver and kidneys, disruptions in the functioning of the sebaceous and sweat glands, taking potent medications, and vitamin deficiency due to a weakened immune system1.

Any neoplasm on the skin or mucous membrane carries a potential danger if you ignore it or try to remove it yourself. So, for example, with the development of herpes, there is a risk of infection spreading to surrounding tissues, reaching the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, eyes or genitals.

If the problem starts, serious complications can arise.

Inaction against the background of the development of stomatitis leads to an obvious deterioration of the patient’s condition and the development of complications. In the most severe cases, a boil on the upper lip risks leading to inflammation of the tissue near the defect, spreading the pathological process to the deep layers of the epidermis and even brain tissue. Against the background of a weakened immune system, a boil can develop into phlegmon or even an abscess. This is not a complete list of possible problems, so if suspicious symptoms appear, it is better to start treatment as quickly as possible.

What to do

For effective treatment it is necessary to diagnose the disease that causes this pathology and take timely preventive measures .

Treatment of acne with stomatitis

• Exclusion from the diet of hot, sweet and spicy foods.
• Rinsing the mouth with antiseptic drugs - Miramistin, Tantum Verde solution, Chlorhexidine.
• Rinse with herbal mixture Stomatofit.
• Application of gels – Cholisal, Metrogil-denta. These drugs have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.
• Use of immunostimulating drugs .

Photo 2: To prevent stomatitis, you should rinse your mouth with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or calendula decoction. Source: flickr (Cyberchemist).

Treatment of acne that occurs after mechanical damage

• Rinse with chamomile decoction to disinfect the mucous membrane.
• Rinsing with oak bark decoction . This decoction has an astringent, which promotes rapid healing of wounds.
• Rinse with Miramistin (shows antibacterial and antimicrobial effects).
• The use of drugs that accelerate tissue regeneration. Such drugs include Solcoseryl dental adhesive paste.

Treatment of acne due to candidiasis

• Use of local antifungal drugs . These include Candide solution.
• The use of systemic antifungal drugs - Fluconazole, Pimafucin, Mycoflucan.
• Rinse with a solution of chamomile and sage .
• Use of immunomodulators .
• The use of antihistamines - Tavegil, Suprastin.

Note! With oral candidiasis in children, body temperature may increase and swelling of the gums may appear.

Treatment of acne with herpes

• The use of antiviral drugs specializing in the treatment of herpes - Acyclovir, Zovirax. You need to use both tablet forms and ointments.
• To eliminate the possibility of relapse , therapy should be carried out with drugs containing interferon - Viferon, Interferon, Genferon.

Photo 3: Rinsing with sage decoction for herpes promotes rapid healing of pimples and has an antimicrobial effect. Source: flickr (Vitaly Giragosov).

What do pimples around the mouth mean?

The appearance of a rash on the face, especially around the mouth, requires special attention, because acne can be the first sign of serious health problems. If a pimple appears frequently above the lip, this may be a consequence of the following diseases and conditions:

• hormonal imbalance due to long-term use of contraceptives or age-related changes;
• problems in the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• use of low-quality cosmetics;
• infectious dermatitis (rash caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi);
• perioral acne often results from chapping of the skin, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays, and the use of low-quality cosmetics;
• decreased immunity.

Very often, rashes mean that a functional disorder of the digestive system has occurred. First of all, this applies to the condition and functioning of the small intestine and duodenum. Pimples under the lower lip are a sign of a colon disorder.

Perioral dermatitis

The disease is also called steroid dermatitis, since pimples around the lips appear due to long-term use of topical medications that contain corticosteroids. Pimples usually appear only around the mouth; in rare cases, the cheeks, forehead and nose are affected. Treatment consists of discontinuing hormonal medications.

Acne

Frequent pimples in the mouth and chin area may be a sign of acne. This is a disease in which inflammation and blockage of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands occurs. Acne near the mouth can appear for a variety of reasons, causing cosmetic problems.

Groups of pimples on the upper lip may also indicate problems with the heart.

If a white pimple appears under the lower lip, it is strictly forbidden to squeeze it out. Acne requires immediate and proper treatment, otherwise there is a risk of worsening the problem. As a result, acne appears not only on the face, but also on other parts of the body.

Infectious processes

Pimples in the corners of the lips are a possible sign of infectious diseases. It is useless to squeeze out such pimples, as they will soon appear again. You need to consult a dermatologist or infectious disease specialist. After the infection is destroyed, the skin will gradually clear of rashes.

Infectious dermatitis can be provoked by staphylococci and streptococci, herpes, fungus (measles, scarlet fever, typhus, chickenpox, pyoderma). Acne caused by the subcutaneous demodex mite is not uncommon.

A white pimple under the lower lip is often a sign of furunculosis. It is strictly forbidden to squeeze out such rashes.

Rosacea

A red rash around the mouth is a symptom of the onset of rosacea. This is a chronic disease characterized by redness of the skin due to dilation of superficial capillaries on the face. Pimples near the lips and nose are accompanied by swelling and severe itching, and peeling begins. These moments negatively affect a person's life. The treatment is based on comprehensive facial skin care, diet and avoidance of harmful influences (frost, wind, heat).

Irritation

Severe irritation of the facial skin is the most common cause of acne on the upper lip. Various factors can provoke irritation:

• improper and inadequate nutrition, if the diet contains semi-finished products and fast food, increases the oiliness of the skin, and acne will not keep you waiting;
• touching your face with dirty hands;
• the use of cosmetics and essential oils that are not suitable for your skin type;
• prolonged exposure to wind and frost;
• stress and nervous tension.

Small red rashes around the mouth can be a reaction of the body to long-term use of certain medications.

Hormonal imbalances

Hormonal factors can cause a severe rash on the face in women. Pimples around the mouth often appear during pregnancy, after an abortion or miscarriage, and sometimes even before each menstruation. This is due to hormonal imbalance in the body. Such rashes will go away after it stabilizes.

Other reasons

A small child sometimes develops pimples around the mouth, redness and weeping when teething. The baby is capricious, refuses to eat, and the temperature may rise.

Allergies are another common cause of rashes. The rash is itchy and the skin underneath is red. It goes away if the provoking factor (product, animal hair, pollen) is eliminated.

What does traditional medicine offer?

To speed up the maturation of the abscess and the healing of the wound, experts also recommend traditional medicine. But it is better to use them with the permission of a doctor. Otherwise, independent attempts to solve the problem can easily lead to the development of dangerous complications.

Thus, brewer's yeast, honey and baked onions effectively draw out purulent masses and promote the breakthrough of neoplasms. Since the appearance of ulcers on the lips is often preceded by disturbances in metabolic processes and a weakening of the body’s protective functions, first of all care should be taken to restore the immune system. Brewer's yeast contains useful components such as magnesium, zinc, calcium and iron - they help to quickly stop the pathological process and prevent its reappearance. Yeast should be taken before meals, approximately 1 hour before meals, 1 tablespoon at a time. People with hypersensitivity to the listed components and with kidney pathologies should refrain from this method.

The use of traditional medicine helps well in treatment

You can make a medicinal paste from honey. To do this, the product should be mixed with flour and a small amount of grated laundry soap in equal proportions. The result should be a substance resembling plasticine. A small ball should be applied to the boil as a compress, secured to the sore spot with a band-aid and left there for 3 hours. Another proven method that helps speed up the breakthrough of tumors is based on the use of baked onions. It is necessary to bake one head, then cut it into small pieces, wait until it cools completely, apply it to the causal area and secure it with a band-aid. It is recommended to carry out the procedure at night, leaving the compress on until the morning.