Lip pimples usually appear around the outer edges and not directly on the lips or inside the mouth.
They generally don’t appear on the thinner skin of the lips.
Lip pimples are often mistaken forcold sores, which also appear as fluid-filled bumps.
Sinenkiy / Getty Images
However, cold sores are because of the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Unlike pimples, cold sores can appear anywhere on the lips or around the mouth.
Cold sores often occur with other symptoms, which can help you distinguish them from a lip pimple.
Treatments or medications designed for acne in other areas could cause dryness and irritation to mucosal tissue.
Some common acne treatments can help but may irritate your lips if not applied conservatively.
This includes phones, face masks, and even musical instruments.
Instruments played with the mouthlike the flute or trumpetare some of the biggest offenders.
Use mild cleansers and creams or cosmetics that won’t clog your pores.
Look for items that are oil free, fragrance-free, and noncomodogenic (not likely to clog pores).
Acne that is resistant to treatment or that recurs can require more intensive methods or prescription medications.
If your lip pimple is really a cold sore, you will need antiviral ointments.
Cold sores are highly contagious and can easily spread to other areas of the body.
With treatment, a cold sore usually heals within two weeks.
Summary
Lip pimples typically form on the edges rather than directly on your lips.
Often, lip pimples are confused for cold sores or other lesions requiring treatment.
2021;43(3):275-282. doi:10.1111/ics.12692
National Institutes of Health.Acne.
National Institutes of Health.Fever blisters and canker sores.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Cold sores: signs and symptoms.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hand, foot, and mouth disease.
2021;79(1):133-140. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2020.06.025.
National Library of Medicine.Overview: boils and carbuncles.
National Library of Medicine.
Overview: canker sores (mouth ulcers).
2024 ;17(1):78-80. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_159_22.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About hand, foot, and mouth disease (FSMD).
MedlinePlus.Thrush - children and adults.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne: diagnosis and treatment.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne: Who gets and causes.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.I have acne!
Is it okay to wear makeup?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Is sports equipment causing your acne?