Spot or Discoloration on Lip?

Learn when to seek treatment for lip sores and discoloration

Your lips say a lot about your health. If you notice a bump, spot or sore on them it may be a reason to see your doctor. Or it may be nothing to worry about. Dermatologists (doctors specializing in the skin, hair and nails) are trained to identify the cause — regardless of your skin tone — whether that bump is red, purple, brown, black, scaly, itchy or weeping.

"If you’ve got a sudden spot on or around your lips, there could be a number of causes, some more serious than others," says Geisinger dermatologist Eric Yang, MD.

Let’s break it down by appearance.

Spot or discoloration on lip

A spot or discoloration on your lip can happen for several reasons. A few common causes include:

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is when an area of skin appears to be darkened. This can happen anywhere on the body, not just on the lips. It happens when the pigment producing cells in the skin (melanocytes) are stimulated to produce more of the substance that gives skin its color (melanin). This shows up on the skin as a dark mark or area.

Hyperpigmentation can be caused by:

Sun exposure
Taking medications that cause sensitivity to light
Chronic irritation or inflammation
Adrenal disorders, such as Addison’s disease
Vitamin or mineral deficiencies (vitamin B12, folic acid or iron)
Thyroid disorders
Genetic factors

Hyperpigmentation is not always a matter of concern, but any new lesions should be checked by your dermatologist.

Skin cancer

A discolored or dark spot on your lip may be skin cancer. Skin cancer on the lip is common but often overlooked — when people apply sunscreen to their face and body, they often don’t consider also using a lip balm with SPF. Basal and squamous cell carcinoma, the 2 most common types of skin cancer, could develop on the lip.

If you notice a red or dark spot on your lip, see your doctor.

"Since spots on your lips are highly visible, they’re more likely to be found early," says Dr. Yang. “Your dermatologist can help to determine that best treatment. If there is concern for skin cancer, a biopsy may be performed.”

Venous lake

A venous lake, which is a purple or dark blue spot commonly found on lips and ears, is caused by dilated blood vessels. Though they may resemble melanoma, venous lakes do not evolve into cancer and are generally not life-threatening. Still, some people opt to have them surgically removed for cosmetic purposes.

Bump or pimple on lip

A bump, sore or pimple on your lip can be annoying and sometimes painful, but often, they’re harmless. Most of these conditions require no treatment and clear up on their own. Some conditions can be treated at home, too.

However, if you notice a bump on your lip that comes and goes or that isn’t going away on its own or getting worse, visit your doctor.

Here are some common causes of bumps, lumps and pimples on lips.

Canker sore

A canker sore is a small, flat ulcer that can occur on the lip or inside the mouth. Unlike a cold sore, a canker sore isn’t contagious, but it can be painful and make eating and drinking challenging. These sores tend to appear in adolescence and, if triggered, can continue to pop up throughout a person’s life.

Triggers for canker cores include:

Stress
Food sensitivities
Allergic reactions
Vitamin deficiencies
Oral injury

“Knowing what triggers your canker sores and how to prevent outbreaks can make a world of difference in your quality of life,” says Dr. Yang. “If you have canker sores, talk to your doctor to make sure you have the proper diagnosis. Medications can help with painful lesions and even minimize outbreaks.”

Cold sore

A cold sore is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). These often-painful blisters are typically caused by HSV-1, but can sometimes be caused by HSV-2, known as genital herpes. About 90% of all people get at least 1 cold sore in their life, often in childhood. Then they develop antibodies and may never have a second one. Cold sores typically last 7 to 10 days, and during that time, the virus can be transmitted by kissing someone or sharing items like utensils, razors or towels.

Talk to your doctor if you have sores on your lips. A lab test can determine if HSV is the cause. Oral and topical medications are available to treat and prevent these lesions.

Contact dermatitis

Sometimes contact with a common item such as lipstick, lip balm or even certain toothpaste ingredients — like tartar control and whitening — can cause scaly, sore, itchy lesions on the lips. Avoiding the offending substance and treatment with topical steroid creams like hydrocortisone typically help with contact dermatitis.

Actinic cheilitis

If your lips are often dry or you have a persistent scaly spot on your lower lip, you could have actinic cheilitis, sometimes called farmer’s lip. This patch of dry, inflamed skin results from long-term exposure to the sun. Actinic cheilitis is considered precancerous and can evolve into cancer, so it’s good to catch it early. Your doctor will want to monitor this spot for any changes in color or shape or possibly biopsy the lesion.

Fordyce spots

Fordyce spots are larger oil glands located in hairless areas of your skin. They appear where your skin stays moist, like the lips, inside the cheeks and the genitals. More than 70% of adults have these spots. They aren’t itchy and you can’t catch them from someone else. Best of all, they aren’t cancerous. You might start to notice them with puberty.

“If you suddenly get new spots in those areas, it’s a good idea to have them checked by a health professional,” advised Dr. Yang. “They may look the same as other skin conditions, which can be contagious or need treatment.”

When to see a doctor

If a sore on your lip is accompanied by other symptoms, it might be time to visit a doctor. Symptoms that are cause for concern include:

Sudden swelling
A rash that spreads rapidly
Uncontrollable bleeding
A spot that doesn’t go away and is itchy or bleeding

Still not sure whether to seek medical care? "If you notice a change in your lips and are unsure what’s causing it, it’s best to see your doctor," says Dr. Yang.