White spots on your lips, often known as Fordyce spots, form when your skin’s sebaceous glands produce excess oil. Thankfully, this isn’t a dangerous condition and can be addressed at home with simple remedies.
Fordyce spots are quite common and can appear at any stage of life. Although they might be an aesthetic concern for some, obscuring the natural color and texture of the lips, they’re not something to stress over. These spots aren’t linked to sexually transmitted diseases, despite common misconceptions. Misinformation regarding their origins can cause unnecessary anxiety, but they result purely from excess oil production and have no connection to infections of that nature.
When oil builds up on the lips, it can encourage bacteria and viruses to grow, inflaming nearby tissue and causing white spots to appear. The good news is that this condition is easily treatable with inexpensive and accessible home remedies. These remedies not only lighten the spots but also help eliminate them entirely over time. Plus, they work to prevent future occurrences by targeting the bacteria and viruses responsible. Let’s dive into the causes and solutions for white bumps on lips.
### Common Causes of White Bumps on Lips
White bumps on the lips can stem from several factors, ranging from harmless cosmetic issues to underlying health concerns. Here are the most common reasons:
– **Milia**: Tiny white bumps often seen in babies. They occur when dead skin cells become trapped beneath the surface. While usually found on the face, they can also show up on the lips.
– **Herpes Simplex**: This can cause canker sores or small white bumps around the mouth, which may blister over time.
– **Fordyce Spots**: Small white bumps caused by excess oil production in the sebaceous glands. They’re harmless and can grow more prominent with age, often appearing on the inner lips.
– **Genetic Factors**: In some cases, these bumps occur due to genetic variations, much like other birthmarks or moles.
– **Oral Thrush**: A fungal infection (often caused by *Candida albicans*) that leads to white lesions in the mouth, gums, tonsils, and lips.
– **Oral Cancer**: White bumps associated with oral cancer may appear flat or raised, starting off painless but potentially ulcerating and bleeding over time. This is more common among individuals who drink heavily, chew tobacco, or have prolonged sun exposure.
If the issue persists or worsens, seek professional advice to rule out more serious underlying conditions.
### 7 Home Remedies to Treat White Spots on Lips
1. **Apple Cider Vinegar**
With its antibacterial and astringent properties, apple cider vinegar helps reduce oil production and kill bacteria. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, dab the mixture onto the affected areas with a cotton swab, leave it for a few minutes, and rinse with warm water. Use this remedy twice a week—but no more, to avoid irritation.
2. **Argan and Jojoba Oil**
Both oils are excellent for skin healing. Argan oil is light and absorbs quickly, while jojoba oil, rich in Vitamin E, nourishes the skin and balances oil production. Mix the two and apply a few drops to the affected area. Leave for 8-10 minutes, then rinse. This gentle remedy can be used regularly for effective results.
3. **Essential Oils**
Essential oils like tea tree, olive, cabreuva, and benzoin are packed with healing properties. Mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil with a few drops of each essential oil (except benzoin for sensitive skin). Apply the blend to your lips, leave it on for a few minutes, and rinse with antibacterial soap and warm water. Use this remedy once or twice daily, but perform a patch test beforehand if you have sensitive skin.
4. **Coconut Oil**
Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that combat the buildup of bacteria while keeping lips hydrated. Mix it with a bit of lavender oil and apply to the white spots. Leave it on for a few hours before rinsing. Apply daily for supple, clear lips.
5. **Buttermilk**
Buttermilk is a natural astringent that soothes irritated lips and reduces inflammation. Soak a cotton ball in buttermilk, dab onto your lips, let it dry, and rinse. Use this remedy once or twice daily until the spots diminish.
6. **Garlic**
Garlic’s antibacterial properties tackle bacterial buildup causing the white spots. You can consume it to improve overall hygiene. Blend garlic cloves with water, add lemon juice, and drink this mixture weekly to fight infection and lighten spots over time.
7. **Orange Juice**
Rich in Vitamin C, orange juice naturally cleanses skin by removing bacteria and dead cells. Dab a cotton ball in orange juice, apply to the affected area, and let it sit for several minutes before rinsing. Do this two to three times a week for brighter, healthier lips. For better results, add a few drops of lemon juice.
These remedies not only reduce white spots effectively but also improve the health and appearance of your lips over time. However, if you’re allergic to any ingredient, avoid that particular remedy. And as always, consult a medical professional if symptoms persist.