Doctors Note Logo

Back

Published on: 3/5/2025

What Could Cause Tiny Bumps on the Corners of My Lips?

Tiny bumps near the corners of the lips could be caused by cold sores, Fordyce spots, or angular cheilitis. Each of these conditions has its own features and may need different care.

answer background

Explanation

There are a few possible causes for tiny bumps at the corners of your lips. One possibility is cold sores. Cold sores start as small, fluid-filled bumps and are caused by a virus. They can be painful and sometimes spread to other areas. Another cause could be Fordyce spots, which are tiny, harmless bumps made up of oil glands that appear on the lips and surrounding skin. These spots do not cause pain or problems and simply need no treatment. The third possibility is angular cheilitis, a condition where the corners of the mouth become irritated, red, and sometimes cracked. Angular cheilitis is often linked to a fungal or bacterial infection and can occur when the skin in the mouth’s corners is moist or irritated. If you notice any changes in the bumps, if they cause discomfort, or if they spread, it is important to contact a healthcare provider so they can offer guidance on the best care, using different treatment methods based on the cause.

(References)

  • InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Overview: Cold sores. [Updated 2025 Jan 14]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525782/

  • Lee JH, Lee JH, Kwon NH, Yu DS, Kim GM, Park CJ, Lee JD, Kim SY. Clinicopathologic Manifestations of Patients with Fordyce's Spots. Ann Dermatol. 2012 Feb;24(1):103-6. doi: 10.5021/ad.2012.24.1.103. Epub 2012 Feb 2. PMID: 22363169; PMCID: PMC3283840.

  • Federico JR, Basehore BM, Zito PM. Angular Chelitis. [Updated 2023 Mar 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet].

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Learn more about symptoms

Bump on lip

Not sure about the cause of your current symptoms?

AI Symptom Check

Try our AI-based symptom check

With an easy 3-min questionnaire, you can get an free AI-powered report on possible causes


Tips to try:

  • Provide specific, detailed info about all symptoms you have.
  • Give accurate information about yourself including current conditions.
  • Answer all follow-up questions

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes, and the provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical practice. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.