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What Do White Bumps Inside Upper Lip Indicate?

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Posted on Thu, 18 Sep 2014
Question: I noticed a line of small pinhead sized white bumps on the inner part of my upper lip (essentially where the lip turns to the teeth). There were three, all the same size, in a line and did not hurt. Of course, I started fiddling with it and tried to pop the bumps. They would not pop and would move around depending on how I was manipulating my lip. They appeared whitish/yellowish and were distinct; when I pulled my lip apart, I could clearly see all 3.

I put some Orajel on it even though I was not in pain. After the Orajel, a couple hours later, I looked at it again. The spots are less distinct and the area in question appears more pinkish/yellowish. I cannot really see all three anymore. I was exposed to a lot of sun yesterday but used lip balm and this is on a part of the lip likely not overly exposed. Very little to no pain really. Some irritation from messing with it and being self-aware of it.

Any idea what this is?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possibility of fordyce apots, Upload photographs

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic

I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query I would think that they were fordyce spots, which are ectopic sebaceous glands.

I would request you to upload a digital photograph of the lesion.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (7 hours later)
See attached photos. It's the yellowish dot. (Little hard to make out)More yellowish this morning after night of polysporin on them. No pain or tingling or other issues.

No history of cold sores. Also wouldnt it take longer for them to appear yellowish if they were? This has been less than a day. Also would be surprised by the location, rignt, since this is inner part of lip?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Fordyce spots

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

I have reviewed the photographs. These are Fordyce spots, indeed.

As I already mentioned in my previous reply to you, Fordyce spots are ectopic sebaceous glands. They appear as yellowish bumps/oil glands which become more obvious on stretching the mucosa. They are totally asymptomatic. They must have been there already, unnoticed(certainly not appeared just in a day!).

Normally sebaceous glands are present in hair bearing skin like face, however, in most people there are a few sebaceous glands that exist in non-hair bearing areas (where they should'nt, therefore ectopic!!) like mucosa of upper lips, undersurface of prepuce in males and labia minora in females. Some people have more than others and gets them bothered. They are perfectly normal, completely harmless and common for many people, guys and gals!

No intervention is required actually. However, if you insist, you can get them removed with a LASER (with CO2 Laser vaporisation). I have done a few patients of fordyce spots on the labial mucosa(lips)

regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)
So no reason to think cold sore, especially considering lack of pain in general? I tried popping them yesterday but could not. Only bruised some skin around them.

I have just never seen my fordyce spots turn yellowish and sort of group together.

Thanks, Doctor. Just want to put my mind to rest on other possibilities .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Fordyce spots

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

No it is not a cold sore. Fordyce spots are common in many people. You may notice them in a few of your friends.

Fordyce spots won't pop out. So don't try it anymore.

They can be removed with a Laser (Co2 Laser vaporisation).

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 minutes later)
Thanks, Doctor, for all your help .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for posting your query at healthcaremagic

Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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What Do White Bumps Inside Upper Lip Indicate?

Brief Answer: Possibility of fordyce apots, Upload photographs Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query I would think that they were fordyce spots, which are ectopic sebaceous glands. I would request you to upload a digital photograph of the lesion. Regards