The truth is that, in most cases, they don’t pose a serious problem, but understanding their cause can help you know if you need medical attention or just make some adjustments to your routine.
One of the most common causes is Fordyce granules.
These are sebaceous glands that, although not normally visible, appear as small white or yellowish dots in some people. They aren’t painful, aren’t contagious, and pose no risk. Some people choose to treat them solely for cosmetic reasons, with options such as laser or dermatological treatments.
Another fairly common cause is mucous cysts, also known as mucoceles.
These form when small salivary glands become blocked, often due to accidentally biting your lip. They look like soft, sometimes transparent lumps that usually disappear on their own. If they don’t or are very bothersome, a specialist can easily remove them.
In other cases, white spots can be related to perioral acne, especially in people with oily skin or those sensitive to certain cosmetics. Although it typically appears around the mouth, it can also affect the lips.
Cold sores should also be considered.
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