Pimples usually develop on the face and neck, including along the lip line. Various self-care methods and products may or may not help get rid of a pimple on the lip. It is good to look at safety considerations and what science supports and does not support.
Pimples are a type of skin blemish that occurs with acne. They form when pores get clogged with oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria. These often red, inflamed bumps are also called papules.
Larger pimples that contain pus are called pustules. Squeezing or popping them may be tempting, but doing so can increase healing time and cause scarring or discoloration.
Potential At-Home Remedies for Lip Pimples
1. Hot and Cold Compresses
Heat and cold may ease discomfort and speed healing. For a hot compress, soak a washcloth in hot water and wring it out. Apply the warm, damp cloth to the lip pimple for 10 to 15 minutes. As it will cool after a couple of minutes, keep repeating the process of soaking it in hot water. Do this three times a day, using a clean washcloth each time.1
To ease pain and swelling, try holding a cold compress to your lip for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Soaps and Creams
Keep the area around a lip pimple clean. Use only mild soaps without added fragrances or other harsh ingredients.2 Check any products to ensure they are appropriate for use on the lips.
3. Over-the-Counter Acne Products
Over-the-counter (OTC) acne products like topical salicylic acid3 or benzoyl peroxide4often indicate they should not be used on the lips or around the mouth.5 Read labels carefully and contact a healthcare provider for advice on whether they are appropriate on the lips.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.6 It can be found in various lip balms. It is generally safe for topical use, including on the lips, but should not be taken by mouth during pregnancy or breastfeeding.7 But when it comes to a lip pimple, you may find it more useful for its soothing and moisturizing effects.
5. Toothpaste
Toothpaste is for teeth, not for skin or lips. While many toothpastes target harmful bacteria, they do not target the type of bacteria that causes acne. Even though some people find that non-gel toothpaste dries pimples, it likely will not do more harm than good. Many toothpastes contain abrasives like baking soda, calcium, peroxide, colors, and flavorings that can irritate or harm skin.8
6. Castor Oil
Castor oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Some research suggests that it may help treat pimples.9 The main ingredient in castor oil is ricinoleic acid,10a monounsaturated fatty acid found in many moisturizers. Use castor oil with caution. Applying it directly on the skin may cause irritation, rash, or allergic reactions.
7. Lemon Juice
There’s not enough evidence to conclude that lemon juice can help treat acne. Lemons are acidic, so applying it directly to your face or lips can lead to excessive dryness, redness, irritation, and sun sensitivity.
8. Turmeric Paste
Turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. There’s some evidence that curcumin, a natural compound in turmeric, may help treat several types of skin problems.11
However, there’s not enough research on its safety and effectiveness in treating acne. Turmeric and curcumin products are likely safe when applied to the skin in recommended amounts.12
9. Honey
Medical-grade honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.13 However, there is no evidence that it can help treat acne, and there are no guidelines as to specific types of honey, how much to use, and how often.
10. Tomato
Tomatoes contain antioxidants and other ingredients that are good for the skin. Research shows that a diet rich in antioxidants may help with skin diseases, including acne. In fact, many skin care products and cosmetics contain tomato seed oil.14
Incorporating tomatoes into your diet may benefit your skin. However, there’s not much research into the potential benefits and side effects of applying tomato directly to the face. Tomatoes are acidic and may not be suitable for sensitive skin. Apply to a small area first to see how your skin reacts.
11. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil should not be used in or around the mouth.15 It is poisonous if swallowed, so do not apply it to your lips.
For possible uses away from the mouth, it has antimicrobial properties. Studies have found that products containing 0.1% to 5% tea tree oil reduce acne lesions when used for four to eight weeks.16 One study suggests that tea tree oil is effective in destroying some bacteria that cause acne and may be a good candidate for an alternative to antibiotic therapy.17
But research into the safety and effectiveness of tree tea oil on pimples is limited and more rigorous studies are needed.
12. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial effects.18But it hasn’t been proven effective in treating acne. In fact, vinegar is acidic and can lead to chemical burns.1920
Supplements
Zinc is one of the most common ingredients in acne supplements.21 Some research shows that people with acne generally have lower levels of zinc in their blood and that taking supplemental zinc may reduce inflammatory papules.
Zinc is a mineral found in foods such as meat, fish, and seafood. The recommended dietary allowance for most adults is 8 to 12 milligrams a day. Taking too much zinc can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, gastric problems, vomiting, and loss of appetite. It can also interact with medications, so be sure to let your provider know you’re taking supplements.23
Fish oil is another popular acne supplement. The benefits of fish oil are mainly due to the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids.2425 Cold-water fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The adequate intake for most adults is 1.1 to 1.6 grams.26
Medical Treatment Options
Acne treatment usually requires a combination of therapies that address the underlying causes.27 Medical options may include the following, although not all are appropriate for application to the lips:
- Hormone therapy, such as spironolactoneor birth control pills, which can lessen the effect of androgens (which can cause acne) in females
- Isotretinoin, a prescription drug for severe, cystic, or inflammatory acne (not for those who are pregnant or may become pregnant due to the risk to the fetus)
- Laser or light therapy, which can help reduce bacteria in clogged pores
- Oral antibiotics such as doxycycline, erythromycin, tetracycline, minocycline, trimethoprim, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
- Topical antibiotics such as erythromycin, tetracyclines, clindamycin, and Aczone (dapsone) to reduce inflammation and help stop or slow the growth of bacteria (may not be appropriate for application to the lips)
- Topical retinoids such as tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene to stop new acne lesions from forming and encourage cell turnover, which helps unplug pimples (may not be appropriate for application to the lips)
