Little white bump on limp

[Whitebump]

About two weeks ago, while my lips were fairly chapped I got what looked to be an ulcer/cut in the middle of my lip.  It is still here two weeks later.  It is in the shape of a line, and is raised up like a bump.  It is fairly small, smaller than the size of the "i" on my screen, but I am feeling ver self-concious about it due to its central location on my lip. It is located right between the inside and outside portion of my lip.  It can't be seen when my lips are together, but it is pretty visible when I open my mouth to talk.  I've tried antibiotic ointment on it, as well as medicated campho-phenique...but nothing has seemed to make an impact.  I haven't had any contact such as kissing for at least 4 months now, and I have only had one sexual partner in my life, so I'm hoping it isn't anything like HPV.  I do get frequent canker sores inside my mouth ever since I was a little kid, but I've never had one on my lip area like this. Do you have any idea what this may be, or how I can help to make it go away?  I am mostly just hoping for something that will make it go away, because it has been over two weeks now and I'm sick of worrying about it!  Thanks for your time.

[medhelplover]

A related discussion, Small White Bump on Upper Lip was started.

[beth773]

A related discussion, Little white bump was started.

[Smokinjoe]

I have little white bumps all over my lips that are not seen unless the lip or skin is stretched tightly.  They have been there for years.  I assumed it was from biting my lip and or smoking.  Is this normal?  They appear more prominent or at least more of them on my upper lip than my lower lip.

[greengirl7]

i have a similar problem-
i had chapped lips for a few days and yesterday noticed the corner of my lips were really itchy. today i took a closer look and i have a few tiny white bumps on the inside of the corner of my top lip.
i'm really freaked out. is this herpes? i haven't kissed many people. could i have gotten something from borrowing chapstick?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Herpes lesions are blisters that scab and last a week or so, so this doesn't sound like herpes.  Perhaps it is a cyst of some sort, or a visible oil gland against the background of your pink lip.  Since it's only been there a short while, you're best off leaving it alone for now.  If it's still there is a month, see a dermatologist, who can diagnose it, and treat it if it bothers you.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff