Pimples or What?

[ROAD RUNNER]

Hey Doc! Quick question i just recently noticed that on my upper lip on the corner where the upper lip would meets the lower lip i have several small white heads.  I have this same case on both sides of my mouth identical places just opposite sides of the mouth, both on the upper lip.  Well the one on the left side seems to be a small pimple with a few white heads in it.  I wouldnt even call it a small pimple.  The other side just seems to be a few white heads kinda clustered.  The area is not red around the white heads just seems like a cluster of white heads.  The area doesnt itch, burn or hurt.  The only reason I know they are there is because Im always licking my lips and apllying lip balm.  I constantly aplly lip balm.  The other thing is that you cant see these white heads unless i take my tounge and press behind my lip to push out on it and stretch the skin.  I was just curious might i have always had these just never noticed and might it be clogged pores or something.  Can you get pimple like that on the lip.  These pimples havent popped or scabbed over and ive had them for a few days now that ive noticed at least.  Ive had std test recently for hiv, herpes etc. All were negative(  blood and type specific) so im not to worried.  The other thing is i thought maybe it was a fever blister but the pictures on the web look nothing like what i have.  The other thing is on the web it said almost every one gets cold sores or fever blisters.  Does that mean they all have herpes 1 or its just related to herpes? I think ive had these pimples before too just never paid to much attention. I know tons of people who get a cold sores here and there does that mean they have oral herpes?  And if so why isnt there something being done to get this problem taken care of?  Could this problem i have be from licking my lips and constantly applying lip balm (cherry flavored) or am i just to over concerned.  The other thing say you kissed a girl who had herpes 1 and she also performed oral sex on you would that mean you would get herpes 1 on both you lips and penis.  I think ive had these pimples before too just never paid to much attention.  Thanks

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

There is a condition called Fordyce's condition, which refers to the presence of sebaceous (oil) glands on the pink part of the lips.  These look just like what you describe, and they don't mean anything.  I agree that they've probably always been there, but you just noticed.  They are more noticeable if the lips are moist.  They have nothing to do with herpes.  You should ignore them.

If someone with an active cold sore performs oral sex on you, you can get whatever type of herpes is on the lip on the penis.  Most oral herpes is Type 1.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[ROAD RUNNER]

when i say cluster i mean 2-3 close togeather

[lilal]

i'm female and i have a little hair on my upper lip. i've never done anything about it because i',m quite fair (blond hair, pale skin) so you dont really notice. but now i've got moderate acne, only around the corners of my mouth, occasionally upper lip and on the sides of my chin. i know that hairstyles with bangs can contribute to pimples on the forehead, so could the hiar on my upper lip be contributing to my acne? if so, should i wax it off? i'm scared that will only furhter irritate my skin.