Tiny bumps on lower lip??

I've been getting a small cluster of tiny bumps on my bottom lip for a few years now. They usually come every other month, a few days before my period. They usually end once my period actually starts. The bumps don't hurt, or itch, but I can feel them when I rub my lips together or rub my teeth over them. I have continued using chap-stick while I have the bumps, because the bumps have never spread. At first I thought the bumps were from an allergic reaction to any lip products I was using, so I switched and got all new products. I also thought the were a reaction to the sun, so I used lip products with spf. None of these things have made them go away and now I'm really starting to get worried. Does anyone know what this could be??

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These bumps can be due to irritated follicles close to the lips or clogged pores. Keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[johncarr573]

Small bumps on the inside of the lower lip can be related to submental lymph nodes draining.  The submental lymph nodes drain into the lower lip.  Swelling of these lymph nodes could be due to infection.