What can I do about white bumps on my lips?

Increasing, over time, I have noticed more and more white-ish bumps on my upper lip. I went to my doctor and she gave me
'Retin-A Micro' to put on my lips twice a day. This was to induce my lips to peel, in turn, peeling off the white 'bubbly' looking growths (There are very many and they are small).  I have used the product for over a month, but it did not work. Can you help me, because I'm very embarrassed, and this really bothers me.
Thanks,
David

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I think you have Fordyce's condtion.  The whole facial skin is covered with sebaceous (oil) glands, but you can't see them.  When there are a bunch on the lips, you can see them against the pink background.  These are not herpes or contagious.  There really isn't any treatment for them that makes them go away, but they do in my expereince fluctuate in intensity.

I would ask the dermatologist who presxribed Retin-A whether she has this diagnosis in mind.  You may have to live with it, but at least you'll know it's nothing to be concerned about.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[JUSTWONDERING]

My husband has the same thing happen to him.  He's gone to doctors and no one so far know's what it is.  He's been told that if they don't bother him then their fine, but like you he's embarrased of them.  Do you chew, tobacco that is?  He does and we think it could be from that.

[davidreyad]

Hi, thanks for your reply. I smoke clove cigarettes (they contain tobacco), but I don't chew tobacco. Maybe there is a connection. The bumps don't bother me either (aside from their appearance), but I figure if they were not there before, there must be a way to get rid of them.

[JUSTWONDERING]

We've not found a way, but we have noticed when he's cut down on them they don't "appear" as bad as when he chew's heavily.  But I am going to have him go to the dermatologist and ask about what the doctor said.  Good luck and see if cutting back could help. >=^D

[JoYfUljOiLjH]

About a 2 or 3 years ago i got a white bump on my lip and i have no clue what it is. Since then i have got another one on my lower lip and they seem to be getting bigger. Lately everyone has noticed them and they are really bugging me. They look sort of like pimples only they are not. My cousin has one too but we arent even blood related.  If you could possibly help me out with this little problem i would be extremely grateful.
Joi

[theuniball]

Hello.
I seem to have also a white bump on my lip. It is not painful what so ever and it seems that it is not growing or anything. Slightly raise. I do smoke. And have been for 5 years about a pack a day. Not a drinker though. Can anyone help me. I have no other symptoms. Can this be cancer. I am 27 years old. All the pics I saw online for oral cancer this does not resemble any. It looks like a burn blister. But does not have any fluid in it. Please help.
Thanks

[LoOnEyLaUrA]

i have these bumps too, but i do not smoke, nor have i ever smoked.  i just found them.  should i go to the doctor or the dentist about these?