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What Are the Different Types of Lip Disease?

J.M. Willhite
J.M. Willhite

Lip disease is a condition characterized by the formation of a lesion or ulcerated tissue on the lips. There are different types of diseases of the lips whose signs and symptoms vary in severity and presentation. From canker sores, which are fairly innocuous, to cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus, lip disease can cause discomfort and inconvenience. Of the different lip diseases, lip cancer is the most serious, often requiring surgery and post-operational, anticancer therapies. Treatment can range from the use of mouth rinses and topical creams to antiviral medications.

Of the lip diseases, canker sores are the most benign and easy to treat. Canker sores may be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma to the lip, allergies, and an overactive immune system. Sometimes mistaken for a cold sore, a canker sore is often light colored and oval shaped. Canker sores may emerge as a solitary sore or in clusters and take up to a couple weeks to completely heal. It is not uncommon for a canker sore to cause one to experience a fever and feel fatigued.

As the name implies, a fever blister can trigger a mild fever.
As the name implies, a fever blister can trigger a mild fever.

Similar to a canker sore in appearance, a cold sore results from a reactivation of the herpes simplex virus in one’s system during times of stress, illness, or overexposure to sunlight. A cold sore, also called a fever blister, is often considered painful and lasts for up two weeks before subsiding. The sore emerges as a blister and the surrounding area is often inflamed and tender.

Herpes simplex 1 lesions that occur on the lips are often known as cold sores or fever blisters.
Herpes simplex 1 lesions that occur on the lips are often known as cold sores or fever blisters.

Although both canker and cold sores may be preceded by tingling or burning prior to sore emergence, only canker sores are considered not contagious. It is important to remember that cold sores are contagious and generally emerge in the same location where initial exposure to the herpes virus occurred. Another differentiation is that cold sores form on the lips, whereas canker sores are usually confined to the soft tissues of the inside of the mouth and gums.

Those who use tobacco products are at risk of developing lip cancer.
Those who use tobacco products are at risk of developing lip cancer.

Canker sores may be treated with medicated mouth rinse or topical creams to alleviate inflammation and ease pain. In some cases, an oral, steroidal medication may be prescribed to ease symptoms. Cold sores can necessitate an antiviral medication to alleviate symptoms. Often, a topical treatment may also be given to reduce discomfort and speed healing.

Practicing good oral hygiene can be helpful in preventing lip disease.
Practicing good oral hygiene can be helpful in preventing lip disease.

The most serious type of lip disease is lip cancer. A member of the family of oral cancers, lip cancer has been linked to the use of tobacco and alcohol products. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, other factors that may increase one’s risk for lip cancer include human papilloma virus infection (HPV) and poor oral hygiene.

Lip cancer often presents as a white patch, lesion, or ulcer. Individuals with lip cancer may not experience pain initially, but as the disease progresses several signs may occur. Difficulty chewing or speaking, tissue discoloration in the affected area, and painful swallowing are not uncommon. A biopsy is often performed to discount or confirm malignancy. Treatment for lip cancer often involves the excision of the affected tissue and the administration of anticancer therapies, including chemo and radiation.

Discussion Comments

anon988163

The description is suggestive of exfoliative cheilitis. Stop licking your lips and apply lip moisturizer, preferably water base type. Also, if you are mouth breathing, lips can become dry and inflamed.

anon973974

I have a sort of thing by my lip. I don't know what it is. I've barely had any girlfriends and I'm worried it could be contagious.

tamzid

I'm a 19 year old boy. Both of my lips are always dry. I feel very uneasy about that. The skin of my lips changes again and again. It happens regularly. Now I'm very frustrated. I was under the treatment of a skin specialist and a homeopathic doctor, but there was no change. I've also noticed that I've no pain there. Please give me any solutions now.

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    • As the name implies, a fever blister can trigger a mild fever.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      As the name implies, a fever blister can trigger a mild fever.
    • Herpes simplex 1 lesions that occur on the lips are often known as cold sores or fever blisters.
      By: Marco2811
      Herpes simplex 1 lesions that occur on the lips are often known as cold sores or fever blisters.
    • Those who use tobacco products are at risk of developing lip cancer.
      By: gemenacom
      Those who use tobacco products are at risk of developing lip cancer.
    • Practicing good oral hygiene can be helpful in preventing lip disease.
      By: GVictoria
      Practicing good oral hygiene can be helpful in preventing lip disease.
    • Some lip diseases are relatively benign while others are more serious.
      By: alex83ch
      Some lip diseases are relatively benign while others are more serious.
    • Fever blisters and canker sores may be confused during the earliest stages of development.
      By: markcarper
      Fever blisters and canker sores may be confused during the earliest stages of development.
    • Applying certain types of mouthwash directly to a cold sore may promote faster healing of the lesion.
      By: theartofphoto
      Applying certain types of mouthwash directly to a cold sore may promote faster healing of the lesion.
    • Lip cancer has been linked to alcohol abuse in some cases.
      By: Focus Pocus LTD
      Lip cancer has been linked to alcohol abuse in some cases.
    • Smoking has many harmful side effects, including possibly leading to oral cancer.
      By: Vladimir Jovanovic
      Smoking has many harmful side effects, including possibly leading to oral cancer.