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What are these bumps on my lips?

Hi, I have these little bumps on my lip. They started on the top lip and moved down to the bottom one. Now they have clear fluid coming out of them. They feel really dry and chapped and they are pretty red. I've looked up some Fordyce's spots and they look like it but since mine leaks clear fluid I don't know if that is the case. What do you think this might be? Thanks for your time.

Kim D

Question Submitted on 10/1/2009 at 9:12 AM

Elizabeth Anderson Responds:

Thank you for your question. Fordyce spots are some of the most common lesions of the skin on the lips. They are simply enlarged oil glands that can be seen easily through the thin skin on the lips. Occasionally a Fordyce spot might become inflamed and tender, but they usually don't drain. On the inside of the lips, the clear bumps you describe might be blocked minor salivary glands, causing a mucocele. Other things to consider include an infection with the cold sore virus, herpes simplex. Because your symptoms are not typical, I would recommend you follow up with your dermatologist for evaluation of these spots. A dermatologist would need to actually examine these lesions to make an accurate diagnosis.

-Dr. Anderson

Answer Published on 10/7/2009 at 9:01 PM

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