Acne can affect anyone, be it teenagers or adults. If a pimple grows around the lips, it may be quite difficult to treat. You may feel anxious if you have to apply cream or facial soap too close to your mouth. Check out the list of suggestions below, then you can proactively treat acne around the lips in a safe and effective way.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Quick Solution for Pimples Around Lips
Step 1. Use benzoyl peroxide
This substance is considered very effective for treating acne. Benzoyl peroxide kills any bacteria in the problem area and can get rid of pimples quickly. Products containing benzoyl peroxide can be purchased without a prescription and are widely available at drugstores.
Be careful when applying the product around the mouth. If the pimple grows just above the lip, you should forget about this treatment and use the non-chemical treatment below
Step 2. Apply ice to the pimple
Ice helps fight inflammation and redness caused by acne. Ice can also constrict blood vessels, forcing oil and bacteria out and speeding recovery.
- Wrap an ice cube in a towel or napkin and apply it to the problem area. After a few seconds release.
- Wait a few minutes and repeat. Do this process several times.
- Repeat this treatment several times a day for maximum effect.
Step 3. Apply lemon juice to the pimple
The acid content in lemon juice will kill bacteria and dry out the pimple. Dip a sterile cotton swab in lemon juice and apply it to the pimple before going to bed.
Make sure you use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Packaged lemon juice may contain preservatives that can irritate the skin
Step 4. Steam your pimple
Steam can open pores and allow dirt and bacteria to be pushed out. Steaming helps reduce inflammation and prevents new pimples from forming. You can do this treatment by taking a hot bath or by holding a bowl of hot water near your face. Steam the skin for 20-30 minutes for maximum effect.
Method 2 of 3: Preventive Treatment for Acne Around Lips
Step 1. Stop using balm or lip gloss
These kinds of products are likely to cause and worsen acne around the lips.
- The wax content in the lip balm clogs the pores. This will trap dirt and bacteria, which will then lead to the formation of pimples.
- The fragrances used in this product can stimulate sebum production. The increase in oil and sebum, plus clogged pores, makes for the perfect formula for acne formation.
- Lip balm can spread bacteria that cause acne. If this is the case it means you re-infect yourself every time you use it.
- If you can't stop using lip balm/gloss completely, choose an unscented product. This product will still clog pores but will not stimulate sebum production.
Step 2. Get into the habit of wiping your mouth after eating and drinking
Crumbs or food debris left around the mouth can provide bait for bacteria and can lead to breakouts.
Step 3. Use an unscented, unscented toothpaste
Just like flavored lip balms, the flavoring chemicals in toothpaste can cause skin irritation and increase sebum production. Some brands of toothpaste without added fragrance include Sensodyne and Biotene.
Step 4. Rub your lips
As long as you're using an unscented toothpaste, adding lips to your brushing routine can help with acne breakouts. That way, the lips will be free from sticky dirt that accumulates in the mouth every day, and acne can be prevented. Make sure you wash your toothbrush before scrubbing your lips so you don't spread bacteria to the lip area and make the pimple worse.
Step 5. Drink more water
This step can help push out the dirt in the body as well as cleanse the skin from within. In addition, water can also push bacteria out of the mouth, which will help prevent breakouts.
Method 3 of 3: Treating Acne with Prescription Medication
Step 1. Make an appointment with the doctor
If acne around the mouth is a persistent problem that you can't treat, see a doctor or dermatologist. There are so many prescription acne medications that they can suggest to help the healing process.
Step 2. Use a cream that contains retinoids
Retinoids, which are derivatives of vitamin A, help open follicles and pores. That way, acne will be eliminated and the formation of new pimples can be prevented. Retinoids also help reduce inflammation in acne. As an added bonus, this kind of cream can help fight wrinkles. Creams that contain retinoids include Retin-A, Differin, and Tazorac.
Step 3. Use an antibiotic that is applied to the skin
This cream helps kill acne-causing bacteria and can also reduce inflammation. Doctors and dermatologists generally prescribe creams such as Erythromycin, Metronidazole, and Clindamycin.
Step 4. Take oral antibiotics
If medication applied to a pimple that grows too close to the mouth is not possible, oral antibiotics may be helpful because these drugs act systemically. Oral antibiotics can function as anti-inflammatory, reduce inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria.
Step 5. Ask your doctor about hormone treatment
Often, adult acne is caused by increased hormone levels in the body. If you experience this, your doctor can prescribe various medications to help restore your hormonal balance.
Tips
- Make sure the face wash you just bought is gentle, hypoallergenic, and suitable for your skin type. For example, don't use face wash for oily skin if your skin type is dry, and vice versa.
- Be patient. There is no miracle cure for acne. However, making some easy-to-implement lifestyle changes can lead to satisfying results over time.
- Try not to touch your face with your hands. Acne conditions will get worse because the skin is exposed to contact with oil and dirt that sticks to the hands.
- Don't let acne stress you out because stress can trigger more pimples.
Warning
- Don't squeeze pimples. This will irritate the skin even more, and it can even lead to a serious infection.
- Try not to use several facial scrubs or face washes at once. This will only make skin irritation worse.
- Make sure you follow the instructions from your doctor, especially for prescription drugs.
