How to Get Rid of a Very Red Pimple on My Lips

Very red pimples around the lips are unsightly and tender.

Red pimples occur when a pore becomes clogged with dead skin cells, resulting in infection and inflammation. Pimples that erupt on the edge of the lips tend to be especially uncomfortable due to the sensitive skin in this area. Occasional flare-ups may be caused by the ingredients in makeup or lip balm or by eating greasy foods. Acne sufferers may experience repeated unsightly and painful breakouts in this area. There are a number of products available that help get rid of very red pimples and reduce the chance of future breakouts.

Things You'll Need

• Acne-controlling face wash
• Cotton balls
• Salicylic acid toner
• Acne spot treatment
• Olive oil or panthenol-based lip sticks, balms or gloss
• Paper towels
• Rubbing alcohol

Instructions

1. Wash the area, both morning and night, with an acne-controlling face wash.

2. Wipe the pimple with a cotton ball soaked in salicylic acid toner.

3. Apply an acne spot treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid twice each day.

4. Choose lipsticks, lip glosses and lip balms that contain olive oil or panthenol, which are less likely to worsen the pimple or cause more breakouts.

5. Clean phone receivers once or twice each week with a paper towel moistened with rubbing alcohol to prevent aggravation and flare-ups from oils present on the phone.

References

• "Cosmopolitan": Lip-Line Pimple Problem
• Family Doctor.org; Acne in Teens: Ways to Control It; September 2010
• American Academy of Dermatology: Acne: Diagnosis, Treatment and Outcome
• "Good Housekeeping"; Hang Up on Germs; Heloise