How To Treat And Prevent Pesky Lip Pimples

Pimples of any kind are no fun, but the ones on your lips can be extra obnoxious and painful. Luckily, knowing how to treat lip pimples and prevent them from happening is simple and, all things considered, pretty painless. Just like any pimple, you've got to fight the urge to just jump in and pop it!

Before I cover how to treat and prevent lip pimples, I do want to take a hot sec to talk about everyone's favorite subject: STDs. If your pimple feels more like a fluid-filled blister and you also are potentially running a low fever, you might actually have oral herpes sores. Another easy way to figure out whether the annoyance on your lip is a pimple or a cold sore is to figure out whether it, well, hurts like a pimple, or if it stings, burns, or itches. Cold sores are super common, but definitely not a pimple and you may want to consult your doctor for the best treatment method.

Once you know for a fact you're dealing with a pimple, you can start by learning how to treat it correctly. Lip skin can be particularly sensitive, but the treatment method doesn't vary much from dealing with a pimple anywhere else. If the area is especially tender, GlamCheck advised applying a cold compress to soothe the inflammation and help to dry out the pimple. Additionally, HealCure recommended topping it with an over-the-counter ointment containing either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to dry out the pimple completely without having to pop it.

But of course, the best treatment method is prevention! Incorporate the tips below to help you avoid lip pimples all together.

1. Prep Your Partner

I generally end up with pimples on my lips after a serious makeout. If this sounds familiar, your partner's shaving cream or makeup might be the culprit. It might feel a little awkward, but asking them to try and use hypoallergenic and fragrance-free facial products might save you some serious pimple struggles! If you're extra sensitive, it might be worth washing your mouth after your smooch sesh.

2. Use A Gentle Exfoliator

Sugar-licious Sugar Lip Scrub, $10, iLip Care

A few times a week, swirl a mild exfoliator over your lips to remove dead skin cells that might clog and cause pimples.

3. Discard Old Makeup

Get Started Complexion Kit, $49, Ulta

Similar to smooching someone whose products could irritate your skin, the reason for your pimples could be in your very own makeup bag. If you haven't purchased new products in years or always reach for the discounted makeup, you could be setting yourself up for clogged pores. Treat yourself to some new makeup and see if you notice a difference. (My pick? The kit above!)

4. Chill Out

Stress can trigger pimples anywhere, including your lips. Whether it's yoga, meditation, journaling, listening to music, whatever — find a stress relieving strategy that works for you and incorporate it into your daily life.

5. Drink Plenty Of Water

Staying hydrated is crucial to keeping lip skin healthy and in top shape. If you're constantly chugging coffee, just try to make at least one drink herbal tea instead.

6. Apply A Cooling Lip Balm

Cucumber Aloe Vera Stick, $7, Babo Botanicals

If you recently had a hardcore kissing sesh and fear pimples will pop up soon, nourish your happy but irritated skin with a moisturizing lip balm containing aloe or cucumber to prevent inflammation that could trigger zits.

Want more beauty tips? Check out the video below, and be sure to subscribe to Bustle’s YouTube page for more hacks and tricks!

Images: Getty Images (4); Courtesy of Brands