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Noticed Round, Dark Purple Spot On Upper Lip. Could It Be A Blood Blister Or Something?

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Posted on Fri, 17 May 2013
Question: I just noticed a very small (like pencil tip size) round, dark purple spot on my upper lip. It doesnt hurt or itch or is swollen or anything. I dont remember seeing it yesterday or the day before, i just noticed while looking in the mirror while washing my hands. What could this be? My mom said it looks like it could be a blood blister or something. I do bite my lips sometimes, but mostly my bottom lip, not the top.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (12 minutes later)
Hello,

Thanks for posting your query on XXXXXXX

The lesion on the lip could be a blood blister (hemangioma).
However, it is unlikely for it to appear suddenly Hemangiomas are growths arising from the blood vessels. They are benign but do not appear so suddenly.

On the basis of the history and clinical appearance of the lesion it appears that it can be due to an insect bite or an allergic reaction.

Is there any history of an insect bite or any drug intake in the recent past?
If yes then it could be due to any of these causes.

If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (1 hour later)
there has been no drug intake, but it is possible it could be a bug bite, now that the weather is warming up. I feel better with your first answer, that it could be a blood blister, as that is what it most looks like. I dont know if it came on as suddenly as i thought. While i didnt notice it until this morning, my boyfriend did indicate he saw it yesterday but just thought i had food or something on my lip. So its possible it started to appear a day or two ago and i just noticed this morning/
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (12 hours later)
Hello and welcome again,

If the lesion appeared just one or two days ago, it is unlikely to be a hemangioma.
It is most probably a blood blister caused by an insect bite (bug bite asyou mentioned).
You can take an antihitaminic drug (eg cetrizine). The lesion will subside if it is due to an allergic reaction to the insect bite.
If the lesion becomes painful or develops itching or any other symptom then you need to consult your doctor for clinical evaluation and further work up.

If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Shailja Puri

Pathologist and Microbiologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 9705 Questions

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Noticed Round, Dark Purple Spot On Upper Lip. Could It Be A Blood Blister Or Something?

Hello,

Thanks for posting your query on XXXXXXX

The lesion on the lip could be a blood blister (hemangioma).
However, it is unlikely for it to appear suddenly Hemangiomas are growths arising from the blood vessels. They are benign but do not appear so suddenly.

On the basis of the history and clinical appearance of the lesion it appears that it can be due to an insect bite or an allergic reaction.

Is there any history of an insect bite or any drug intake in the recent past?
If yes then it could be due to any of these causes.

If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Dr Shailja P Wahal