A white pimple has appeared at the corner of the mouth, and it's slightly painful.

Nov 29, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
White pimples at the corner of the mouth accompanied by mild pain may be caused by dietary irritation, inadequate local hygiene, angular cheilitis, folliculitis, or acne. Improvement can be achieved by adjusting diet, enhancing cleansing, and using medication. If the pimple ruptures, redness and swelling spread, or pain worsens, prompt medical attention is necessary. Frequent consumption of spicy, hot, or sugary foods can irritate the skin and hair follicles at the corner of the mouth.

White pimples at the corner of the mouth accompanied by mild pain may be caused by dietary irritation, inadequate local hygiene, angular cheilitis, folliculitis, or acne. Symptoms can be improved through dietary adjustments, enhanced cleansing, and medication. Seek medical attention promptly if the pimple ruptures, swelling spreads, or pain worsens.

1. Dietary irritation: Frequent consumption of spicy, hot, or sugary foods can irritate the skin and hair follicles at the corner of the mouth, triggering inflammation and causing painful white pimples. It is recommended to eat a light diet rich in fruits and vegetables, reduce intake of spicy and greasy foods, and drink plenty of water.

2. Poor local hygiene: Food residues, oils accumulating at the corner of the mouth, or frequent touching with hands can promote bacterial growth, leading to pimples with mild pain. Clean the area gently with warm water, avoid squeezing or touching with hands, and keep the area dry.

3. Angular cheilitis: Inflammation of the skin and mucosa at the corners of the mouth caused by bacterial or fungal infection, characterized by redness, swelling, and white pustules, often accompanied by pain. Under medical guidance, topical medications such as erythromycin ointment, clotrimazole cream, or oral vitamin B2 may be used to relieve symptoms.

4. Folliculitis: Bacterial infection of hair follicles at the corner of the mouth leads to small white papules centered around follicles, with pain due to inflammatory stimulation. Under medical supervision, treatments such as mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, or cephalexin capsules may help alleviate discomfort.

5. Acne: Overactive sebaceous glands cause clogged pores followed by bacterial infection, resulting in pustular acne with tenderness upon pressure. As directed by a doctor, medications like adapalene gel, benzoyl peroxide gel, or doxycycline tablets may be used to improve symptoms.

Maintain cleanliness and dryness at the corner of the mouth. Use gentle facial cleansers, avoid touching pimples with hands, maintain a balanced and light diet, ensure adequate sleep, and minimize late-night activities to support resolution of skin inflammation.