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Had Itchy Lips Which Got Dry And Cracked With Blister. Had Negative Herpes Test. Cause?

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Posted on Thu, 24 Oct 2013
Question: This is the second time having this problem my upper lip was itching not eaten any time unusual then next when i woke up both my lip were very dry crackled. Then a blister appeared. Last time my doctor did a culture for herpes virus and the result as negative. What is causing this?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Roopa Hiremath (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Herpes Simplex virus is common cause

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Blisters on lips are most commonly caused by Herpes Simplex virus which is normally present in almost everyone and gets reactivated whenever a person's immunity is low.

This infection typically presents with tingling and itching on lips and later formation of group of fluid filled blisters usually on lips and inner mouth.

Dry lips may predispose to have these blisters.

Triggers for herpes infection include:
1.Exposure to extreme cold or sunlight
2.Any illness with fever
3.Increased stress levels.

I am suspecting herpes virus infection in your case based on the description given in your query.
I suggest application of acyclovir cream over the blister three to four times a day.
Do not scratch as this might cause spread of the blisters.
They will heal without scarring within 5-7 days.
The other reasons causing dry lips include vitamin B deficiency and yeast infection of lips.
I hope I have cleared your doubts.
Thanks.



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Roopa Hiremath (24 hours later)
3 months ago I had the same thing itching then dry lips the MD ordered herpes virus test that was negative and stopped from taking the acyclovir. How often should it be happening.the itching is very bad and upper lip gets swollen. please help. Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Roopa Hiremath (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Reactivation occurs whenever your immunity is low

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

As I have mentioned in my previous answer, herpes virus has a very unique property of lying dormant (hidden) in our body and gets reactivated whenever the persons immunity gets low.

Repeated activations can occur if the person has increased stress levels, has been on medications which cause immune suppression or suffering from prolonged illness.

I suggest Tab Atarax twice daily for two days for the itching. Please get it prescribed by your doctor.

If it does not reduce, I suggest you get the lips examined again to rule out other causes.

Thanks.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Roopa Hiremath

Infectious Diseases Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 877 Questions

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Had Itchy Lips Which Got Dry And Cracked With Blister. Had Negative Herpes Test. Cause?

Brief Answer:
Herpes Simplex virus is common cause

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Blisters on lips are most commonly caused by Herpes Simplex virus which is normally present in almost everyone and gets reactivated whenever a person's immunity is low.

This infection typically presents with tingling and itching on lips and later formation of group of fluid filled blisters usually on lips and inner mouth.

Dry lips may predispose to have these blisters.

Triggers for herpes infection include:
1.Exposure to extreme cold or sunlight
2.Any illness with fever
3.Increased stress levels.

I am suspecting herpes virus infection in your case based on the description given in your query.
I suggest application of acyclovir cream over the blister three to four times a day.
Do not scratch as this might cause spread of the blisters.
They will heal without scarring within 5-7 days.
The other reasons causing dry lips include vitamin B deficiency and yeast infection of lips.
I hope I have cleared your doubts.
Thanks.