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Suggest Treatment For Cold Sores On The Lips
Question: What is this on my lip
Brief Answer:
May be oral herpes
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I looked at the picture, and it looks like it may be oral herpes (cold sore). If it is a cluster of tiny blisters, and is tender or stings, that is the most likely cause. It can be other things too, if you have any risks for STDs, but a cluster of little blisters is characteristic for herpes.
The majority of people are infected by herpes by the time they are young adults. Not everyone gets outbreaks of it. Some people get recurrent outbreaks particularly during times of physical or emotional stress.
If your immune system is otherwise normal, there is no need for special treatment as long as it isn't interfering with eating or other activities. It will resolve and heal up without scarring in 2-3 weeks (but will likely feel better before that).
Most cases of herpes on the mouth are from HSV-1 and most cases of genital herpes are from HSV-2, but although they are separate viruses, there is cross over, and one can cause the other. Be careful to avoid kissing and other contact until it heals up (you probably won't want to anyway). It is not dangerous except if you are around someone who is significantly immunocompromised such as somone who is receiving chemotherapy or who has AIDs.
Try not to touch it, and if you do, wash your hands before and after.
If it isn't a cluster of little blisters, then do go in to see your doctor. Or, if you are very unwell, or having trouble eating, go in to be seen.
I'm sorry you are having this outbreak. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
May be oral herpes
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I looked at the picture, and it looks like it may be oral herpes (cold sore). If it is a cluster of tiny blisters, and is tender or stings, that is the most likely cause. It can be other things too, if you have any risks for STDs, but a cluster of little blisters is characteristic for herpes.
The majority of people are infected by herpes by the time they are young adults. Not everyone gets outbreaks of it. Some people get recurrent outbreaks particularly during times of physical or emotional stress.
If your immune system is otherwise normal, there is no need for special treatment as long as it isn't interfering with eating or other activities. It will resolve and heal up without scarring in 2-3 weeks (but will likely feel better before that).
Most cases of herpes on the mouth are from HSV-1 and most cases of genital herpes are from HSV-2, but although they are separate viruses, there is cross over, and one can cause the other. Be careful to avoid kissing and other contact until it heals up (you probably won't want to anyway). It is not dangerous except if you are around someone who is significantly immunocompromised such as somone who is receiving chemotherapy or who has AIDs.
Try not to touch it, and if you do, wash your hands before and after.
If it isn't a cluster of little blisters, then do go in to see your doctor. Or, if you are very unwell, or having trouble eating, go in to be seen.
I'm sorry you are having this outbreak. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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