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Suggest Treatment For Swelling On The Lip And Cold Sores
Question: This winter my lower lip is swollen, red and making it hard to eat. I have gone to four different doctors who game me medication to apply to my mouth. Now my mouth is red and cracked similar to cold sores. I have never had this condition before and I need help. My mother had cold sores, but I was never bothered by them. Please help!
Brief Answer:
Diagnosis:Cold sore
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking your question at healthcare magic.
With your symptoms of red swollen lips and history of exposure ,it is likely that you are suffering from cold sore.The cold sores caused by herpes and are characterized swollen red lips followed by appearance of blisters .But cracking of lips is not due to cold sore,it may be due to dry climate.
Cold sore usually goes away without any treatment.
Here are few things you can try to alleviate the symptoms
-Apply aloe cream on the affected area
-Apply lip balm containing sunscreen while going out.Exposure to sunlight can worsen the symptoms
-Use a humidifier at home to help alleviate dry cracked lips
-Apply cold compress on affected area to help with burning and pain.
-Use over the counter anesthetic gel like orajel to help with pain
-Wash hands thoroughly after touching the affected area to prevent spread of virus to eyes,genitals etc
-If your pain worsens, you develop irritation or redness of eyes/other part of body indicating spread of infection, or symptoms become very severe I recommend that you consult a doctor.There are medications like acyclovir that help alleviating symptoms faster,but there is no cure for cold sores.
Usually symptoms of cold sore subside within 2 weeks even without treatment.
Use precautions to prevent the spread of infections like wash hands properly,avoid sharing utensils,avoid kissing etc.
You can help prevent future outbreaks by using sun blocking lip balm, avoiding stress, keeping a healthy immune system by eating healthy and exercising regularly.
Hope I was able to answer your question
please feel free to address any more concerns
Regards,
Dr.Lekshmi
Diagnosis:Cold sore
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking your question at healthcare magic.
With your symptoms of red swollen lips and history of exposure ,it is likely that you are suffering from cold sore.The cold sores caused by herpes and are characterized swollen red lips followed by appearance of blisters .But cracking of lips is not due to cold sore,it may be due to dry climate.
Cold sore usually goes away without any treatment.
Here are few things you can try to alleviate the symptoms
-Apply aloe cream on the affected area
-Apply lip balm containing sunscreen while going out.Exposure to sunlight can worsen the symptoms
-Use a humidifier at home to help alleviate dry cracked lips
-Apply cold compress on affected area to help with burning and pain.
-Use over the counter anesthetic gel like orajel to help with pain
-Wash hands thoroughly after touching the affected area to prevent spread of virus to eyes,genitals etc
-If your pain worsens, you develop irritation or redness of eyes/other part of body indicating spread of infection, or symptoms become very severe I recommend that you consult a doctor.There are medications like acyclovir that help alleviating symptoms faster,but there is no cure for cold sores.
Usually symptoms of cold sore subside within 2 weeks even without treatment.
Use precautions to prevent the spread of infections like wash hands properly,avoid sharing utensils,avoid kissing etc.
You can help prevent future outbreaks by using sun blocking lip balm, avoiding stress, keeping a healthy immune system by eating healthy and exercising regularly.
Hope I was able to answer your question
please feel free to address any more concerns
Regards,
Dr.Lekshmi
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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