Could lip blisters be a sign of an allergy?

[laurology]

Soo recently i woke up with extremely chapped lips that were somewhat sore to the touch and a close family member who viewed them commented on how i had tiny blisters on my bottom lip. These faded quickly over the course of the next few days. I have also had symptoms such as a sore, swollen throat and swollen lymph nodes. Earlier in the week i'd had a reaction at work where i had to stop working at one point because my eyes would not stop watering, i was sneezing, and my nose began running. I have also begun using a different chapstick as well as an acne treatment on-the-spot medication by Neutrogena. All my symptoms began around the time i started using the medication and the different chapstick. I went to my doctor who made an assumed diagnosis of it being herpes type 1 but i've done some research and found similar reactions that occur not only in oral herpes but allergic reactions.

Has anyone else had similar reactions? If so, do you have any suggestions? I'm beginning to truly believe its an allergy instead of the herpes virus, as i have not shared drinks or utensils with anyone recently. Also my partner never had any notion of oral herpes and showed no signs, which i know happens, but it also makes me feel the chances are less likely.

Any help is muchhh appreciated, thank you.

[laurology]

Thank you soo much for all your feedback, that helped a lot. I wasn't entirely sure there was another test for testing herpes, but it puts my mind at ease to know i could have a blood test. I mean my doctor said she could test it if i had another outbreak, but that'd be a pretty positive sign that i have it if i had another outbreak, right? Besides, i would truly rather not wait that long, so a blood test sounds like a good option. I've stopped using the chapstick i was using and I've felt better. My lips have healed and the swelling went down. Im going to try to get a referral to an allergist, just in case, to see if i'm possibly allergic to cats, certain chemicals, or anything else i could have been exposed to recently. I'm all for getting as much information on this as i can.

Thank you again !

[auntiejessi]

Oh and ice to the inflamed and blistered area can help, too.

Jess

[auntiejessi]

Hi there -

Wow - what a time you've had of it, huh?

"Assumed diagnosis" of herpes isn't good enough.  While it could certainly be hsv1, it could also just as easily be an allergic reaction to either the new chapstick or Neutrogena, and your symptoms of sore throat, swollen glands, etc., could be from either herpes or an allergic reaction.

It's unfortunate that your doctor didn't culture it to find out.  If you haven't already, stop using the chapstick or Neutrogena, and see if you still react.  Don't stop both, or you won't know which it is, unless you don't care (I'm not sure I would care lol).  

If it happens again, see your doctor within 24-48 hours and ask for a culture to determine what it is for sure, so you'll know for sure how to treat it.

You and your partner can also ask for a type specific IgG herpes blood test to see if you have herpes.  If neither of you do, then you can be sure this isn't herpes.  If your partner does have it (which he might even without symptoms as most don't get symptoms with oral herpes and at least 60% of the population has it), then you might want to retest in about 4 months.  A new infection can take several weeks to show up on this test.  Do not get the IgM test - it's wrong at least as often as it is right, so it's not worth the time or money.  

Even if you or your partner have hsv1, that doesn't mean this is being caused by it.  That's why a culture would have been a good idea.

I've reacted that way twice from new lip stuff, and have tested negative for hsv1.  

I know I haven't given you anything definite, but I hope it's at least a starting place.  If your symptoms are still bothering you, treat with benedryl and ibuprofen (if you have no medical reason not to take those).

Feel better!

Jess

[ChitChatNine]

Hi,

Welcome ... I know a friend or two here on the site that may be able to come over and help you with your ?

C~