Bump above lip

I have had a red bump above my lip for the last two weeks.  At first I thought it was a zit, then I thought it was a cold sore and treated it with Abreva.  After 4 or 5 days treating it, nothing happened.  Now it looks like a cold sore may have been there (it's a little whitish and indented in the middle) but I don't think it ever came to a head.  Is this just the memory of a cold sore and a resulting scar or something I should have checked out?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

You need to drink plenty of water and also keep your lips well moisturized. Apply a medicated lip balm with a sunscreen to avoid damage due to the sun.

Eat a healthy diet and replace it with any deficient vitamins and minerals.

If your lesions still persist, it would be best to see a skin specialist for a confirmed diagnosis and to rule out any other cause of the spot.

Are you allergic to any substances? What symptoms do you have other than the lip lesion? What is your age? Do you smoke?

Let us know if you have any other doubts and also about what the specialist advises.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

[ccsatori]

I am 26 years old.  No allergies that I know of.  I do smoke.  At first the lesion did tingle so I thought it was a cold sore.  Would a cold sore still have an appearance after two weeks?  

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Well the lesions could be 'cold sores'; but they usually clear out by themselves in one or two weeks.

If your lesions still persist, it would be best to see a skin specialist for a confirmed diagnosis and to rule out any other cause of the spot.

Let us know about how you are doing and if you have any other doubts.

Regards.

[ccsatori]

I think today is the 15th day since I first noticed it.  There is no pain, it look similar to a cold sore, with a lighter colored center.  I have had lesions taken off my the area around my lip several years ago.  I guess this is a fairly similar situation.  

Is there anything else I can do?  

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It would be best to consult your doctor about the lesions and get a clinical examination.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, and they're contagious. Signs and symptoms of cold sores include:
-Small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on a raised, red, painful area of your skin
-Pain or tingling, called the prodrome, often precedes the blisters by one to two days
-Usual duration of seven to 10 days

Cold sores usually appear on your lips. Occasionally, they occur on your nostrils, chin or fingers.

Cold sores generally clear up without treatment in seven to 10 days. If you experience frequent bouts, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to treat cold sores.

Let us know if you need any further information.

Regards.

[ccsatori]

What about an infected hair follicle?  I have never had a cold sore so I don't think it is one.   I am going to a dermatologist in a week.  Is there anything to do in the meantime?  Hot water compression, ointment...?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It could be a folliculitis too.

Nothing can be said with surety about the cause of your symptoms without having a look at the lesions. And it would not be advisable to prescribe any medications without a confirmed diagnosis.

You need to drink plenty of water and also keep your lips well moisturized. Apply a medicated lip balm with a sunscreen to avoid damage due to the sun. You could use neosporin ointment till you get to see your skin specialist.

Eat a healthy diet and replace it with any deficient vitamins and minerals.

Let us know if you have any other doubts and also about what the specialist advises.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.