Could it be a cold sore?

To Whom It May Concern:

I unfortunately have had cold sores since I was about 14. But currently I'm experiencing something that is unlike any cold sore I've ever had. Last Saturday I had quite a few alcoholic drinks over a long period of time and my lips got really really chapped. I couldn't do anything about it until I got home. Monday I noticed that I had two little tiny bumps the same color as my lip in the corner of my mouth, they didn't hurt, sort of tingled, but unlike my usual cold sore symptoms. I've been putting on Carmex since then. Last night, Tuesday night, I noticed all of a sudden an identical little bubble/bump appeared on my lower lip. It's SO tiny and hardly noticeable. I've been putting Carmex on that as well. Could these possibly be cold sores? I'm going to be careful no matter what, but I just had a cold sore a couple weeks ago and I generally only get them once a year so I am upset to think I may be getting them more frequently. Help!!

Thanks in advance for any help someone can give me!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be cold sore or due to allergic reaction. Pain, burning, tingling, or itching occurs at the infection site before the sores appear. Then clusters of blisters erupt which break down. You need to get some investigations like sample from the sores to identify the virus, culture analysis, Tzanck smear, antigen and antibody studies and blood sampling for antibody studies done to confirm the diagnosis. My sincere advice would be to consult a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.