Is this a cold sore or a pimple?

Hello,
I noticed this bump a couple of days ago, I had assumed it was a pimple because it was smaller and I had fallen asleep in my makeup that night. But as this becomes more noticeable each day, and because I went on a date on Friday and kissed somebody new, I am beginning to fear it is a cold sore. This is my first bump around my lip area. It is not very painful (only a little irritated because I was touching it, but I stopped) and does not look as severe as other cold sores I have seen. I have provided a picture and any help is appreciated. Thank you (: <3

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it looks like an inflamed follicle. Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case. Also then get yourself investigated for cold sores by getting direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) studies to detect virus, skin biopsy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) done to test for presence of viral DNA.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep us posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.