Is this a zit or a cold sore?

[hypo352]

I saw this whitehead that was on my lip line on the upper lips but it was really close to the lips.  It's like it was just on the lip line.  Anyway, when I woke up today, it looked bigger like a circle of a pus head with redness around it.  My mom squeezed it but she was wondering if it was herpes but she thinks it's a pimple.  When I went to the bathroom, I saw it was leaking out this clear liquid so I used a paper towel to wipe it, it still leaked and I wiped it and it was reddish clear like if blood was in it.  It's driving me up a wall, is that a sign of herpes?  Cause if it is, then what's worse is that I didn't even get it from kissing a woman since I never have.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You can use the antibacterial face wash and tetracycline antibiotics.But if the symptoms persist then pls get it reviewed by your dermatologist.Without examination it is very difficult confirming a diagnosis.
I hope that helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing.Kind regards.

[hypo352]

Thanks for your help, :)

You know, it usually happens after I shave and my beard starts growing.  I used the La-Roche antibacterial face wash earlier today and when I dried my face, I noticed it leaked out some pus, I wiped it with a paper towel.  Now it looks like a part of it dried out but there's these two really tiny whiteheads next to it but now I don't really feel it.   Now I have this other whitehead on the bottom corner of my lip that's on the lip line.  I haven't squeezed it or anything but I'm guessing the face wash is doing something to it.  I'd upload a pic but I can't find a section to do it in here.  I am taking tetracycline, will that help or should I use something different for infected hair follicles?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like an infected hair follicle. Pls 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.Pls consult a dermatologist in that case.
I hope that helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[hypo352]

Ok I looked at it again today and it looks the same as it did before but smaller and not much pain.  Does that mean it's a zit or what?