Lip infection

[voyagesdemark]

Greetings everyone,

Late last week I noticed I  had a small blister on my bottom lip that was somewhat painful.  I thought that after a couple days that it would heal itself but now it has actually gotten worse.  I've developed other smaller blisters around my bottom lip and it seems that the infection has spread. I was using a medicated chapstick and I'm assuming it made my lips worse and spread the infection across my bottom lip. They are white little blisters with reddish marks in middle.  

It's the first time that something like this has happened to me.

I would love to see a doctor but I'm fairly new in my province, and I haven't found a family doctor yet.

Any suggestions of what it could be would be greatly appreciated.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without examination confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it can be a canker sore. Canker sores are small shallow ulcers that appear in the mouth and often make eating and talking uncomfortable.

Pain from a canker sore generally lessens in a few days and the sores usually heal without treatment in about a week or two. Avoid spicy or acidic foods during this time.You can use topical ointments like numbing ointments, such as benzocaine (Oragel), anti-inflammatory (steroid) gels,benadryl allergy liquid mouthwash,oral preparations of steroids and vitamin supplements.

But if the sores last for more than 3 wks then pls consult a dermatologist. In that case cold sores due to herpes simplex have to be ruled out.

I hope that helps. Please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Warm regards.

[voyagesdemark]

Hello,

Thank you for your post and advice.  I went to see the doctor the other day and I was diagnosed with oral herpes. The doctor prescribed certain pills that I had to take immediately and he also recommended that I keep my nasal passages clear, since breathing from the mouth can spread the infection.

I have several fever blisters on my lips and they are very painful.  They are healing but very slowly.  Are there any creams that I can use for oral herpes?  My doctor also said that none of the creams would help me, is that true?  Thanks again.