Possible herpes question...

[tyco45]

Allow me to apolpgize about the length in advance.

About 1.5 years ago I got what I thought was a cold sore on my lower lip. It looked just like a medium-sized pimple and when I popped it (I know -- bad idea) regular yellow pus came out. It then proceeded to go away in about 3-4 days without scabbing or crusting. It hurt, but no worse than a comparatively sized pimple would on my forehead or nose.

I had not been with a girl for about 6 months when this had happen...in any sexual way including kissing. After that, I became scared and started applying some of my Azelex cream that I had used during my teenage years around my lips. I still use it to this day regularly because I am in fear that I will get more. I do want to say that I have very oily facial skin...maybe this is just a case of follicitis, but I had never had any prior to this date that I recognized around my lips.  

Since then, I have had 2-3 other small pimples/cold sores on different parts. However, once every month or so I will get a small red mark somewhere around my lips...they are not bumps, nor do they hurt, but I cannot help but think it is a possible cold sore and therefore I apply more azelex cream. They usually start with what looks like a small brown freckle. They then proceed to go away in about a days time. The cream helps...maybe I can answer some of my own questions if I knew whether or not azelex could possibly help eradicate a cold sore.

Also, the two bottom corners of my mouth are always a slight red color as if irritated, but they are not. If I press on my inner lip I can see many small white-yellow dots and again get fearful that they may be cold sores erupting. About four months ago I began taking lysine daily -- again, out of paranoia. It seemed to relieve a bit of the redness and help, but it all may be in my head as well. The stress is certainly getting to me, although I have learned to deal with it over time. I know that I should not be embarrassed, but yet i cannot help it. Ideally, I want to get back to my regular life...I'm afraid to sweat and even touch anywhere around my lips for fear that I might cause one to occur. Perhaps I just need more education on the subject.

Either way, thank you very much for your help in advance!

[jilly26]

Hello. I do in fact have the herpes virus, however, I have never had a bad outbreak...  since I have had the virus, i have had only a few very little outbreaks.  what i mean by little is that I only get a bump, and it is usually on the right side of my genitals....  (vagina)not bad at all....  anyhow- as of yesterday I had noticed a SMALL feeling of a bump in around the usual area.  the problem is that I am not sure if it is an actual herpe outbreak... I realize I should just ask my doctor, but it truly doesnt seem like an actual blister or anything like that? what else do you think it could be?  Not to sound so personal, but could masturbation cause such a condition??  

Another reason as to why it makes me wonder this time is because It isnt progressing to anything worse....
what do you think?
thanks

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

This is most unfortunate, because nothing you describe sounds anything like herpes.  The redness at the corners of the mouth is called angular stomatitis.  Creams help it.  The yellow spots on the lips are sebaceous glands.  They are normal.  The other miscellaneous spots are probably pimples.

Even if you had a cold sore first time around--I doubt it, from your description--that's no reason to put your life on hold.  Millions of people have oral cold sores and do just fine, with an outbreak every once in a while.  And I don't even think you have that.

Please do yourself a  favor and get medical consultation, and--if needed--counseling to help you get past this.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff