Rash on lips and around mouth

[jbhbs]

Hi, I am a 25-year old male. Two days ago when I woke up in the morning, I noticed a couple of bumps on my upper lip, one on the left side the other on the right. They started pretty small with a dry, crusted top. I didn't pay much attention to it and I thought it was because of the mango I had the night before. Then more rash appeared on both top and bottom lips and around my mouth. It's itchy and they all have dry, crusted surfaces and some have clear, yellow-ish discharge. Is this caused by mango allergy or is this herpes? I haven't had any sexual activities for the past month. Thanks ...

[jbhbs]

Thanks for you reply. I got better after taking some benedryl. Some rash went away and the rest are not as bumpy. The crusted area has shrunk. But nonetheless, I am visiting a dermatologist today to identify exactly what this is.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to contact dermatitis or orofacial dermatitis but the possibility of herpes is also there.
The only way of ruling it out is by getting yourself tested for herpes. Laboratory tests include: culture of the virus, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) studies to detect virus, skin biopsy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to test for presence of viral DNA. I sincerely advise you to consult a dermatologist and get it ruled out.

I hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.