Strange spot above lip

Hi, I am confused about a strange spot above my upper lip. I experienced an itching sensation then my lip swelled up then eventually a red spot appeared. I thought it must be a first cold sore. However the red spot was hard and not blister like. It never seeped any fluid and was not made up of lots of vesicles. It didn't resemble any pictures I have seen of a cold sore. I suffer very badly with acne and it is not uncommon for me to have acne around the mouth area too. I am unsure whether this is a spot or a cold sore. The itching/swelling beforehand made me think it was a cold sore but it didn't develop into a "typical" cold sore. So confused. Please help. Thanks.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to an acne. Just keep you face clean by washing with a mild soap atleast twice a day. Pat it dry and do not rub it. Avoid picking or pressing the acne. You can also use Benzoyl peroxide 5% lotion or gel once at bedtime. An amount of lotion the size of a pea should be enough to cover most of your face. If your skin becomes red or peels, you are using too much of the medicine or applying it too often.

If the symptoms persist, then oral antibiotics may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist then.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.