I used to get cold sores when i was little, but around middle school they never came back, instead i started getting what seems to be the same problem as you once a year, my doctor prescribed me zovirax which usually if i get it on as soon as i feel it coming(when you wake up n ur lips are kinda swollen and feel heavy) the symptoms only last for a week. I know its not any STDs. im thinking about talking to my doctor about seeing a skin doctor and an allergist, maybe you should do the same.
Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like cold sores. The other possibility is of infected hair follicles. Pain, burning, tingling, or itching occurs at the infection site before the sores appear. Then clusters of blisters erupt which break down. You need to get some investigations like sample from the sores to identify the virus, culture analysis, Tzanck smear, antigen and antibody studies and blood sampling for antibody studies done to confirm the diagnosis. My sincere advice would be to consult a dermatologist.
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.