bumps around the mouth

I have these red bumps with white heads that come once a day and last 2 to 3 days. they look like cold sores. I am afraid it might be herpes because herpes has no cure and also afraid it might be HPV virus. I love to have oral sex with my ex when we was together and that was about a year ago. These bumps came about 4 months ago and wont go away. My doctor said it's just acne but if this is true then why do i get like 5 around my lip area all at once? I am so not going to like the answer but i need to find out the truth.. Thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It sounds like folliculitis to me. Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing or blockage of the follicle. In most cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph).

Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.