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1234672 tn?1267792691

chapped lips or herpes

Hi, I am wondering if i have contracted Herpes. I am very scared of the disease and am therefore really careful who I share drinks/chapstick/food/kiss... however I am not perfect and could have made an error. i am 28 years old and have never had any symptoms. 4 days ago my lips got extremely chapped (i live in cold weather and work in an over heated work place) and so that is normal. WHat was unique is that the creases of my lips (on both sides) were tingling (NOT ITCHY though). after 3 days they became red and the red expanded outside of the normal red area. Yesterday there were some white crusty stuff on the red area... not really blisters but could be considered small white dots. I put some tea tree oil on it after reading tons of sites. Now it is just red (slightly outside of normal lip area) and very taut but there are no blisters. Could this be herpes. I am so scared. I am putting lysine chap-stick on it as I am so nervous. Please help. i would hate to spread it as I am so disappointed when I see infected people ignorant spreading the disease.
thanks


This discussion is related to Cold sore or chapped lips?.
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1234672 tn?1267792691
Great, thanks. I went to a natural path at the pharmacy yesterday and she said the same thing. I bought some vitamin B, shea butter and Lysine (just in case). It feels like dry sore lips but as I have never had anything like this and occasionally there are white crusties that could look like small blisters (though I more probable that just I am being a hypochondriac) I get nervous.
Thanks for your advice. I will keep you informed.
Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like cheilitis. It can result from nutritional deficiencies(vitamin B)and dehydration, or over exposure to sun or cold and windy conditions. It does not look like cold sores to me. Drink plenty of water and take multivitamin supplements and do not apply lipstick or other cosmetic products for some days. Use a humidifier to moisturize the air in your home and apply shea butter or Vaseline on your lips.

If the symptoms persist then topical steroids may be needed for which I suggest you to consult a dermatologist.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep us posted on how you are doing. Kind regards.



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