cold sore or bad pimple?

[postnobills]

Hi,
I'm a 23 year old female that gets the occasional really bad pimple. A few days ago, though, I developed a pimple on my cheek and what I thought was a pimple right below the left side of my lip. The pimple on my cheek has just about vanished at this point, while the "pimple" below my lip has swollen up and taken on a "cratered" appearance. I can't be sure if there's puss - it seems as though there is a clearish substance in the cratered area. The pimple has "crusted" a few times as well and pieces have fallen off. It's also very hard and circular. Additionally, another cratered "pimple" is starting to develop right underneath it, on the left side of my chin. It's tiny at this point, but it's definitely cratered. I'm a bit concerned because I have been exposed to oral Herpes (my boyfriend has it, and I have kissed him a few times when he's had blisters on his lips... but they appeared to be white-ish). I would appreciate any kind of help or likely diagnosis and treatment suggestions.

[postnobills]

Thank you so much for your advice! The pimples ended up being Impetigo (due to a Staph infection), like you had mentioned they might be. Getting better now! Thanks again!! I wouldn't have gotten medical attention had you not commented.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi


Presence of lesions on the face may suggest acne, dermatitis and eczematous disease , impetigo, or if with a significant sexual history HSV type 1 .

I suggest you have your primary physician assess this as this may warrant immediate management. Do abstain from any sexual activity and avoid unnecessarily touching the lesions as this may aggravate the condition and promote its spread. Impetigo is caused by skin bacteria and may be highly contagious as this may spread through skin to skin contact. Always practice frequent handwashing.Maintain good hygiene.Wash your face with a mild and bland soap so as not to further irritate it.

Keep us posted for anything

[loiloi]

Herpes simplex virus Type I usually occurs in or around the mouth with variable involvement of the face. Lesions are small vesicles which crust over and heal, as you describe.
Abstain from kissing if you or your partner has these lesions.
See your doctor or pharmacist for cold sore treatment as recurrent infections may occur. Hope this is helpful. Eloise x
P.S For advice on your pimples, check out the acne forum.