Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

cold sore question

Hello Dr. Rockoff,

For the past week or two my lips have been chapped. Not bad, however, I know they are feeling a bit rough (like dry skin).

However, yesterday I noticed a little blister looking bump on the middle of my upper lip. I took a picture of the location (blister was already gone).

http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/rook_pup/detail?.dir=/26ca&.dnm=efed.jpg

It did not hurt nor was my lips irritated. It popped (or went away) on its own later in the day and left a little pin size scab. The little scab went away as well later in the evening. I had some dry skin at the same location a few days before. Could that have caused it? Today I seem to be fine (The picture was taken earlier today). My lips still feel chapped, again not bad.

Does this sound like a cold sore to you? If not, what else could have cause this? I have been pretty stressed out for the last couple of weeks which I thought might be why my lips are chapped. Plus, I am worried it might be a cold sore because I had a high risk exposure to a stripper (protected sex) about 15 weeks ago and she kissed me on the lips several times. I did not notice any bumps or blisters on her lips.

Thank you for your help!!



2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
242489 tn?1210497213
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hard to be sure from the picture, but cold sores don't go away in a day.  Also, if you catch herpes of lip, the first attack is much more severe--swelling, swollen glands, fever, and so forth.  And the incubation period is a few days, not 15 weeks.  So on many grounds, I don't think you need to worry.  As to what exactly caused the blister, it's hard to say.  If it recurs, have a doctor take a look.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Just a couple more more questions. Would a cold sore stay for less then a day?  Plus, if it was a cold sore from this girl, wouldn't I have noticed it before 15 weeks after the exposure?

Thanks again!!

Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Dermatology Forum

Popular Resources
Learn to identify and prevent bites from summer’s most common pests.
Doctors argue for legislation to curb this dangerous teen trend in the latest Missouri Medicine report.
10 ways to keep your skin healthy all winter long
How to get rid of lumpy fat on your arms, hips, thighs and bottom
Diet “do’s” and “don’ts” for healthy, radiant skin.
Images of rashes caused by common skin conditions