cold sore that doesn't blister?

[LD76]

On Monday, my lips became very dry and I felt the center of my lower lip split open slightly.  A red sore developed there.  I was concerned it was prodrome for a cold sore, which I have had before, but it never blistered, filled with fluid, or ulcerated.  It is now Saturday and the red mark is slightly smaller, but still there.  It stings if I don't keep it moisturized.  Is this just severly chapped lips/the split healing?  Can it be a cold sore even if it never blistered after five days?  I am only concerned that I don't kiss my boyfriend if it is a cold sore.  Thank you for any advice.

[LD76]

Thank you.  The sore healed on its own just a few days after I posted that.  I kept it very moisturized, which helped.  In light of your post, I think it was probably minor cheilitis/chapped lips.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms looks more like cheilitis skin rather than cold sore. Diagnosed by blood test like RAST. Treatment is by topical steroids or oral therapy of corticosteroids in severe cases. Topical creams like tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) and pimecrolimus cream (Elidel) are also useful.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.