Chronic Lip Swelling and Weeping Lasting 6 Weeks

[cgorman]

I've had chronic lip swelling and weeping, top and bottom, for 6 weeks now.  They start with the standard HSV-1 symptoms:  tingling, burning and itching.  But, immediately following these feelings my lips begin to turn bright red, swell 2-3 times their normal size and weep.  Large bumps that look like they’re under the skin become apparent, but they don’t look like a standard blister.  Although, my dr seemed to think they do look like blisters.  

Anyhow, once swollen my lips will weep yellow fluid anywhere from 1-3 hours, then  they both completely crust over with a yellow film.  After about 24 hours the crust begins to fall off and they're start shrinking back down to their normal size, but remain red.  They'll stay this way for a couple days, and then the process repeats itself.  It's been going on like this for 6 weeks!

After the first few onsets, I was treated for HSV-1 with a 2mg Valtrex treatment, which helped for a couple days and then it was back.  I was then treated for Impetigo with topical and oral antibiotics, which did nothing.  Then, I was put on suppressive antiviral therapy, Valtrex 500mg 2x a day.  That seemed to help for 4-5 days, but I just had another flare this morning.  

Any ideas what could be going on or how I can fix this?  I'm a business professional and have been forced to give presentations with my lips 3x their normal size and weeping.  I can't wait this out and need to find an answer, but so far three separate dr's haven't been able to figure it out….  

[Brody641]

I've had the exact same problem and treatments mentioned above and now have gained hives on my arms, under my eyes and a red rash on my chest!!!   HELPPPPPP!!!!   I haven't kissed my kids in 3 months because NO ONE can tell me what's going on

[Brody641]

they keep throwing creams, ointments, pills and steroids at me - nothing works

[MrSquee]

Got a friend suffering from a similar thing, sounds pretty identical. please would you mind posting what the dermatologist said the problem was? they have had it for 4 weeks and it doesn't seem to be showing any signs of stopping, a real nightmare! anyway hope you're better.

[cgorman]

Thank you for the note, Grace.  I thought HSV-1 was a little odd with the frequency of flare-ups myself.  I think I am going to take your advice a seek a consult from a derm...

[gracefromHHP]

odds are this isn't all hsv1 related.

at this point a dermatologist is the best consult. this could be anything from a fungal infection or allergic reaction going on since it is reoccurring so often and not clearing up well.

grace

[Brody641]

my demo passed the buck to an allergist - even though not sure what cold sores have to do with an allergist