Is it a cold sore?

[Curlygirl16]

I can feel a small bump on the inside of my lip but on the outside of my lip(exactly where I can feel the bump on the inside) there seems to be a cold sore. My lips had been dry and chapped for a few days and then a small bump appeared. It does not burn or itch and I've just been applying medicated blistex to the area. The small bump has now turned to a blister. Is this a cold sore?? Please help! I've never had one. Thanks :-)

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hi,

it is great to hear that the lump regressed on its own. Take care and best wishes.

[Curlygirl16]

Hello,

Thank you so much for your insight. I think you're right and the bump may not have been a cold sore. It completely went away within a few days. I still feel the bump on the inside of my lip but it feels smaller now than when I first discovered it. I will continue to keep watch and be sure to keep you posted. Thank you again :-)

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be a mucocele. It is a rubbery, bubblelike painles swelling. It is usually inside the lower lip,under the tongue or the inside of mouth and caused mainly by biting the lips or trauma during eating of food.

Usually it goes away on its own. But if it does not, then corticosteroid injections and surgical removal by scalpel or laser are done by a dermatologist. It then has to be differentiated from other mucocutaneous lesions also.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.