Yellowish bump / soar at corner of mouth?

[fezaljab]

I woke up this morning with a new skin problem. It is a soar / bump at the corner of my mouth. I have not been sexually active for several months, so I think I can rule out herpes. The only thing new in my environment is a pet turtle for my classroom. I wash my hands after picking it up and don't let children touch it. I used a different pillow last night that had been stored in a suitcase. This bump appeared in a location where the other bumps (for the last 3 years)have not appeared. Also, it is a lot bigger and does not itch; but is soar. Please let me know if you have any ideas what it is and how I can treat it. Thank you, Justin

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be infected hair follicle. The second possibility is of a cold sore. Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

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.

[njames]

well it sounds like a cold sore i get them from time to time the same color and symptoms. try to get cold sore med. like abreva or something. Hope that possibly sheds some light.