lip blemish

[buddyholly92]

The problem with my question is that I'm going to have trouble describing it. Several days ago, I woke up with about a one centimeter in diameter patch of skin that looked to be infected. The skin appears to contain puss; in an act of disgust, I bit down, and now have a noticeable scab ontop of the already infected area. I can't tell if the skin is dead, or contains puss; I can only say that the area is swollen, and painful. I have a history of cold sores which led me to take the antibiotics I usually take when I get one, but the blemish has not decreased in size or intensity, but also has not gotten any worse.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like a cold sore. It is caused by HSV and is a viral infection. Antibiotics are ineffective and antiviral drugs along with pain killers and anesthetic agents need to be taken. Pain, burning, tingling, or itching occurs at the infection site before the sores appear. Then clusters of blisters erupt which break down. You need to get some investigations like sample from the sores to identify the virus, culture analysis, Tzanck smear, antigen and antibody studies and blood sampling for antibody studies done to confirm the diagnosis.

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.

[buddyholly92]

the blemish is on my lower lip, by the way.

[buddyholly92]

bump