Hi, I've Had Red Marks On The Corners Of My

Posted on Sat, 9 May 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 9 May 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I've had red marks on the corners of my lips for a while now. I assumed they were cold sores. I've recently been applying cold sore cream once a day. I'm also half way though taking antiviral medication, but the redness has seemed to spread. I wanted you to take a look as to whether they are actually cold sores, and if they are, why the medication isn't working...thanks :)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not cold sore

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have gone through query and viewed the Image.

The redness you pointed out is not what it looks like in a cold sore- grouped, cluster of vesicles- around the lip area. This is most likely a localized dermatitis to lip licking or vitamin deficiency. I suggest you to take a B-complex vitamin supplement for a few days. Topically you may apply an OTC topical steroid e.g cortisone cream (hydrocortisone 1% cream)

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar