Is A Swollen Lump On The Lips A Mouth Sore?

Posted on Sat, 26 Sep 2015

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

Sat, 26 Sep 2015 Answered on

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Would like opinion as to whether following sore on my lip id a cold sore ir ulcer. I have had for 3 days with ni real change just a bit of swelling of lower lip. Dont whether to treat as a cold sore or ulcer!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query and evaluate the picture you sent.

The picture wasn't very clear but in my opinion the lesion in you lower lip looks more like a crusted lip sore than a cold sore (Herpes simplex).The symptoms prior the lesion and the appearance can help to distinguish a cold sore from a mouth ulcer.
Usually a cold sore causes a tingling sensation on the lip 1-2 days before the appearance of the blisters,fever and a general sense of feeling unwell.A herpes lesion has a typical appearance with red, fluid-filled blisters, typically in groups.
If you had none of this symptoms ,then most likely the lesion in your lip is not herpes.

Hope it helps.
Please feel free to ask if you have any question.I would be happy to answer.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (10 minutes later)

Here is an updated pic after i applied salt to lesions.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
mouth sore

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

Thank you for the picture.

The lesion doesn't look like Herpes.Most likely it is just a mouth sore.
It will go away in few days to 1 week.

Take care.
Dr.Rovena

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