What Causes A Sore Bump On Upper Lip?

Posted on Mon, 23 Jun 2014

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

Mon, 23 Jun 2014 Answered on

Fri, 11 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello. A couple of days ago I had a bump suddenly appear on the outside of my upper lip under mustache. It's sore when pressed or squeezed and otherwise more just annoying . When squeezed or picked it drains a seemingly endless supply of clear liquid and some blood if squeezed too much or too hard. It will scab over when left alone but this far does not seem to be going away. Any thoughts ,info or suggestions ??

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cold sore?

Detailed Answer:
Dear patient,

Thanks for the query. Based on the location, pain, fluid discharge and scabbing, I believe that it may be what people call "cold sore" which is caused by a virus. Clinically, by taking a look at it you may diagnose it but also a fluid culture can be obtained if a specific answer is needed. If let alone, it should heal within a week or so; if it comes back again in the same spot, then it is almost certain that a cold sore is the correct diagnosis.

Hope that helps, best regards,

Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic MN

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