What Causes Swelling And Burning Sensation In The Lips?

Posted on Thu, 21 Sep 2017

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

Thu, 21 Sep 2017 Answered on

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had burning and swollen lips for many months now. Tried everything, and recently been getting B-12 shots, but I wake up every morning with my lips on firs and swollen red streaky just above the lip line. Could this be a virus or an allergy? I have removed almost every product I use and supplements I take, but still no thing woks.

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Herpes simplex labialis most probably

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HCM..

After reading history provided by you,I feel that most probably you may be having herpes simplex labialis. However, I would like to see the photo of the lesion for the confirmation of the diagnosis.

Kindly go for the investigations like serum HSV 1 and 2 -IgG & IgM ...

Kindly consult the dermatologist for the perfect diagnosis and proper treatment.

I would suggest....

- tab. Acyclovir 800 mg thrice/d or few weeks, repeat if needed
- apply acyclovir cream on the lesions
- immunomodulator like levamisole 50 mg daily for long time

I hope this would help you. If any query further, you are welcome.

Wishing you healthy life.

Thanks.

Dr.Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (1 hour later)

SO IS THERE A TERST FOR THIS I NEED TO HAVE? MY FAMILY DR DID NOT DO ONE, AND THE ONLY THING THE DERMATOLOGIST DID WAS BLOODWORK FOR B-12 DEPLETION. DO I NEED TO GO BACK TO THE DERMATOLOGIST OR MY DR AND HAVE ANY TEST RUN?

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (24 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Herpes simplex labialis most probably

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome again...

I feel that most probably you suffer from herpes simplex labialis...a viral disease caused by HSV type I.

You need to reconsult the dermatologist. And get the diagnosis revised. I hope your dermatologist might reconsider your problem.

I hope you got my answer.

Thanks.

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (4 days later)

I started Acyclovir 800 mg thrice/d on Friday, and still waiting on the Doctor I saw to get approval from my Insurance for the immunomodulator. They took blood and sent off on Sat, and I am about to call to see if they have any results. My lips are still burning, and red above my lip line...I have never had any lesions. I sure hope this works.

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (3 days later)

Brief Answer:
Please continue this treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry for late reply.

I can understand your problem regarding consulting your doctor. If possible, continue the treatment as I suggested. I hope, you would get relief.

Okay, feel free to get back to me in case of any further queries....

Thanks.

Dr.Ilyas Patel MD

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee