Are small blisters near lip a cold sore or infection?

Question

Hello doctor,

Can you tell me if a cluster of blisters that went from deflated in the center to smaller clusters, to ulcers healing in three days sounds more like a cold sore or impetigo?

It appeared next to a picked pimple by where I have had cold sores before, but this was a cluster of tiny blisters, not a big one like normal, and on my face, not my lip, just lip adjacent next to where my cold sores usually are.

I was around someone with MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) a few months back. So I am concerned, though I ordered a lab test to detect carriers, and it came back that I am not positive for any Staphylococcus or MRSA.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I went through your history and photos (attachment removed to protect patient identity). You have developed herpes labialis, also known as a cold sore. Herpes labialis is a kind of viral infection caused by the HSV (herpes simplex virus). It is not a bacterial infection or impetigo.

Do not worry, it will resolve with medicine in five days, but it has a tendency to recur. If you get frequent recurrences, like more than six episodes in one year, then we might need to start you on long-term antiviral tablets to suppress them.

Currently, you just need episodic treatment. Take tablet Acyclovir 400 mg three times daily for five days, Sodium Fusidate cream apply twice daily on blisters for seven days to prevent secondary infection on it. Drink plenty of water while on this tablet.

I hope this information helps you.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, this is normal for herpes. It starts as tiny blisters, then turns into a scab and yellow tiny erosion like this. Start taking medicine and do apply Sodium fusidate cream to prevent secondary infection on it. Do not worry, it will resolve.

I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.