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Are small blisters near lip a cold sore or infection?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

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.
Answered by Dr. Deepti Shukla

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Deepti Shukla is a skilled Dermatologist and Venereologist committed to helping patients achieve healthy skin and hair. She provides personalized care for a range of dermatological and cosmetic concerns, including hair disorders, acne, and skin infections. Her approach combines modern treatments with patient-centered guidance to ensure effective and lasting results.

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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.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

So now last night it scabbed to this yellow color.

Is that normal for herpes?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Shukla

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Deepti Shukla is a skilled Dermatologist and Venereologist committed to helping patients achieve healthy skin and hair. She provides personalized care for a range of dermatological and cosmetic concerns, including hair disorders, acne, and skin infections. Her approach combines modern treatments with patient-centered guidance to ensure effective and lasting results.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.
Published At August 14, 2020
Reviewed At June 2, 2026

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Deepti Shukla is a skilled Dermatologist and Venereologist committed to helping patients achieve healthy skin and hair. She provides personalized care for a range of dermatological and cosmetic concerns, including hair disorders, acne, and skin infections. Her approach combines modern treatments with patient-centered guidance to ensure effective and lasting results.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vinodhini J. is a Dental Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues, including restorative, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on maintaining oral health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing smiles. Her expertise ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s dental needs and overall wellbeing.

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Dr. Deepti Shukla

Venereology

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Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Deepti Shukla is a skilled Dermatologist and Venereologist committed to helping patients achieve healthy skin and hair. She provides personalized care for a range of dermatological and cosmetic concerns, including hair disorders, acne, and skin infections. Her approach combines modern treatments with patient-centered guidance to ensure effective and lasting results.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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