Question 1

what's the difference between lip eczema/dermatitis and cold sores/herpes? how do i know which i have?

Accepted Answer

Totally different: Lip dermatitis usually involves both upper and lower lips and is scaly itchy and sometimes hurts. It is not contagious and is not caused by a virus. Herpes is localized to one area of your lips and starts out with pain followed by blisters that then open and crust.This is contagious but can be treated with oral antiviral medications that will make it heal faster.

Question 2

why would my lips be sore and red on the outside? could it be eczema or dermatitis or herpes/cold sores, i do not have blisters.

Accepted Answer

Sore lips: It is possible you might have a vitamin deficiency.Check with an internist or dermatologist.

Question 3

how are a cold sore and eczema different?

Accepted Answer

Location and charact: The location and characterstic, these two conditions do not have any similarity whatsoever and there is never any confusion in diagnosing either.

Question 4

it's okay to use the cream i use to treat eczema on a cold sore right?

Accepted Answer

Cold sore: No, probably not a good idea!  Cold sores are often caused by herpes virus, and eczema creams are usually some type of topical steroid.  A steroid may exacerbate the cold sore.  Best to leave it alone, let it dry up and crust.

Question 5

i have very tiny blisters that appears on my lips and the edge of my lips. my mouth feels dry too. is this cold sore or lip eczema?

Accepted Answer

Really need to see: cold sore or herpes tend to be grouped blisters on red base, Multiple single blisters around mouth sounds more like contact dermatitis from lip licking, lipstick. I would see dermatologist for prescription meds, but until then try OTC aluminum acetate to dry out blisters and hydrocortisone to calm irritation and inflammation:)

Question 6

how do cold sores accur?

Accepted Answer

Herpes virus returns: Cold sores on the lips or near the lips, are usually caused by recurrent oral herpes virus. They start as a slightly raised reddish area, then form a cluster of tiny blisters, which break open soon, leaving a sore (ulcer) to heal up over a week. Sores appear more often when one is under stress or is ill from another illness. Younger babies with herpes should see a doctor when a sore appears.

Question 7

how to remove cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Lemon balm: Melissa officinalis or lemon balm (cream) has been shown in european studies to help expedite healing of cold sores.

Question 8

i constantly get cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Can be prevented: Cold sores on the lips or near the lips, are usually caused by oral herpes virus.  Sores appear more often when a person is under stress or is sick from another illness.  For older children and adults who get sores repeatedly, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral (acyclovir, valacyclovir, etc...) to prevent future outbreaks, or to start treating them the moment a lip area starts to tingle or swell.

Question 9

what is the cause of cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Herpes virus, return: Cold sores on the lips or near the lips, are usually caused by recurrent oral herpes virus. They start as a slightly raised reddish area, then form a cluster of tiny blisters, which break open soon, leaving a sore (ulcer) to heal up over a week. Sores appear more often when one is under stress or is ill from another illness. Younger babies with herpes should see a doctor when a sore appears.

Question 10

how to stop recurring cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Talk to MD: First make sure that you don't have an immune problem. May need oral meds and suppression.

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Doctor answers about:

Eczema and cold sores

A member asked:

What's the difference between lip eczema/dermatitis and cold sores/herpes? how do i know which i have?

A member asked:

Why would my lips be sore and red on the outside? could it be eczema or dermatitis or herpes/cold sores, i do not have blisters.

A member asked:

How are a cold sore and eczema different?

A member asked:

It's okay to use the cream i use to treat eczema on a cold sore right?

A member asked:

I have very tiny blisters that appears on my lips and the edge of my lips. my mouth feels dry too. is this cold sore or lip eczema?

A member asked:

How do cold sores accur?

A member asked:

How to remove cold sores?

A member asked:

I constantly get cold sores?

A member asked:

What is the cause of cold sores?

A member asked:

How to stop recurring cold sores?

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