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Rockville, MD
A 21-year-old female asked:

Ive had dry lips for about a week. applying blistex or vaseline every hour or so. not much helps and corner of my lip feels sore and is red. could it be herpes?

1 doctor answer3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Kwok
Pediatrics 35 years experience
Might be lip eczema: Persistent chapped lips might be lip eczema, which can be treated like skin eczema, using hydrocortisone plus Vaseline or Aquaphor to retain moisture. Sometimes, lipsticks or lip sunscreen chemicals are causing an allergic reaction on the lips. Other times, a person is a primary lip-licker (it's her habit). Once cracked, lips get irritated by some foods and juices. A doctor can sort things out.
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Related questions

A 27-year-old female asked:
2 month ago I got herpes cold sore on my lip 1 month ago it seemed to heal but redness remains & it has slowly better Am I still contagious?Can I kiss
Dr. Dean Giannone
Internal Medicine 27 years experience
Not contagious: The redness could be something called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation which is normal after such a lesion. Not contagious at this point.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
View all answers
A 25-year-old female asked:
My bottom lip is red and sore on the inner half. I have tried lip balm and coconut oil to heal it thinking it's chapped. It has been a week. Ideas?
Dr. Melanie Mintzer
Family Medicine 43 years experience
Herpes labilalis: Infections on the lips usually heal very quickly If you have had this presentation for a month, you might have Herpes Simplex I infection which prese... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 27-year-old male 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.
Dr. Oscar Novick
Pediatrics 60 years experience
Sore lips: It is possible you might have a vitamin deficiency.Check with an internist or dermatologist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 46-year-old member asked:
I have a red sore/dot, so far just one that i've seen but I have one on my lips too. It doesn't look like herpes what is it?
Dr. Charles Lockhart
Dentistry 11 years experience
Need a visual: So many possibilities that someone would need to see it for diagnosis and treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 21-year-old female asked:
My lips are swollen, sore and bright red with a red border round them. Also tiny white pimples. I don't think it's herpes. It isn't itchy.
Dr. Deborah Ungerleider
Pediatrics 38 years experience
There are several: possible causes for this. I would recommend that you see your doctor or if you are on HealthTap Prime, you could consult with one of us on that platfo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Sep 22, 2019

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