Strange feeling above my lip.

Hello, Here is the back story to my question:

I have had a sore at the corner of my lips for about a week and a half now (right side) that seems like it is finally clearing up. I was rather freaked out as I have had these kind of sores since I was a child but never one that lasted this long. It was really starting to freak me out so I started looking up STD’ symptoms to see if this was one of them. Well I finally settled on that it was probably caused by a yeast infection ( my girlfriend had a yeast infection about 5 months ago). She and I have only been together about a month and a half. She assured me she did not have any STDs because she got tested when she had her yeast infection. Her sister on the other hand definitely does have Herpes (not sure as to which type though). So I got some Blistex medicated and tried using that. It definitely helped with the pain that was coming from the sore and seemed like it was making it better. Now to my current situation:

A couple of days went by and then I noticed I had a red patch underneath my mustache ( I have a goatee). It did not hurt at all and wasn’t bothering me much. The day after I noticed it, my whole upper lip area felt like it was burning. Along with that, I noticed that the hair on my mustache seemed to be wet even though I hadn’t drank or licked my lips in a long time (I felt the wetness with my lower lip). I examined the skin under my mustache and did not notice any bumps or blisters, nor could I tell where the wetness was actually coming from. I also noticed that I had developed a swollen bump on the tip of my tongue towards the end of the day. I then of course became rather paranoid and wondering if I have contracted Herpes. Through my STD research, I seemed to have a few of the symptoms.I have had a feeling like this before (about 2-3 years ago), but it was nowhere near as annoying. I also understand that if it is Herpes, the 2nd outbreak should be less severe. Now to my questions:

  1. (Obviously) Is it likely that I have Herpes?

  2. If I do… does this sound more like Type 1 or Type 2?

I know I should go see a doctor, however I do not have health insurance at the moment and won’t until November.

Sorry this was so long, but I guess I’m still holding out hoping that it is not Herpes. Any advice you all could give would be much appreciated.

Best Regards,

Harb

Answer #1

OK, cold sores are a type of Herpes Simplex. There is no cure, but they can be controlled with stuff like Zovirax. Blistex is not likely to work. It is a virus that is passed through normal social contact - usually kissing. There can be long or short periods between outbreaks, which can be induced by stress and, I’ve been told, diet. Diet gets blamed for a lot! I would talk to a pharmacist and get his advice - generally, they know way more about the proper drug for a symptom than a doctor does. I know this because I’ve had cold sores since I was 16 - I picked it up from my Grandma, who likely got it from one of her numerous grandkids. Herpes Simplex may be vaguely related to Genital Herpes, but is not an STD and while more visible is less dangerous. Zovirax, relax, and good luck!

Answer #2

Thank you for your response. Please let me know, though, if it sounds like I have herpes. And if so, how would I be able to tell the difference between type 1 HSV and type 2?

Thanks in advance!

More Like This
Ask an advisor one-on-one!
Advisor

Lip Doctor

Scar Treatment, Scar Reduction, Beauty Services

Advisor

Joint & Spine

Orthopedic Clinic, Physical Therapy, Chiropractic Care

Advisor

Healing Waters

Spa, Wellness Center, Holistic Healing

Advisor

Distinctive Dentistry

Dental Services, Dentist, Cosmetic Dentistry

Advisor

Smile Sciences Health & Welln...

Health & Wellness, Beauty Products, Personal Care