Lip Sores: Know Them Much Better

Do you know that there are actually different kinds of lip sores? That’s why you cannot really say that a lip blister is caused by an allergic reaction or the presence of a virus alone.

Types of Lip Sores

Here are some of the common kinds of sores on the lips:

Canker Sores

One of the most common types of lip blisters is the canker sore. These are also known as aphthous ulcers, and they can occur usually inside the mouth or within the tongue. They are never outside of the lips, unlike the cold sores (you will learn more about this later).

There are many possible causes of canker sores. You may develop because of a vitamin deficiency, especially iron, folate, and B-12. If you have a celiac or other inflammatory bowel disease, there’s a huge chance you will also acquire them more often. Canker sores may also appear if you’re very sensitive to food, prone to allergic reactions, or cause injury within the mouth.

In severe cases, canker sores are seen as complications for HIV or AIDS because of your body’s very low immune system. If you’re heavily stressed, it’s also possible to bring about these sores.

Unless they last for more than three weeks, these lip sores are nothing to be afraid of. In fact, they are not contagious, and you don’t have to treat them. However, the sores can swell, preventing you from chewing or eating properly.

Cold Sores

Another kind of lip blister is the lip herpes. You will usually hear the terms “cold sores” or “fever blisters.” Cold sores are caused by either of the two herpes viruses: type 1 and type 2. Between the two, however, it’s the former that triggers the most cold sore outbreaks.

The virus makes the disease contagious, and the duration of the possibility of transmission is very long, for about two weeks or until the sores are completely gone. You will also not get rid of the virus in your body, but you can do something to suppress it and prevent reoccurrence of breakout.

Some of the common lip herpes symptoms include the development of vesicles or small clusters of “pimples.” They can collapse and cause the creation of open sores or blisters. They are normally found on the lips, mouth area (not inner), and throat. These sores can excrete fluids, which contain thousands of these viruses. If you touch them, they can contaminate the hands and move to other places such as on the cheeks. Many of those who suffer from cold sores also develop slight fever, hence the name.

Yeast Infection

Many women think that yeast infection can happen only in the vaginal area. The answer is it can also occur in the mouth. Usually, candida (or the yeast) affects the tongue. You will know it because the tongue can develop white sores.

When you know what lip sores can happen to you, you will have a much better idea on how to treat yourself or prevent them from ever happening. In general, you can prevent these sores from appearing if you can boost your immune system by eating the right kinds of food, exercising, and maintaining a stress-free life.