Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if this looks like a cold sore and if so, how?!

17 replies

BuddlesOfMine · 04/09/2021 11:51

Apologies but panicking slightly (I know there are many worse things!)

Do you think this looks like a cold sore? I’ve never had one in my life (in my 40s). Not done anything to catch one as far as I know! It started as what I thought was a spot yesterday. Just felt something on my lip. I did mess with it this morning and ‘popped’ it thinking it was a spot. Has now swollen like this. Anyone experienced know whether it looks like a cold sore? Never had a spot swell like this either.

Thank you! 🙈

To ask if this looks like a cold sore and if so, how?!
OP posts:
ShowMeTheSugar · 04/09/2021 11:52

That does look like one, how does it feel? Tingly or burning?

Smileyaxolotl1 · 04/09/2021 11:53

It looks like one to me. I suddenly developed them in my 30s. Unfortunately sun brings them out.

Original poster
BuddlesOfMine · 04/09/2021 11:54

Not tingling or burning I don’t think. Can just feel it’s there. Not sore really!

OP posts:
Angryfrommanchester1 · 04/09/2021 11:55

It could be (cold sore veteran here), get some Zovirax on it using a cotton bud ASAP. Tbh if it is a cold sore there’s very little you can do to stop them but try to minimise the spread with Zovirax. You might find it forms a blister which will crust in a day or so.
Don’t shore any cups or kiss anyone, don’t let your kids touch it.

Suspicioussam · 04/09/2021 12:01

If it's a cold sore you must have caught it from someone. Have you shared make up brushes or flannels or cups or anything with someone who gets them? It would be an unusual place for a spot but you never know.

StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes · 04/09/2021 12:06

The virus can live undetected sometimes stress or oddly going out in the sun can bring it out

Original poster
BuddlesOfMine · 04/09/2021 12:07

@Suspicioussam

No, none of those things! That’s why I really don’t understand it. I would only ever share a cup with my son or partner (but can’t remember doing so) and neither has ever had a cold sore. Stumped!

Thank you all by the way. Will nip to a chemist and see what they say

OP posts:
Suspicioussam · 04/09/2021 12:10

It could be that it has lingered undetected in your system for a long time. Are you stressed or tired? If it is the case that it has lingered undetected then the chances are you won't be prone to getting them regularly, just very occasionally. My mum suddenly got a cold sore out of nowhere in a similar way to you and she only gets one every few years (if that)

Annoyedanddissapointed · 04/09/2021 12:12

My DH gets cold sores. I never had one. It's not unusual.

Helenahandkart · 04/09/2021 12:14

Please don’t go anywhere near any babies if it is a cold sore, or while you’re waiting to find out. My friend’s baby died from neonatal herpes when it was only a few days old. It’s really dangerous to newborns.

ShowMeTheSugar · 04/09/2021 12:14

The virus can live dormant for months, or even years so there's no way really of knowing how a person catches it unless they have a very specific encounter.

I'd treat it like a coldsore for now. Don't share any cups/cutlery/kiss anyone and try not to touch it. If it develops into a proper blister and then scab that's most likely what it is. Once its gone change toothbrush.

If it doesn't scab, or looks infected etc then it might be worth having your gp look at it.

Gumboots29 · 04/09/2021 12:15

@Suspicioussam

It could be that it has lingered undetected in your system for a long time. Are you stressed or tired? If it is the case that it has lingered undetected then the chances are you won't be prone to getting them regularly, just very occasionally. My mum suddenly got a cold sore out of nowhere in a similar way to you and she only gets one every few years (if that)
Yes, this.

I’m a long term sufferer. You can have the virus lie dormant for a really long time and suddenly get one when you are ill/run down/hormonal.

You can put Zovirax on but the only thing that helps for me is lysine supplements. Perhaps look into whether they are suitable for you. Also avoid caffeine, nuts, chocolate for a while.

Blueuggboots · 04/09/2021 12:15

Take l-lysine - buy it from a shop like Holland and Barrett. Helps them clear up much faster and reduced occurrence if taken regularly.

Tallisimo · 04/09/2021 12:16

No, you don’t ‘have’ to have caught it from someone. The herpes virus can lie dormant in your system for years …

Zovirax is a great OTC treatment for cold sores.

Why are you panicked about it?

Ilikeviognier · 04/09/2021 12:28

I’m a sufferer / have one now actuallySad

I didn’t have a single one though until just after I gave birth and I’ve been getting them ever since. I suspect my immune system was kicking the virus into touch before then, but clearly since kids my immune system is knackered. 🤣

The point is you can suddenly start getting them having had the virus lie dormant for years.

lalafafa · 04/09/2021 13:10

I get them, quite often after visiting a bar/pub.

WhiskersPete · 04/09/2021 13:13

It's unlikely to be a cold sore if it doesn't hurt. They are extremely painful

New posts on this thread. Refresh page