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What Does Persistent White Bumps On The Corner Of Mouth Indicate?
Question: I have 3 small white bumps on the corner of my mouth that have not gone away for a year. They started with what I believe to have been a cold sore a year ago, but these have not gone away. A clear liquid is expelled when disturbed. The bumps do not spread.
I have used campho-phenique cold sore treatment to no avail, seemingly even irritating the sores slightly.
I have used campho-phenique cold sore treatment to no avail, seemingly even irritating the sores slightly.
Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be due to cold sore.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
Cold sore is caused by a virus called as HSV 1. It is a self limiting disease with or without treatment. It would heal spontaneously within 2 weeks. Moreover it would not persist as white bumps throughout the course. It would appear as vesicles and after a day or two would go for tiny ulceration.
Persisting as white bumps on the corner of your mouth fore an year could not be due to cold sore.
It could be a Molluscom Contageosum. As you mentioned that clear fluid comes on expression ruled out Molluscum also. Some cystic swelling near lip is another possibility and would need some surgical ablation with cryo surgery or Hyfrecator removal.Consult your Dermatologist. He/she will guide you further.
Dr S.Murugan
Unlikely to be due to cold sore.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
Cold sore is caused by a virus called as HSV 1. It is a self limiting disease with or without treatment. It would heal spontaneously within 2 weeks. Moreover it would not persist as white bumps throughout the course. It would appear as vesicles and after a day or two would go for tiny ulceration.
Persisting as white bumps on the corner of your mouth fore an year could not be due to cold sore.
It could be a Molluscom Contageosum. As you mentioned that clear fluid comes on expression ruled out Molluscum also. Some cystic swelling near lip is another possibility and would need some surgical ablation with cryo surgery or Hyfrecator removal.Consult your Dermatologist. He/she will guide you further.
Dr S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you for your thorough response. I would like to show you this picture though. Is there any topical medication i could try or possible dietary supplements i could take to get rid of this before i consult my doctor?
Brief Answer:
Pustules might be due to superficial bacterial flora of the skin.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
In the picture sent by you, they look like pus filled cavity (pustules). But you had mentioned that clear fluid was expelled. That might be early pustule before becoming pus. These pumps could be easily expelled out and the pus could be let out. Some topical or systemic antibiotics would heal the lesion. These bumps might be due to superficial bacterial flora of skin. Consult your surgeon for further help.
Dr S.Murugan
Pustules might be due to superficial bacterial flora of the skin.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
In the picture sent by you, they look like pus filled cavity (pustules). But you had mentioned that clear fluid was expelled. That might be early pustule before becoming pus. These pumps could be easily expelled out and the pus could be let out. Some topical or systemic antibiotics would heal the lesion. These bumps might be due to superficial bacterial flora of skin. Consult your surgeon for further help.
Dr S.Murugan
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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