From the Research
Yes, cold sores can appear just inferior to the lower lip. Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus (typically HSV-1), commonly affect the lip area, including the area just below the lower lip. While they often occur on the lip itself or at the corner of the mouth, they can develop anywhere around the mouth, including the skin beneath the lower lip. These sores typically begin with tingling or burning before developing into fluid-filled blisters that eventually crust over.
Key Points to Consider
- If you develop a cold sore, treatments include over-the-counter medications like docosanol (Abreva) or prescription antivirals such as acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), or famciclovir (Famvir) 1.
- These medications work best when started at the first sign of symptoms.
- Cold sores in this location spread through direct contact just like those elsewhere, so avoid touching the sore, wash hands frequently, and avoid sharing items that contact the mouth.
- The virus remains dormant in nerve cells between outbreaks and can be triggered by factors like stress, illness, sun exposure, or hormonal changes, regardless of the specific location around the mouth.
Treatment Options
- Antiviral therapy shortens the duration of pain and discomfort, hastens healing, and reduces viral shedding 2.
- Episodic treatment is warranted, especially if the patient desires treatment for cosmetic purposes or for relief of pain.
- Chronic suppressive therapy with oral antiviral agents should be considered for patients with severe or frequent (six or more episodes per year) recurrences.
- Long-term use of oral antiviral agents can prevent HSL, but the clinical benefit is small 3.
Prevention
- The application of sunscreen can significantly prevent recurrent HSL induced by experimental ultraviolet light 3.
- Avoid touching the sore, wash hands frequently, and avoid sharing items that contact the mouth to prevent the spread of the virus.