What is the diagnosis and treatment for painful bumps on the upper lip that have been present for a week and are bleeding?

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Diagnosis: Herpes Labialis (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection)

Ang diagnosis ay herpes labialis, isang viral infection na sanhi ng herpes simplex virus type 1, na nagpapakita ng masakit na mga butlig (vesicles) sa labi na nagiging sugat. 1, 2

Medical Assessment

Ang pasyente ay may:

  • Masakit na mga butlig (vesicles) sa itaas ng labi na nagsusugat
  • 1 linggo na ang sintomas
  • Typical presentation ng recurrent herpes labialis 1, 3

Ang diagnosis ay clinical based sa classic grouped lesions (papules, vesicles, ulcers) sa labi. 2 Hindi na kailangan ng laboratory confirmation para sa typical presentation. 1

Treatment Plan & Recommendations

Oral Antiviral Therapy (Pinakamabisa)

Acyclovir 400mg tablet, 1 tablet taken twice daily (umaga at gabi) for 5 days 2, 3

  • Dispense: 10 tablets total
  • Estimated cost: ₱150-200 (within budget)
  • Dapat simulan agad ang treatment para sa optimal results 1, 2

Supportive Care (Kasama sa treatment)

White soft paraffin ointment (petroleum jelly), apply sa labi every 2 hours 1, 4, 5

  • Dispense: 1 small tube (15g)
  • Cost: ₱30-50
  • Para sa protection at moisture ng labi 4

Warm saline mouthwash, 4 times daily 1, 4, 5

  • Gumawa ng saline solution: 1 teaspoon salt sa 1 glass warm water
  • Rinse mouth for 1 minute, then spit out 1
  • Para mabawasan ang bacterial colonization 4

Pain Management

Paracetamol 500mg tablet, 1 tablet every 6 hours as needed for pain 6

  • Dispense: 12 tablets
  • Cost: ₱30-40
  • Take 20 minutes before eating kung masakit 6

Total Medication Cost: Approximately ₱210-290 (within ₱300 budget)

Important Instructions

  • Avoid touching or picking at the lesions - nakakahawa ito sa ibang tao at sa ibang parts ng katawan 2, 3
  • Avoid kissing or sharing utensils/cups habang may active lesions 2
  • Avoid alcohol-containing mouthwashes - mas masakit ito 1, 4, 5
  • Balik kung hindi gumaling after 2 weeks para sa reevaluation 4, 5

Explanation of Condition

Ang herpes labialis (cold sores) ay viral infection na sanhi ng herpes simplex virus type 1. 1, 2 Ito ay:

  • Nakakahawa - kumakalat through direct contact sa lesions 2, 3
  • Recurrent - pwedeng bumalik dahil ang virus ay nananatili sa katawan 1, 2
  • Self-limiting - gagaling din kahit walang treatment, pero mas mabilis gumaling with antiviral medication 1, 2
  • Triggered by stress, fever, sun exposure, or illness 1

Ang oral acyclovir ay mas effective kaysa topical creams at shortens the duration of pain and discomfort, hastens healing, and reduces viral shedding. 2, 3 Dapat simulan ang treatment within 48 hours from onset of lesions para sa optimal results. 2


Medical Certificate

This certifies that [PATIENT] has been seen and examined today with the diagnosis of: Herpes Labialis (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection) and recommendation of: Oral antiviral therapy with Acyclovir 400mg twice daily for 5 days, supportive care with white soft paraffin ointment application every 2 hours, warm saline mouthwashes 4 times daily, and Paracetamol 500mg as needed for pain. Avoid direct contact with lesions. Follow-up if not improved after 2 weeks.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Herpes Labialis: An Update.

Recent patents on inflammation & allergy drug discovery, 2017

Research

Nongenital herpes simplex virus.

American family physician, 2010

Guideline

Treatment of Frequent Red Lip Swelling

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Guideline

Topical Treatment for Cheilitis

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Guideline

Treatment of Vestibular Lip Perforation

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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