Is this herpes or mouth ulcers?

[Aob202]

Is this caused by herpes or just mouth ulcers?

[Hidden]

Dear Aob,

The severely cropped photo shows a line of three or possibly 4 small superficial ulcers on the lower lip. I'm assuming the reason you've posted on this site is because the symptoms developed after oral sex with someone? Please confirm, as it's helpful to have some context to how and when this problem started.

Herpes (cold sores) would certainly be a possibility. Has this happened before? If not, you should try to attend your local sexual health clinic's walk-in service (if in UK), explaining that you are worried you may have herpes. If this is not possible, try to contact (phone consult) or see your GP for some oral aciclovir. If this fails, then pop into a drugstore (Boots, Superdrug, Walgreens, etc) and ask for aciclovir (cold sore) cream. It will not be as effective as oral medication but it's better than nothing. Painkillers (paracetamol) and salt water gargles will also help, but not antiseptic mouthwash (stinging).

Finally, if this was sexually acquired, you should try to get tested for other STDs at some point in the near future.

Rgds,

Adhari

[Aob202 in reply to Hidden]

No I didnt engage in oral sex I had shared a cigarette with someone that's all

[Hidden in reply to Aob202]

Thanks Aob,

I'm still inclined to think they're cold sores. Try to get some treatment (as above) if you can't see a doctor anytime soon.

Rgds, Adhari

[saj01]

Hi

As they are small and round and inside your lips I'm inclined to think they might be mouth ulcers. They tend to be red around the outside and whiteish/grey in the middle. If they are you need something like an anti microbial mouthwash like corsodyl, if it's possible ask at your local chemist. You don't say how long you've had them or when you first became aware of them.. although you say you shared a cigarette with someone, you don't say when and how long after you noticed the sores... but, yes you can get coldsores from doing that especially if the person concerned has a cold sore or has recently had one....bearing in mind it's very unhygienic to smoke someone else's cigarette... beside herpes, they could also be carrying covid!!!

The answer from Adhari has explained what to do about getting treatment if it is herpes., so no need to cover that.