Locations:
Search IconSearch

Cold Sore vs. Lip Pimple: What’s the Difference?

Clogged or inflamed pores cause one; a contagious virus causes the other

zoom in on lips with cold sore

You wake up to an uncomfortable bump on your lip. Could it be a cold sore? Could it be a lip pimple?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

While both have similarities, there are ways you can tell what you’re dealing with.

In the case of a cold sore versus a pimple on your lip, dermatologist Vickie Baker, MD, explains what to look for and how to treat each.

How to tell the difference between a cold sore and a pimple on your lip

From where it’s located, to how it looks and feels, Dr. Baker shares the differences between a cold sore versus a pimple on your lip:

The location

A lip pimple may appear in the corners of your mouth or along the border of your lipline. It could be a pimple on the skin area (flesh-colored, not the red area) of your upper lip or lower lip.

A cold sore, which is also known as fever blisters, oral herpes or herpes labialis, tends to show up in the same place each time it occurs, on any part of your lip, the skin area or the red area.

“Cold sores can develop along your upper and lower lip, possibly both at the same,” says Dr. Baker.

The appearance

A lip pimple forms a raised red bump, which may have a whitehead or a blackhead in its center.

A cold sore, which is a fluid-filled blister or cluster of blisters, typically starts out red and swollen. Within two to three days, it will start to ooze a clear or slightly yellow fluid, and after a week of its appearance, it’ll crust over and scab. Cracking and bleeding as the cold sore heals is common.

Advertisement

The feeling

While a lip pimple is the same as any other pimple you may get on your face, due to the amount of nerve endings in and around your lip, it may cause pain.

But with a cold sore, tingling and a burning feeling are more typical. “It’s common to feel burning, itching and tingling when you have a cold sore,” notes Dr. Baker. “In fact, you may notice a tingling sensation prior to the blister forming on your lip.”

Do cold sores and pimples have the same cause?

Lip pimples, which aren’t contagious, are caused by clogged pores or inflammation that occur due to:

  • Foods that irritate the skin on and around your lips.
  • Lip products like lipstick, lip gloss or lip balm.
  • Stress.
  • Sweat.
  • Dirt.

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is a very common, highly contagious virus, causes cold sores. Once you’ve been infected with HSV-1, the virus never goes away.

“You can spread cold sores through your saliva or close contact,” warns Dr. Baker. “Activities like kissing or sharing items like straws, towels or lip balm can cause a cold sore.”

How is the treatment for cold sores and pimples different?

If you have a lip pimple, you can apply a skin care product that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These ingredients will help unclog your pores, kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. A healthcare provider may also suggest taking an oral antibiotic for lip pimples that won’t go away.

If you have a cold sore, there are several over-the-counter medications that come in ointments or creams that can be applied directly to the area. And if you use these treatments when you first notice any tingling, burning or itching, you can shorten the healing time. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe an oral or intravenous (IV) antiviral medication.

For both, applying a cold compress to the area for a few minutes throughout the day can help with pain and swelling.

How to prevent cold sores and lip pimples

There are several things you can do to prevent both cold sores and lip pimples.

A simple, basic skin care plan can help you prevent a lip pimple from forming. Make sure you wash your face twice a day, taking care to clean the area around your lips. A gentle exfoliating cleanser can also help.

“And it’s especially important that you wash your face after you finish working out or any other activity where you sweat,” advises Dr. Baker.

When it comes to cold sores, make sure you don’t kiss or have intimate contact with someone you know who has a cold sore.

“You should avoid sharing items like towels, razors, dishes, cutlery or lip products,” says Dr. Baker. “And make sure you wash your hands before touching your lips, eye or genitals.”

Advertisement

Stress and a weakened immune system can trigger a cold sore, too. Try eating a healthy diet or seeing a nutritionist and practicing mindfulness to help keep stress at bay.

“The sun can also bring out a cold sore,” cautions Dr. Baker. “Make sure you use a lip balm that has at least SPF 30.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Spoonful of oil dripping into a jar of oil
August 4, 2025/Oral Health
Is Oil Pulling Good for You?

This supposed oral health practice doesn’t have proven benefits, and it’s not a substitute for brushing and flossing

Healthcare provider holding clipboard, talking to patient sitting on exam table
July 15, 2025/Primary Care
Cold Sore? Here’s How To Get Rid of It Fast

Prescription oral antivirals are your best bet, but OTC creams can help, too

Person standing at bathroom sink at home, looking in bathroom mirrow, while brushing their teeth
May 15, 2025/Oral Health
Here’s Why You Gag While Brushing Your Teeth

You might have a sensitive gag reflex — but gagging while brushing can also be a result of certain medical conditions

Person putting gum in their mouth
May 1, 2025/Oral Health
10 Tips To Relieve Your Dry Mouth

Stay hydrated, use a humidifier and try sugar-free candies or over-the-counter products with xylitol

Scruffy-looking toothbrush
April 30, 2025/Oral Health
How Often To Change Your Toothbrush

An old, worn toothbrush is a hazard to your teeth and gums and a breeding ground for germs and bacteria — replace it every three to four months at least

Person in bathroom, with jars of products on shelf, wrapping long piece of floss around fingers
November 13, 2024/Oral Health
How To Properly Floss Your Teeth

Done correctly, daily flossing can help keep your teeth and gums healthy

Person removing dental floss from container in bathroom
July 29, 2024/Oral Health
Why Do Gums Bleed When Flossing?

Bloody gums after flossing usually signal a buildup of plaque, tartar and bacteria

Smiling person with white teeth applying toothpaste to toothbrush
July 11, 2024/Oral Health
Brighten Your Smile: How To Get Whiter Teeth

A variety of products can be effective at removing stains on teeth

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad