Is this a cold sore or just chapped lips from the sun?
I woke up with a small tingly bump at the corner of my mouth and I honestly cannot tell if it is a cold sore starting or just chapped lips. It has been really windy here and I skipped my SPF lip balm all week. Has anyone else had trouble telling the difference early on, and what do you look for?
For me chapped lips feel dry and flaky all over, while a fever blister usually starts as one tingly spot in the same place every time. Tracking where mine show up helped me spot the pattern.
Wind and sun exposure are big triggers for a lot of us, so a lip balm with SPF 30 has become part of my daily routine. It will not tell you what this bump is, but it is an easy habit either way.
Whenever I am unsure I keep the area clean, stay hydrated, and avoid picking at it, since guessing usually makes me stress more. If it is not settling down or you want a real answer, a quick check with your doctor or pharmacist is the way to go.
Great question, I have wondered the same thing.