Outer lip ulcer
An outer-lip ulcer may follow trauma, irritation, or a cold sore, but a persistent, recurrent, firm, or unusual lesion needs clinical assessment.
The short answer
The outer lip is skin and vermilion; a crusting blister, a cut, a contact reaction, and a persistent keratinised sore have different appearances and causes.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Keep it clean, avoid picking or biting, and use plain petroleum jelly for cracking; note its size and changes.
What can you do next?
Arrange review for persistence, easy bleeding, firmness, recurrence, or a neck lump; rapidly spreading swelling or airway symptoms are urgent.
When should you seek dental care?
Ask whether it appears traumatic, viral, inflammatory, or in need of a swab, prescription, or biopsy.
What should you ask the dentist?
first-look
Frequently asked questions
What is the main point?
The outer lip is skin and vermilion; a crusting blister, a cut, a contact reaction, and a persistent keratinised sore have different appearances and causes.
What should happen next?
first-look