That red painful bump on your lip line that you’ve been noticing for quite some time now (and which is getting on your nerves) could either be acne or a cold sore. Before you even think of popping it, please read this.

Here’s everything you need to know about identifying and dealing with that annoying red bump on your lip:

 

How to identify if it’s a cold sore or pimple

How to identify if it’s a cold sore or pimple

Touch and tell—as simple as that. If the bump is painful and tender to touch, it is a pimple. However, if it itches, burns or has a tingling sensation when you touch it, then it might be a cold sore. Also, the pimple will be a tiny single inflamed bump and will often be red or white while a cold sore is a bunch of blisters or pus-filled bumps on your lip line. Once you figure out what it is, you need to treat it the right way.

 

How to treat it

How to treat it

If the signs say it is an innocent pimple on your lips, treat it like you’d treat any pimple on your face. Use a spot treatment like tea tree oil, turmeric or zinc ointment on it and cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise regularly to keep those pesky bumps on your lips in check.

However, if it is a cold sore, you can consult a doctor or try some home remedies. It probably goes away on its own in a couple of weeks. You can’t really treat it but you can reduce the pain and accelerate healing with OTC creams, cold compress and home remedies like aloe vera gel.