This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.

Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Dr. Richard Ashtonwww.dermnetnz.org2023.

Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Dr. Mashihul Hossainwww.dermnetnz.org2023.

Cold Sores vs. Pimples

Verywell / Jessica Olah

How Herpes Is Spread

Herpes is contagious.

HSV-1 can be spread through oral-oral contact like kissing and sharing drinks.

You might feel a pimple before you see it.

A close up of herpes simplex on and around the lip

Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Dr. Richard Ashtonwww.dermnetnz.org2023.

Quite often, though, pimples will appear spontaneously without any warning.

Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.

Pimples generally starthealingwithin a day to a week.

A close up of a person with herpes simplex around the mouth

Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Dr. Mashihul Hossainwww.dermnetnz.org2023.

Summary

A red bump on the lip line could just be a pimple.

Cold sores are contagious and cause clusters of tiny blisters, usually on and around the lip.

Antiviral medication and moisture may help speed the healing process for cold sores.

Acne vulgaris

Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.

Spot treatments, daily medication, and ice may benefit pimples.

World Health Orgnanization.Herpes simplex virus.

2019;11(5):463. doi:10.3390/v11050463

America Academy of Dermatology.Cold sores: Signs and symptoms.

Close up of comedonal acne on a face

Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.

American Academy of Dermatology.Herpes simplex.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Acne.

Ramdass P, Mullick S, Farber HF.Viral skin diseases.Prim Care.

2015;42(4):517-67. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2015.08.006