Are the Small, White Spots on My Lips Herpes?
There are two types of herpes:
- When you get either HSV-1 or HSV-2 on or around your genitals (vulva, vagina, cervix, anus, penis, scrotum, butt, inner thighs), it’s called genital herpes.
- When you get either HSV-1 or HSV-2 in or around your lips, mouth, and throat, it’s called oral herpes. Oral herpes sores are sometimes called cold sores or fever blisters.
TeenHealthFX cannot conduct an accurate diagnosis over the internet based on the description you have provided. Possibilities and related symptoms include:
1. Fordyce spots:
- Whitish-yellowish bumps
- Appear on edge of lips or inside of cheeks
- Normal, harmless, painless
- Usually appear symmetrically
2. Cold sores:
- Tingling and itching
- Blisters
- Oozing and crusting
TeenHealthFX encourages you to schedule an appointment with your doctor if the spots start to cause you pain, and/or if you notice the same spots on your genitals. This may indicate a sign of a sexually transmitted infection.
If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. A Planned Parenthood health center is a good option if you have concerns about cost or confidentiality issues. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.
