Duration of a pus pimple
How long a pus pimple remains on the lip varies. It can take a few days before it heals completely. If it is a larger pimple or if the pimple has been pushed around and it has also become inflamed, healing can even take several weeks.
There is then an additional possibility that an increased pigmentation appears at the site where the pus pimple was located. Several weeks may pass before this disappears completely. In the worst case, the pus pimple leaves a small scar.
Should I squeeze the pus pimple on the lip?
A pus pimple on the lip should generally not be expressed. For one thing, the procedure is very painful. On the other hand, pressing around can increase the inflammation, so that the area swells even more and heals less well.
Furthermore, bacteria could enter the bloodstream as a result of the squeezing. Although rarely, there is then a risk of infection of the meninges or the brain itself. If the pimple is large and filled with a lot of pus and severely hinders everyday life, it should be professionally removed. If the pimple is squeezed out, the area should be cleaned and disinfected.
How can I tell a pus pimple from lip herpes?
The distinction between a pus pimple and lip herpes is often not easy. However, it is important to distinguish a pus pimple from cold sores. If you squeeze the supposed pus pimple and it is lip herpes, the herpes can spread.
This is because lip herpes is caused by the herpes virus. It is a reactivation of the virus when the immune system is weakened or under stress. The viruses that remain in the body migrate along the nerves to the lip and cause an inflammation at the nerve endings.
Before the herpes blister, affected persons often feel a tingling or burning sensation. However, this can also be the case when a pimple develops. Herpes blisters are also filled with viruses.
This is also the reason why the blister should not be opened: Not only the spread on your own skin is the main concern here, but also the danger to other people in the surrounding area. Unlike a herpes blister, which usually sits directly on the lip, the pustule is not directly on the lip, as the lips do not contain sebaceous glands. Both herpes blisters and pustule pimples can be accompanied by pain and swelling, so pain is not a good differentiating factor. However, the spot should be looked at closely. The pimple, unlike the herpes blister, forms a pustule
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