How can you tell if the bumps on your lips are cold sores or something else?

Cold sores are small, painful blisters that often appear on the lips. They are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). According to the references, cold sores can sometimes be triggered by events such as dental procedures or getting a tattoo. These activities may activate the virus, causing the sores to appear.

However, not all lip bumps are cold sores. Other types of sores may occur due to different reasons. For instance, the use of substances like crack cocaine can also lead to the development of sores in the mouth area. These sores are not related to the herpes virus and are caused by the irritating effects of the substance.

If you have bumps on your lips and are unsure of their cause, it is important to consider recent activities or exposures that might have triggered them. Knowing the potential triggers can help in understanding whether the bumps are likely cold sores or due to another cause. If you are concerned or the sores do not go away, it is a good idea to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.