I Have a Crusty Sore on My Lip That Won't Heal
A crusty sore on your lip that lingers deserves attention. Here is what it could mean.
A crusty or scabby sore on the lip that does not heal within 2β3 weeks needs evaluation. Common possibilities include:
- Cold sore (herpes simplex) β usually heals within 7β10 days but can take longer in some people
- Angular cheilitis β cracking and crusting at the corners of the mouth from fungal or bacterial infection
- Chapped lips (cheilitis) β severe dryness can cause crusting, especially in cold weather
- Allergic reaction β to lip balm, toothpaste, or other products
- Actinic cheilitis β sun damage to the lower lip that causes dryness, scaling, and crusting; this can be precancerous
- Squamous cell carcinoma β skin cancer of the lip, most common on the lower lip from sun exposure
The lower lip is a common site for skin cancer because it gets significant sun exposure over a lifetime.
What to Look For
- Usually not serious:
- Sore that heals within 1β2 weeks
- Crusting at the corners of the mouth (likely angular cheilitis)
- Comes with a cold or fever
- Responds to lip balm or moisturizer
- Worth having checked:
- Crusty sore on the lower lip that has not healed in 2β3 weeks
- Scaly, thickened, rough patch on the lip
- Sore that bleeds easily or forms a new scab repeatedly
- Numbness or tingling in the lip
- Firm lump under the crust
- History of heavy sun exposure or outdoor work
When to See a Doctor
- See a dermatologist or ENT doctor if:
- The sore has not healed after 2 weeks
- The area is thickened, scaly, or rough
- You have a history of significant sun exposure
- You are fair-skinned and over 40
- The sore bleeds repeatedly