We will examine the area on screen
You may be asked to show the inside of your mouth in good light. If it cannot be assessed adequately on screen, we will recommend a dentist, oral surgeon, or ear, nose and throat specialist.
ABOUT YOUR SYMPTOMS
Blisters on the lips or sores in the mouth
Lip blisters and mouth sores may result from irritation or infection. Photos taken in good light can help, although some conditions require direct examination.
ONLINE CONSULTATION
What can be discussed online
Lip blisters and mouth sores may result from irritation or infection. Photos taken in good light can help, although some conditions require direct examination.
- Small painful ulcers or lip blisters
- Symptoms without breathing or swallowing difficulty
- Advice about pain relief and local care
The doctor may recommend an in-person visit or tests when online assessment is not sufficient.
Possible causes include aphthous ulcers, herpes simplex, stomatitis from trauma, candidiasis, and medication-related mucosal injury. Persistent lesions rarely may represent oral cancer.
These symptoms may involve the airway or a serious infection. If any of the following apply, prioritize in-person care.
Difficulty breathing or swallowing saliva
Rapidly increasing swelling of the face or neck
A hard, bleeding, or non-healing lesion
Severe dehydration or widespread blistering
We may recommend a dentist, oral surgeon, or another specialist
- A sore, ulcer, or lump that has not healed within two weeks
- A hard lump or a lesion that repeatedly bleeds
- Severe toothache or swelling that appears to come from a tooth
- Repeated or widespread mouth sores
If you have difficulty breathing or rapidly increasing swelling of the tongue or throat, consider calling 119.
To understand your condition as accurately as possible, the doctor will review the following points in order.
- 01When the symptoms began and how they have changed
- 02Location, number, and size of the lesions
- 03Pain, bleeding, and fever
- 04Effects on eating, drinking, or swallowing
- 05Recently started medicines or dental treatment
- 06Medical conditions, smoking history, and current medicines
Treatment depends on the suspected cause
If a mouth ulcer or similar condition is suspected, the doctor will decide whether pain relief or a topical medicine is appropriate.
Mouth lesions have many possible causes. A persistent lesion or hard lump should be examined in person rather than left untreated.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Please prepare
01Photos of your mouthTaken in good light if possible
02Symptom historyChanges in size or number
03Current medicinesIncluding any recently started medicines
04Proof of health insurance eligibilitySuch as a My Number health insurance card
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions about this symptom
Can I have an online consultation for a mouth ulcer?
Yes, if the symptoms are localized and you have no difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Can a diagnosis be made from photos alone?
Photos are helpful, but we will recommend an in-person visit if palpation or a closer examination is needed.
ONLINE CARE
Blisters on the lips or sores in the mouth
The doctor may recommend an in-person visit or tests when online assessment is not sufficient.
Book an online consultation