Blisters on Your Baby’s Lip: Causes and Treatment

Blisters on your baby’s lips can be caused by several factors, ranging from breastfeeding to infections. Understanding the cause can help you keep your baby comfortable and promote healing.

Common Causes of Lip Blisters

Breastfeeding Blisters
Breastfeeding can lead to blisters on the inside of your baby’s lips. The sucking action can cause calluses. Some babies are born with these blisters if they sucked their fingers in the womb.

Cold Sores
Cold sores, caused by the Herpes simplex 1 virus, can appear on your baby’s lips. If you have an active cold sore, avoid kissing your baby to prevent passing the virus. Herpes infections can be dangerous for newborns.

Allergic Reactions
Blisters can result from an allergic reaction to lotions, creams, or lip balms used near your baby’s lips. If your baby develops blisters after eating a new food, they might have a food allergy.

Infections
Impetigo, caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria, can lead to blisters that burst, leak, and crust over. Oral thrush, a yeast overgrowth, also causes white blisters on the lips and mouth.

Recognizing Blisters on Your Baby’s Lips

A blister is a raised bump filled with clear liquid. It can break, leak fluid, and cause soreness, making it difficult for your baby to eat. If the blister is caused by breastfeeding or sucking, there may be no other symptoms. However, blisters from infections may include:

• Fever

• Pain or tiredness

• Smelly fluid from the blister

• White patches or blisters

• Crusted skin

• Swelling or soreness

• Blisters that spread

Treatment Options for Lip Blisters

Sucking Blisters
Sucking blisters typically heal on their own. If your baby’s lips are dry, apply olive or coconut oil or some hand-expressed breast milk for relief.

Cold Sores
Cold sores require immediate attention. Newborns need antiviral treatment to reduce the risk of severe illness. Always consult your provider for guidance on care.

Other Lip Blisters
Treatment for other types of blisters varies. For allergic reactions, stop using the product causing it and consult your provider for comfort measures. Impetigo and oral thrush need medications, so talk to your child’s healthcare provider for advice.

Preventing Lip Blisters

While sucking blisters are harmless, they may indicate feeding issues.

For Bottle-Feeding: Ensure your baby gets most of the nipple in their mouth and that the nipple size is appropriate.
For Breastfeeding: Ensure your baby has a proper latch. A lactation consultant can help if needed.

To prevent infections like cold sores and impetigo, avoid close contact with anyone who has a contagious illness, especially around newborns.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Sometimes, lip blisters can indicate a serious issue. Seek urgent medical care if your baby has blisters with any of these symptoms:

• Stops feeding or drinking fluids

• Sores near the eyes

• Red, hot, or swollen skin

• Seizures or difficulty breathing

• High fever or spreading sores

• Fast or grunting breaths

• Blue or yellowing skin or eyes

• Bleeding or a rash

By staying alert to symptoms and seeking appropriate care, you can help ensure your baby stays comfortable and heals quickly.