Lip Blisters In Newborns: What's Normal?

It is understandable to be concerned about blisters on a newborn's lip. While most newborn lip blisters are harmless, they can sometimes be a sign of a more serious issue. Newborns can develop blisters on their lips for several reasons, including friction from sucking during feeding, cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus, bacterial infections, or allergic reactions. These blisters usually appear within the first few days of life and typically resolve on their own within a few days to a few weeks. However, if blisters persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice.

Sucking blisters from breastfeeding

It's understandable to be concerned if you spot a blister on your newborn's lip. While most newborn lip blisters are harmless, they can be a cause for concern and may warrant a trip to the doctor.

Causes of newborn lip blisters

The most common cause of newborn lip blisters is friction from sucking during breastfeeding. This can also occur in bottle-fed babies. The sucking action can cause a callus on the skin. In some cases, babies are born with these blisters if they sucked their hands, fingers, or forearms in the womb.

Symptoms of sucking blisters

A sucking blister from breastfeeding usually resembles a "raised, fluid-filled bump", but it can also look dry and cracked. They usually appear towards the centre of the upper lip but can extend over the majority of the lip.

Treatment of sucking blisters

Prevention of sucking blisters

To lower the risk of your newborn developing lip blisters, check your baby's breastfeeding latch. If the latch is painful, consult a lactation specialist for guidance and tips.

When to see a doctor

If your baby's blisters are caused by an infection, they might have other symptoms, including:

• Smelly fluid leaking from the blister
• White patches or white blisters
• Blisters that spread
• Sores near their eyes
• Red, hot, swollen skin
• Short periods of no breathing
• Yellowing skin or eyes

Cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus

Lip blisters in newborns are usually harmless sucking blisters caused by the friction of breastfeeding. However, in some cases, they can be cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV is highly contagious and can be dangerous for newborns, so it's important to understand the risks and how to manage this condition.

Cold sores are small, painful blisters that are caused by the herpes simplex virus. They are also known as fever blisters or herpes simplex labialis. HSV is spread by skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or by sharing objects such as lip balm, utensils, or razors. The virus can be contracted even if the infected person is not showing any symptoms. Once a person is infected, they carry the virus for life, although it remains dormant when inactive.

In adults and older children, cold sores usually heal on their own within one to two weeks and can be managed with over-the-counter treatments. However, in newborns, cold sores can be a medical emergency and require immediate attention. If you notice a cold sore on your baby's lip, contact your paediatrician right away. Newborns with HSV will need to be given intravenous antiviral medication.

To prevent the spread of HSV, avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold sore and do not kiss your baby on or around the mouth. Wash your hands frequently and avoid sharing personal items such as lip balm, utensils, and towels. If you have a cold sore, cover it and do not kiss your baby, as you could pass the virus to them.

While most lip blisters in newborns are harmless sucking blisters, it's important to be vigilant and seek medical advice if you are concerned. Cold sores caused by HSV can have serious implications for newborns, so early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

Bacterial infections from unhygienic feeding equipment

Lip blisters are common in newborns and are usually nothing to worry about. They are often caused by friction when feeding, either from breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, and will disappear on their own within a few weeks. However, it's important to keep an eye on them as they can sometimes be a sign of a bacterial infection.

Bacterial infections are a leading cause of neonatal sepsis, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention and antibiotic treatment. Bacteria such as E. coli, Listeria, and Group B streptococcus (GBS) are common causes of neonatal sepsis. These bacteria can spread to newborns through unhygienic feeding equipment such as bottles, nipples, and feeding tubes.

To prevent bacterial infections from unhygienic feeding equipment, it is important to practice good hygiene and sterilise all feeding equipment before and after each use. Here are some specific recommendations:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling feeding equipment.
• Use sterile water to prepare infant formula, and follow instructions carefully.
• Clean and sterilise bottles, nipples, and other feeding equipment after each use. This can be done by boiling them in water for at least 10 minutes or using a dishwasher with a sterilising cycle.
• Do not leave prepared formula at room temperature for more than two hours. Any unused formula should be discarded after this time.
• If using a breast pump, ensure all parts that come into contact with breast milk are cleaned and sterilised before and after each use.
• Store cleaned equipment in a clean, dry place until the next use.

By following these recommendations, you can help reduce the risk of your newborn developing a bacterial infection from unhygienic feeding equipment. However, if you notice any signs of infection, such as fever, difficulty feeding, or breathing problems, seek medical attention immediately.

Sun exposure

Lip blisters are a common occurrence in newborns, and are usually nothing to worry about. They are often caused by the friction of sucking during breastfeeding, and can also be the result of cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). In rare cases, they could indicate a genetic disorder.

Now, here is some detailed information about sun exposure in newborns:

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can be extremely harmful to newborns, and it is important to take precautions to protect them from excessive sun exposure. Here are some ways to do so:

• Keep newborns out of direct sunlight, especially between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun's rays are the strongest.
• Seek shade when outdoors, such as under a tree or an umbrella.
• Use a stroller with a sunshade or a pop-up stroller shade that has built-in UV protection.
• Dress newborns in lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs.
• Put a brimmed hat on newborns to protect their head and neck from the sun.
• Apply sunscreen to newborns when they are older than 6 months, using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant product with an SPF of 15 or higher.
• Protect newborns' eyes from UV rays with sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays.
• Be cautious during car rides, as UVA rays can penetrate windows and cause skin damage. Consider using a UV shield or professional protective window film.
• Be mindful of reflective surfaces like water, snow, cement, and sand, which can intensify sun exposure.
• Keep newborns well-hydrated, as sun exposure can lead to dehydration.

Remember, it is important to take these precautions seriously, as excessive sun exposure during childhood can increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

Allergic reactions

Newborn lip blisters are usually harmless and are often caused by friction from sucking during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. However, in some cases, lip blisters in newborns can be a sign of an allergic reaction.

Lip blisters in newborns can sometimes be caused by an allergic reaction to a lotion, cream, or lip balm used on or near the lips. If you notice blisters after applying a new product, discontinue use and consult your paediatrician. It is important to be cautious when introducing new products to your baby's skin, as their skin is sensitive and can easily be irritated.

Additionally, lip blisters can also be a sign of a food allergy. If you have recently introduced a new food to your baby and notice blisters, it is important to consult your paediatrician. They may recommend an elimination diet or allergy testing to identify the specific allergen.

In the case of an allergic reaction, it is important to identify and remove the allergen from your baby's environment to prevent further reactions. This may include discontinuing the use of certain products or avoiding certain foods. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on managing your baby's allergies and preventing future reactions.

Other Causes of Lip Blisters in Newborns

As mentioned earlier, the most common cause of lip blisters in newborns is friction from sucking during feeding. These blisters are typically harmless and usually clear up on their own within a few weeks.

Lip blisters can also be caused by cold sores, which are blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Cold sores can be spread through close contact with an infected person and can be serious in newborns, so it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect your baby has a cold sore.

Other possible causes of lip blisters in newborns include bacterial infections, such as impetigo, and yeast infections, such as oral thrush. These infections usually require medical treatment, so it is important to consult your paediatrician if you suspect your baby has an infection.

Frequently asked questions