Spotting tiny blisters on your newborn’s lips can be concerning, but don’t worry, those little bumps often have a simple explanation. From frequent feeding to natural skin sensitivity, lip blisters are usually a harmless part of your baby’s early development.
However, when should you be concerned? In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of lip blisters in newborns, what they mean, and how to keep your little one’s lips healthy and happy.
The WebMD claims that newborn lip blisters can be caused by feeding habits, sucking their thumb, or infection. It is explained that sucking blisters are the most common, appearing within the first week after birth and causing a solitary bubble in the upper lip.
They don’t hurt or interfere with feeding and usually dry up as the baby’s skin thickens, the clinic further mentions. “Cold sores may be caused by a virus — commonly the herpes simplex virus (HSV) — and spread through direct contact with a person who is infected. Newborn herpes can be serious, so it’s critical that they be seen and treated ASAP by a healthcare provider.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, other causes of lip blisters in babies include allergic reactions, hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), impetigo, and oral thrush. The clinic explains that allergies can cause itchy and uncomfortable rash, while HFMD causes blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth. “Impetigo causes itchy sores and blisters around the mouth and nose. Because it’s highly contagious, a newborn could catch it from an infected child they have close contact with, like an older sibling.”
Lip blisters in babies can be treated by gently rubbing the nipple on the baby’s lips, directing it above the top lip, advises Mom Junction. If bottle-fed, it is stated that you check the feeding position and use a paced feeding bottle until the baby becomes comfortable.
Applying a warm compress is believed to soothe the blisters. Cold sores resolve on their own, but if the baby develops a fever or the mouth appears inflamed, consult a paediatrician, the above source further mentions.
“Do not let family members who are infected touch or kiss the baby. Always wash your hands before touching the baby or their bottles and pacifiers. Do not share your baby’s towels or bedsheets with people who are infected.”
Also see: Reasons to delay a newborn’s first bath
