I have a scab on my lip that won’t go away. I can’t get an appointment right now. What is it?

 

A scab on your lip that won’t go away can be frustrating—and there are a few common causes, most of which aren’t serious, but some do need attention if they persist.

Here are the most likely possibilities:

1. Cold sore (very common)

Often caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), a cold sore can start as tingling or burning, then form a blister that crusts into a scab.

Signs to look for:

Starts as a small blister → then scabs over

May tingle, itch, or burn

Tends to come back in the same spot

These usually heal within 7–14 days, but if yours keeps coming back or never fully heals, it could be recurring.