Lip allergy causing cold sores?

[CarpeJugulum]

Since having my DS I've been plagued with what appear to be cold sores - my iron levels are low so I'm on tablets, but this isn't helping. They don't tingle, they're just lumps which then crack and bleed. I use a cold sore machine to zap them and they last about a week but seem to cross infect each other, and are worse if I try to treat them with anything other than the machine or occasionally patches (so different creams either over the counter or prescribed).

However, I've noticed that when I use anything on my lips (lip balm, lipstick) this coincides with a break out a day or so later.

So I can live without lipstick, but my lips chap very badly, and I need something to help. Pharmacist and GP are not helpful, just suggesting I "try different creams" but this will cost an arm and a leg for something that I can only use once before getting lumps again.

Right now I have 4 "sores", cracked lips and it looks lovely!

Any ideas on what this is can be or a solution?

[frazzledbutcalm]

Low iron levels can cause dry cracked lips. What about using just plain vaseline on lips? Hopefully when your iron levels are up your lips will clear up.