Which ulceration type is known to leave scars on the outer lip surface?

Major aphthous ulcers are characterized by their larger size, depth, and the potential to leave scars on the outer lip surface after healing. These ulcers typically appear as painful, round lesions with a gray or whitish center and a red halo. Due to their significant depth and severity, they can disrupt the normal architecture of the tissue, potentially resulting in scarring.

In contrast, minor aphthous ulcers are smaller, tend to heal without scarring, and usually do not involve the outer lip surface in the same way. Herpetic labialis, commonly known as cold sores, typically affects the borders of the lips and is caused by the herpes simplex virus, leading to fluid-filled blisters that may rupture but also often heal without scarring. Erythema multiforme, while it can cause ulcerations, involves a broader array of skin and mucosal lesions and is primarily more systemic or widespread than focused lesions like those seen in major aphthous ulcers. Thus, major aphthous ulcers are distinct in their propensity to scar; they directly impact the outer lip surface more significantly due to their size and depth.