Red, Itchy Bumps on Lip and Hand
Greetings, I’m a 22-year-old female residing in the UK. I am 5 feet 7 inches tall and weigh 14 stone. My daily medication regimen includes 120mg of fexofenadine, as I have a sensitivity to allergens such as peanuts. Additionally, I take 100mg of sertraline and Mycrogynon as part of my routine. Although I vape, I do not engage in traditional smoking. Recently, I noticed two red, itchy lumps—one on my lip and another on the palm of my hand. At first, I assumed the bump on my lip was simply a pimple, but then I began to wonder if it might be a cold sore. The bump on my hand appeared afterwards. Unlike standard acne or cold sores, these bumps haven’t developed a scab. Instead, I can feel prominent, round protuberances just under the skin. The itching is quite intense, and these symptoms have now persisted for a week. Despite taking various high-strength antihistamines, there has been no noticeable improvement.
Answers (1)
4/1/2025, 1:20:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing concerning symptoms with the red, itchy bumps on your lip and hand that have not improved over the past week. Given your medication regimen and history of allergies, these symptoms could be due to several factors, including allergic reactions, possibly hives, or contact dermatitis.
Explanation
The presence of red, itchy bumps could suggest an allergic response, especially considering your known allergies to peanuts. Hives can form due to allergens, and they often present as raised, itchy patches or welts on the skin. Cold sores typically appear as fluid-filled blisters, and the bumps you've described don’t seem to fit that description, especially since they haven't scabbed or resolved.
Next Steps
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Avoid Potential Triggers: Identify and avoid any recent foods, products, or environments that might have caused a reaction, especially if you’ve introduced anything new (e.g., skincare products, soaps, or foods).
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Topical Treatments: Consider applying a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer to the affected areas to help alleviate itching. You could also try over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream for inflammation.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, noting any changes in size, color, and the intensity of itching. This can help in understanding if they improve or worsen.
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Consult a Pharmacist: Since antihistamines haven’t helped, consulting a pharmacist for recommendations on other topical treatments or alternative oral antihistamines might be beneficial.
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Avoid Scratching: Try not to scratch the bumps, as this can lead to further irritation or infection.
If the bumps persist beyond another week, worsen, or if you develop additional symptoms (such as swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing), it would be prudent to seek medical attention for a thorough evaluation.
Please take care of yourself, and I hope this helps in managing your symptoms!
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