Mouth Soreness
A 21-year-old male, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 160 pounds, is experiencing discomfort from a sore located on the interior of his lower left lip. The individual first became aware of this sore approximately three months ago coinciding with his battle against Covid. Remarkably, its size seems to fluctuate daily, appearing either larger or smaller. While generally not painful, it does cause discomfort upon applying pressure. Notably, about five weeks ago, he inadvertently bit the sore quite hard while consuming food, leading to increased tenderness and inflammation in the surrounding skin.
Answers (1)
4/2/2025, 12:50:33 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a persistent sore on your lower lip that has fluctuated in size over the past three months, especially following a COVID-19 illness. While these sores can be concerning, let's break down what you might be experiencing and outline some helpful steps.
Main Points:
- Possible causes of your sore include viral infections, irritation, or oral lesions.
- It's important to monitor changes in size and discomfort, especially since it has been persistent for several months.
Explanation:
Sores in the mouth can often be due to a variety of causes, including:
- Aphthous ulcers (canker sores): These are common and can arise due to stress, hormonal changes, or even dietary deficiencies.
- Herpes simplex virus: Often related to cold sores, this virus can cause sores that are recurrent and might not be immediately painful.
- Post-viral effects: Sometimes after infections like COVID-19, lingering sores can occur as part of the recovery process.
Your experience of the sore changing size and becoming more tender after biting it suggests irritation, which is not uncommon with oral sores.
Next Steps:
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Maintain Oral Hygiene: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to promote healing and reduce discomfort.
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Avoid Irritation: Try not to irritate the sore by avoiding spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods, and minimize pressure from chewing.
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Use a Protective Barrier: Consider applying a topical oral gel or ointment specifically for mouth sores, which can provide a protective layer and soothe discomfort.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on changes in the sore's size, color, or any new symptoms such as increased pain, bleeding, or swelling. If it continues beyond another month or worsens, further care may be warranted.
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Consider Dietary Options: Ensure you’re getting enough vitamins, particularly B12, folate, and iron, which can impact oral health.
If there are any signs of infection (like pus, increased redness, or fever) or if discomfort persists beyond what you've experienced, please seek professional care. Let me know if you need more information on any of these steps!
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