OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Swelling on Lower Lip

6/29/2025, 3:50:31 PMMale25-34

My son, a 22-year-old male who stands at 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs around 100 kilograms, has noticed a significant swelling on his lower lip. This lump has increased in size over the last six weeks. He occasionally uses a vape and consumes alcohol, but has no relevant medical background. Can anyone offer insight into what this might be?

Lifestyle ChangesFamily MedicineInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

6/29/2025, 3:50:47 PM

OpenHealth AI

A noticeable swelling on your son’s lower lip that has persisted and increased in size over six weeks warrants careful observation. This swelling could be due to several factors, including an allergic reaction, an infection, an irritant (like from vaping), or something else like a cyst or benign growth.

Explanation

Swelling in this area might arise from:

  • Allergies: Possible triggers could be food, skincare products, or even an allergy to ingredients in vapes.
  • Infection: Bacterial or viral infections can lead to localized swelling. Herpes simplex, for instance, often presents as swelling and blisters.
  • Cysts: Sometimes, sebaceous cysts can form on the lip, leading to swelling.
  • Injury or Irritation: Vaping might irritate the lip tissue, contributing to the development of the lump.

Next Steps

Here are some prioritized actions you can take to address this issue:

  1. Observation: Encourage your son to monitor the swelling for any changes in size, color, or associated symptoms like pain or discharge.

  2. Avoid Irritants: If he uses vape products frequently or has recently changed any skincare or cosmetic products, consider reducing or eliminating their use temporarily to see if the swelling improves.

  3. Over-the-Counter Relief: Consider using a mild antihistamine if he suspects an allergic reaction. Also, cold compresses may help reduce swelling and discomfort.

  4. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Encourage him to keep the area clean to prevent infections.

  5. Limit Alcohol: Reducing alcohol consumption may help in case there is a connection to inflammation or reaction.

  6. Seek Further Evaluation: If the swelling does not improve within a week, continues to grow, or if your son experiences additional symptoms such as pain or fever, consider seeking medical attention for a thorough evaluation.

Monitoring the situation closely while taking these steps should provide clarity on the causes and assist in finding a resolution. Please feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further guidance!

Related Questions

Exploring Options Post-Huber Tendon Transfer Surgery

My partner, who is 35 years old, underwent Huber Tendon Transfer surgery on his left shoulder at the age of 12. This procedure aimed to address the nerve damage resulting from a traumatic delivery, during which the doctor had to forcibly extract him. Prior to the surgery, he struggled to lift his arm above waist level. Although he experienced some improvement in range of motion following the operation, it remains quite restricted; he can elevate his hand just above shoulder height, but that is the extent of his capability. The contrast between his left and right arms is a significant source of emotional distress for him. His left shoulder is noticeably smaller and hangs lower, which contributes to his feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction with its appearance. I am reaching out to discover if there are any current options available that might not have been accessible in the past. Perhaps there are orthopedic specialists who could help enhance his range of motion, allowing it to be more comparable to his right shoulder? This improvement would mean the world to him and could alleviate his disappointment regarding the functionality of his left side. I understand these details are somewhat limited, as he prefers not to discuss his condition often; however, this is the extent of what I know. I can certainly ask him further questions if it would help in finding potential solutions.

Weight ManagementAgingFamily Medicine
Male25-34
2 minutes ago

Inquiring About Mysterious Bumps on My Husband’s Lower Legs

Residing in central Indiana, USA, my 33-year-old husband appears to be dealing with an unusual issue. He has been experiencing what look like insect bites on his lower legs for the past two weeks. Notably, no one else in our household has developed similar symptoms, which leads us to believe he is likely encountering these while at work outside the home. The bumps have been causing him considerable itchiness, and some of these lesions occasionally exude a clear fluid for a day before forming a scab. The areas surrounding each bump do not exhibit any heat, and there is no indication of spreading redness. The discomfort remains primarily localized to the affected areas. In an effort to identify any potential causes, we have turned over the mattresses and thoroughly inspected our home for any signs of pests, yet we haven't found anything unusual. Both our children and I have remained unaffected, which adds to our confusion since he is the only one experiencing these symptoms. He has a doctor’s appointment scheduled for tomorrow, but I am seeking any insights or suggestions in the meantime. Thank you for your help!

Lifestyle ChangesFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
11 minutes ago

Unidentified Clear Bumps in Pubic Region at 25 Years Old

I’m 25 years old and weigh 20 stone. I've noticed some small, transparent bumps in the pubic area. I’m quite certain that these are not genital warts, considering I've been in a committed relationship for the past five years. I have shared some pictures in the comments for further insights.

WellnessLifestyle ChangesFamily Medicine
Male25-34
22 minutes ago

Seeking Guidance: Is an MRI Necessary?

I am a 48-year-old woman, measuring 5 feet 3 inches and weighing 120 pounds. I’m experiencing distressing symptoms that seem to involve my brain, right eye, bladder, the left peroneal nerve, and encompass issues related to my nervous system. I have a history of several medical conditions including oscillopsia, mal de debarquement syndrome, a peroneal nerve injury, osteoporosis, dropfoot, neuropathy, and GSM. Currently, my medication regimen includes Actonel, Trintellix, Trazodone, and a Dotti patch. I have tried Lyrica but had to discontinue due to it making my dizziness worse. Since April 4, 2025, I have been dealing with constant dizziness that feels like being on a never-ending boat ride. It is not the classic spinning vertigo, but rather a persistent sense of instability that is sometimes accompanied by panic-inducing sensations. At night, I experience frightening dreams where my dizziness amplifies, often picturing myself in turbulent waters or losing my balance. This unsettling sensation occurs regardless of my position—sitting, standing, or lying down. The only slight relief I find is during passive motion. According to my general practitioner, my condition could be BPPV. Meanwhile, the ENT specialist suggested it might be mal de debarquement, confirming definite oscillopsia affecting my right eye. I also find sleep to be thoroughly draining. My visual health is deteriorating, particularly in my right eye, where I experience oscillopsia, blurriness, double vision, and regular pain and stinging sensations. This eye feels unusually bulged, and because each eye perceives dissimilar images, it exacerbates my balance issues. As a result, I am relying heavily on my left eye. In recent months, I’ve been facing increasing urinary urgency—particularly alarming episodes of discomfort that have led me to urgent care on multiple occasions since April 4. However, tests have consistently ruled out urinary tract infections, despite needing to make over 30 bathroom visits within a day at the worst times. Additionally, I've been managing left-sided dropfoot following a perineal nerve lesion since 2009, which started suddenly and caused immense pain. I woke up one day to find I could no longer stand without my left leg collapsing. This has resulted in tibial nerve paralysis, causing my toes to form contractures due to immobility. An EMG conducted in July 2024 indicated a severe yet incomplete lesion on the left peroneal nerve, alongside other abnormalities like hyperreflexia and absent reflexes. I now find that symptoms like tingling, numbness, electric pain, and a sensation of limb heaviness are coming on more quickly and affecting larger areas of my body, with prolonged recovery times. My balance has severely deteriorated; I was previously able to walk in a straight line with my eyes closed, but now I struggle even to step backwards without feeling on the verge of falling. The EMG was performed through a neurologist via an insurance referral, but unfortunately, the report did not make it into my medical file, although I have a physical copy on hand. It’s difficult to read, and I apologize for the lack of a digital version. Since April 4, I’ve been overwhelmed by persistent fatigue that leaves me unable to exercise. Even sitting for a few minutes feels overwhelming. Activities such as yoga, where my head is below my heart, are impossible due to the intense sense of instability. I am seeking guidance on how to approach the need for MRI scans or additional testing, considering my situation. I concur with those recommending that a neurologist’s opinion is necessary. My GP has referred me, but I won’t be able to see a neurologist until February 2026. Furthermore, an ENT referral has fallen outside my insurance network, presenting a daunting cost of $900 just for an initial consultation, making it an impractical option. I sincerely appreciate any advice on the next steps I should take. Thank you for your understanding regarding the EMG’s legibility.

AgingFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
32 minutes ago

Is a Swollen Bite a Cause for Concern?

Hello everyone, I’m a 24-year-old female, and I’ve noticed some significant swelling on my arm that appears to be the result of a bite. Last night, the red area surrounding it increased in size, going from 2 centimeters to 2.5 centimeters in diameter. Thankfully, it’s not very painful, just a little itchy. However, I'm feeling anxious since it has expanded, and I won’t be able to see a doctor today. I’d rather not have to cancel or rearrange my day trip. I would really appreciate any advice on what this might be and whether I should seek more treatment than just applying a cooling paste.

WellnessLifestyle ChangesPreventive Medicine
Male25-34
32 minutes ago