OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

What Could Be Causing My Swollen and Red Bottom Lip with Spots?

7/6/2025, 3:00:44 AMMale25-34

Hello! I’m a 19-year-old female and today I discovered that my lower lip is extremely enlarged and quite painful. The condition appeared after I used MDMA the night before, and it looks really unusual. Additionally, I smoke cigarettes, so I’m wondering if that might play a role in this. I don’t have any known allergies, which might be relevant to my situation. I’ve shared a picture in the comments for reference.

AgingLifestyle ChangesInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

7/6/2025, 3:01:12 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are experiencing significant swelling and redness in your lower lip, which is painful and has developed after using MDMA. This condition could be the result of several factors, including possible reactions to substances you've consumed, irritation from smoking, or even a localized infection or irritation.

Explanation: MDMA can cause dehydration and increase body temperature, which might lead to swelling and discomfort in your lip. The physical act of smoking can further irritate your lips, potentially exacerbating any inflammation or sensitivity you are experiencing. It’s also possible for oral health issues or minor injuries to cause similar symptoms.

Next Steps:

  1. Avoid Irritants: Stop smoking and avoid any further use of MDMA or other substances that could irritate your lips.

  2. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help reduce swelling and prevent dehydration, which is crucial after using MDMA.

  3. Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress (a clean cloth with ice wrapped inside or a cold pack) to your lip for 10-15 minutes several times a day. This can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain.

  4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the swelling and pain. If you notice any rapid changes, such as spreading redness, increasing pain, or if you develop fever or difficulty breathing, it’s important to seek medical attention.

  5. Avoid Picking or Touching: Try not to touch or pick at your lip, as this can introduce bacteria and lead to infection.

If the symptoms do not improve in a few days, or if they worsen, it would be wise to seek medical advice to rule out any serious conditions. Let me know if you have further questions or need additional information!

Related Questions

Ladd Procedure History and Weightlifting Concerns

Greetings everyone! I’m a 20-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 125 pounds. In my early years, I underwent a Ladd procedure aimed at correcting an intestinal malrotation. In addition to that, I had my appendix removed during the same surgery, or so I have been told. On my abdomen, there is a horizontal scar approximately 3.5 inches long, initiated above my belly button, but throughout my life, I have not encountered any problems associated with either my abdomen or the scar. Now, I am considering taking up weightlifting, which, to my knowledge, often entails generating intra-abdominal pressure. I harbor concerns regarding the possibility of developing a hernia since I've heard that scar tissue can be particularly fragile. In the past, I’ve lifted weights without any complications; however, I’m now interested in core exercises that specifically involve creating intra-abdominal pressure and practices like stomach vacuums. Given my surgical background, should I be wary of an elevated risk of injury? Are there other factors I should be aware of, aside from these concerns? As an adult, I have never received detailed information about the procedure I went through. If I’ve inadvertently breached any guidelines, please inform me so that I can rectify my post accordingly.

Weight ManagementExerciseAging
Male25-34
41 minutes ago

Navigating Health Concerns: Seeking Guidance

Greetings, medical professionals, I’m a 19-year-old female reaching out because I’ve been enduring continuous physical discomfort and emotional strain, and I would greatly appreciate your advice on my situation. In December of last year, I underwent a thyroid ultrasound that identified five nodules categorized as TI-RADS 5, all measuring under 1 cm. Two of these were located in the right lobe (0.2 × 0.1 cm and 0.9 × 0.1 cm), while three were found in the left lobe, with the largest one measuring 0.2 × 0.2 cm. Due to their diminutive size, the recommendation was to delay a biopsy and instead have a follow-up ultrasound in six months. My thyroid hormone levels were reported as normal. The imaging also revealed a lymph node located under my chin, which has been detectable and palpable for nearly three years—this was initially the reason for seeking out the ultrasound. The report described the lymph node as unchanged in size, exhibiting a fatty hilum and an irregular outline, measuring 1.1 × 0.6 cm, with interpretations suggesting that it is reactive in nature. Starting in May 2025, I began to experience back pain, which was classified as mechanical at first. This discomfort started mildly on the left side but gradually affected both sides of my back, with more pronounced pain in the upper left region and sometimes radiating to my neck. Additionally, I started to feel persistent shoulder pain and have experienced unusual arm soreness, even with minor tasks around the house. A few months later, I noticed the development of rashes (the initial signs of which I shared in earlier posts), which necessitated several consultations with dermatologists. Initially diagnosed as scabies, the condition exacerbated despite treatment. There was consideration for vasculitis, but the lab results returned normal. A skin punch biopsy ultimately indicated findings consistent with psoriasiform spongiotic and psoriasiform/nummular dermatitis. While topical steroids helped improve the original rashes, new eruptions have continued to form on my legs, which I perceive as resembling petechiae—flat, small, red spots that do not blanch and are scattered throughout. Additionally, last December brought about swollen lymph nodes and a generalized sense of discomfort. The lymph nodes that have been affected include: • Two nodes in the left lower back near the hip—painful and still palpable after several weeks. • One node in the right groin/lower abdomen—initially painful, now smaller but still present and causing discomfort. • A painless node in the left parotid area (near the cheek). • An oval, painless node in the left axilla (armpit), which was first identified in a breast ultrasound about eight months ago. This node measures 1.3 × 0.7 cm and has not changed in size since. Other issues I’ve been facing: • Shoulder pain that radiates towards my collarbone. • Intermittent pain in my calves and upper legs. • Widespread and unpredictable soreness in my limbs, similar to what one might feel post-exercise. • Random aches in my forearms. • Occasional tingling sensations in my fingers. • One area on my left thigh feels firmer compared to the muscle around it; it's slightly raised and noticeable to the touch, but meets normal resistance when pressed. My right thigh appears unaffected, leaving me uncertain about the significance of this finding. I’m increasingly anxious about serious health issues like lymphoma or thyroid cancer, particularly due to the suspicious nodules I have. This entire experience has been overwhelming—I often find it difficult to determine which symptoms are the most pressing or which specialist could provide the right insights. I feel dismissed at times by medical professionals, as if my symptoms are considered trivial, hastily brushed off during appointments. There’s a growing concern that I might be dealing with a serious health condition that is worsening as more symptoms arise. While I recognize that a proper diagnosis cannot be established online, I would be immensely grateful for insights regarding: • The seriousness of my symptoms. • Recommended tests or evaluations I should pursue. • The appropriateness of waiting for six months before my next imaging. Thank you for your time and any suggestions you may offer.

Weight ManagementAgingPreventive Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Is It Common for One Rib to Stick Out More Than the Other?

Recently, I realized that my lower left rib is much more noticeable than my corresponding right rib. Is this something that others experience too? I am a woman in my mid-twenties and have no significant health issues in my background.

WellnessLifestyle ChangesFamily Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Is It Common to See Light Stretch When Squinting?

At the age of twenty-four, I have noticed an interesting phenomenon: when I squint at an object, the light seems to elongate into a thin streak. Is this a normal experience? Is it something that others encounter as well?

WellnessLifestyle ChangesFamily Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Should I Seek Medical Help for My Finger Injury?

I’m a 21-year-old female who recently had a mishap while preparing food; I accidentally sliced the tip of my finger with a vegetable peeler while peeling some potatoes two days ago. The injury resulted in a clean cut, creating a noticeable wound that measures approximately 2-4mm deep and 3-5mm wide. To put it simply, I created a small hollow area in my finger where the skin has completely detached and cannot be reattached. Additionally, part of my nail was also severed in the process. Immediately after the accident, I rinsed my finger under cold water as I deliberated on the best course of action. Lacking any gauze, I applied pressure around the wound to control the bleeding. Within an hour, I managed to slow it significantly with moderate pressure. I suspected my ability to clot might be affected due to having consumed a few glasses of wine prior to the incident (approximately half a bottle), and I figured I would just need to give it some more time. Next, I took some extra-strength Tylenol and asked my partner to apply a generous amount of Vaseline, then covered the area with a paper towel as we contemplated whether I needed to go to the emergency room or simply treat it with some polysporin and a bandage. I was uncertain if stitches were even necessary, considering the cut affected the nail bed. In the end, I opted for the simpler approach once the bleeding had mostly ceased. I slathered on a decent amount of polysporin and secured the area with three band-aids. Since then, I’ve been changing the bandages daily, although I’ve found the adhesive can be quite painful to remove, even when running it under water. The wound also has a tendency to bleed slightly if I don’t maintain pressure while changing the bandages. Am I in need of an ER visit? Should I still consider going now that two days have passed? Alternatively, can I continue with my current treatment plan to avoid unnecessary time and expenses? I apologize for not being able to provide a photo of my injury before I bandaged it; however, I created a rough illustration to give you a better idea of the cut.

AgingFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
3 hours ago