Enlarged and Tender Submental Lymph Node Following Perioral Dermatitis
I am a 27-year-old male, standing at 180 cm tall and weighing 75 kg. I have a history of eczema, and about three to four weeks ago, I experienced an outbreak around my mouth. At that time, I also noticed that the submental lymph node in my neck had become swollen. After administering treatment with steroids and antibiotics, I thought the issue had resolved. However, a week ago, the eczema returned, and so did the swelling of the lymph node. Today, I have observed a significant increase in both the size and hardness of the lymph node, along with persistent pain. While I am pleased to say the eczema is now completely gone, the painful and swollen lymph node remains a concern. I consulted with a physician today who prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication, but I can’t shake the feeling that there may be a more serious underlying issue. I am seeking your insights: would it be wise to pursue a second opinion? Has anyone else encountered a similar situation? Thank you for your assistance.
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 9:01:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about an enlarged and tender lymph node, especially following a recent illness. The symptoms you've described—an increased size and hardness of the lymph node, along with persistent pain—warrant careful monitoring. While it's common for lymph nodes to swell in response to infections or inflammatory conditions like eczema, the persistence and worsening of your symptoms do raise valid concerns.
Explanation:
Lymph nodes are part of the immune system and can become swollen when fighting infections, but if they remain enlarged, hard, or painful, it can indicate other underlying issues. These might include continuing or unresolved infections, inflammatory conditions, or, though less common, other serious issues.
Given that your physician has already prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication, you are on the right path for management. However, if your symptoms do not improve or worsen, pursuing a second opinion might give you peace of mind or lead to alternative treatment options.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on changes in the size, hardness, and pain level of the lymph node. Note any new symptoms, such as fever, weight loss, or night sweats.
-
Complete Current Treatment: Ensure you complete the course of any prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications as directed by your physician.
-
Follow-Up: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your current physician to reassess the lymph node after completing your medication. Discuss your concerns openly and mention any symptoms that persist.
-
Consider a Second Opinion: If you are still feeling uneasy after following the initial treatment and follow-up, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion. Sometimes a fresh perspective can provide reassurance or a different plan of action.
-
Self-Care: Focus on maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated. Managing stress levels can also help your overall immune response.
Remember, your health is important, and it’s okay to seek further clarification and support if you feel it's necessary. Please reach out if you need more information or specific guidance.
Related Questions
Discomfort in Chest and Throat Months After Exposure to Dust During Bathroom Renovation
Greetings everyone, I’m a 30-year-old male residing in Austria, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle as a non-smoker. A while back, I encountered a substantial cloud of dust while monitoring a bathroom renovation in an older apartment building I’m working on. Although I was only visiting and not doing any renovations myself, I neglected to wear a mask and inhaled deeply in a poorly ventilated area for about 20 minutes. Over the next few weeks, I returned to the site for about 3-4 additional hours after the dust had settled. Since that incident, I have experienced an array of unusual symptoms that have not subsided completely. **Symptoms:** - A few days post-exposure: → Intense burning sensations in my chest and upper back during the night; it felt like my lungs were being disturbed from within. - Approximately a month later: → Sharp, fleeting pains on the left side of my chest, lasting just a moment; very pinpointed. - Now, over three months later: → That pain has transformed into a more subdued sensation that is triggered by deep breaths. → Ongoing burning and tickling sensations in my chest and upper back. → A persistent, dry, inflamed feeling in my throat, almost as if there is an obstruction. → Inhaling steam provides temporary relief, yet the symptoms eventually return. **Investigations Conducted So Far:** - Native chest CT (without contrast): Normal results. - Lung function tests: Normal. - Currently using Budiair (an inhaled corticosteroid) with minimal effect, as per my pulmonologist's recommendation. - Testing Cetirizine (an antihistamine) to rule out any allergic or histamine-induced reactions, despite allergy tests yielding negative results. - A bronchoscopy is planned as the final step to investigate potential lung-related issues. **Concerns:** The materials from the renovation were partially tested for asbestos; however, I recently discovered that the drywall was not tested before its removal, leaving me unable to confirm its safety. There is also a risk of silica dust exposure since tiles were broken during the renovation. This uncertainty has amplified my anxiety despite knowing that short-term exposure does not always result in health complications. Nevertheless, the ongoing burning and tickling sensations, coupled with the dull chest pain during prolonged exhales—especially in the absence of notable medical findings—are quite troubling and challenging to interpret. These symptoms have significantly impacted my quality of life, creating a persistent discomfort that is hard to endure. Has anyone experienced similar symptoms after exposure to construction dust, particularly with clean diagnostic tests? Could this potentially be related to nerve irritation in the airways, reactive airway functions, or some other condition? Any insights or experiences you could share would be immensely valuable to me as I navigate this perplexing situation. Thank you!
When Should You Visit the Emergency Room?
Hello, everyone – I’m currently on Lexapro and nifedipine to manage my high blood pressure. Recently, I’ve been experiencing what I believe is gallbladder discomfort. The sensation is localized in my upper right abdomen and has been fluctuating for several days. Initially, the agony was triggered by meals, but now it appears randomly throughout the day. The pain is sharp and piercing, sometimes giving a pulsating feeling. I recall enduring a similar type of pain during my previous pregnancy (my child is now ten months old). At that time, medical professionals suggested monitoring it without immediate imaging but advised consultation if the issue persisted. For the past few days, the intense pain has been recurring. Should this warrant an emergency room visit? The urgent care facilities nearby lack ultrasound equipment, and my primary care physician's schedule is fully booked for weeks. I’m uncertain of the severity of my condition, yet the pain is significant. Just to add some context: four years ago, I experienced a kidney stone paired with a kidney infection that resulted in an abscess, leading to an extended hospital stay. The pain from that experience is reminiscent of what I'm feeling now, albeit located higher in my abdomen. This history makes me particularly anxious when dealing with such discomfort.
Concerns About Vomiting
Over the past couple of days, I've experienced vomiting that started with white stomach acid, transitioned to yellow, and has now changed to brown. Should this be a cause for concern?
Deciding Between MRM or CWI Mastoidectomy: My Situation
Age: 22 Gender: Male Height: 180 cm Weight: 64 kg Ethnicity: Indian Duration of Symptoms: 5 years Location: India I am sharing my HRCT findings related to the temporal bone: - There is a non-dependent soft tissue density present in the mesotympanum. - There is rarefaction observed on the long process of the incus, as well as on the stapes. - The scutum shows blunting which extends into the mastoid air cells through the aditus ad antrum. - There is thinning noticeable in the tegmen tympani. - The left cochlea and semicircular canals appear to be normal. - The left bony canals of the facial nerve are within normal limits. - The left sinodural plate is intact. - The left parotid gland appears to be functioning normally. - Hyper-pneumatization of the mastoid air cells is evident. IMPRESSION: The HRCT examination of the temporal region indicates: left unsafe chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) with cholesteatoma. Regarding my condition of unsafe CSOM accompanied by a cholesteatoma, I am seeking clarification on the surgical options available. Specifically, will I be undergoing a mastoid radical mastoidectomy (MRM) or a canal wall down mastoidectomy (CWI)? Will the canal wall be excised or maintained during the procedure? Furthermore, I would like to know what precautions I should take post-operation and for what duration. I have been informed that there is a significant wait time for elective surgeries at my hospital due to the high number of patients. Is it advisable to delay the surgery, or should I proceed more urgently? Any guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Understanding Elbow Arthritis: Personal Journey
Hello everyone, About three years ago, I experienced a sharp pain in my elbow while performing hammer curls. This discomfort was particularly apparent when I twisted my wrist and bent my arm to 45 degrees while exerting force during the exercise. After dealing with persistent symptoms, I decided to consult an orthopedic specialist approximately six months later. An X-ray followed by an MRI suggested that irritation was occurring due to an issue with the joint capsule, known as the plica. Initially, I received two brief corticosteroid injections; however, the situation led to the conclusion that surgery was necessary. The procedure involved the removal of the plica, and during the operation, grade 2 chondropathy was noted at the proximal radial head, while the rest of the joint appeared satisfactory. Despite the surgery, three months later, I still didn’t notice any improvement. Following another injection, I was referred to a different specialist, and a year and a half later, I underwent another arthroscopy to evaluate the condition of my elbow. This time, what was once grade 2 degeneration had progressed to grade 3 osteoarthritis at the radial head, with grade 2 affecting the rest of the elbow. There was direct contact between the damaged area on the radial head and the humeral capitellum during supination and flexion. The surgery focused on cleaning the joint, but concerns arose about potential rheumatoid arthritis due to the joint's deteriorating condition. Although initial blood tests showed no indicators, it was suggested that I might have seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. I have been on Methotrexate for nine weeks now, yet the results have been lackluster, which makes me question whether rheumatoid arthritis is truly the issue. Now, three months post-surgery, my condition has worsened significantly. I'm unable to apply weight to my right arm and endure considerable pain. The mechanical discomfort during movements like supination and flexion remains unchanged, and overall, my joint feels compromised. I previously maintained an active lifestyle, working out at the gym four times a week and easily completing 15 pull-ups in a row. Now, however, I cannot engage in any upper body workouts; even doing a push-up, not to mention regular ones, is impossible without pain. Looking back, I suspect my mild (distal) radius fracture from childhood, coupled with my continuous training during that period, may have contributed to this degeneration. I realize now how unwise that was. Despite the effectiveness of the injections, I find myself grappling with several concerns: 1. I aim to halt the deterioration and hope for the potential healing of my cartilage, enabling me to partake in recreational sports at a minimal level. 2. My goal is to escape the need for a joint replacement, yet mundane tasks, such as washing my hands, have begun to cause discomfort. To what extent should I push myself? 3. What does the future hold for me? 4. Are there alternative suggestions or strategies I might explore?