Concern about Lip Condition in My Toddler
My daughter, who is 2 years old, has been showing a concerning issue on her upper lip since this morning. This is her first time experiencing such a condition, and she has never had a cold sore before. To our knowledge, she hasn’t been in close proximity to anyone with an active outbreak. Although my father occasionally deals with cold sores, he maintains his distance when he has them; his last occurrence was a few weeks back, which makes me somewhat uneasy about the situation. Apart from this lip issue, she's been relatively healthy, only experiencing mild symptoms of a cold, including a runny nose and a cough. I’m trying to determine whether what she has is simply irritated skin or if it could indeed be a cold sore. My anxiety is heightened as I have another young baby at home. Just yesterday, my toddler managed to plant a kiss on the baby before I could intervene, which adds to my worries.
Answers (1)

7/10/2025, 10:40:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to be concerned about your toddler's lip condition, especially given your family's history with cold sores. Based on your description, it could be one of a few things – an irritation, a mild viral infection, or potentially a cold sore (herpes simplex virus). Here’s how to approach this situation calmly and effectively.
Overview of Key Points:
- Your toddler's lip issue may be irritation or a cold sore.
- Observing symptoms closely and practicing basic hygiene can help.
- By managing contact between your toddler and the baby, you can reduce any risk of transmission.
Explanation:
Cold sores are typically caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can sometimes appear due to factors like stress or illness. They usually start as small red bumps that may blister or crust over. Since your daughter has never had a cold sore before and has had recent mild cold symptoms, it might be irritation from excessive drooling, biting, or even a sore from a fall. However, the fact that she kissed the baby is valid cause for concern regarding viral transmission.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Observe the lip condition closely for any changes over the next few days. Look for signs such as blistering, crusting, or worsening redness.
-
Maintain Hygiene:
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching her lip area.
- Avoid sharing utensils, towels, or lip products.
- Ensure your toddler understands not to touch her lips and to wash her hands.
-
Keep the Area Clean and Moisturized:
- Gentle cleansing with mild soap and water can help.
- If the area is dry or cracked, applying a small amount of a fragrance-free lip balm or ointment can provide comfort.
-
Reduce Close Contact: Until you can determine the cause, limiting close contact between your toddler and baby can help minimize any potential risk of spreading a viral infection.
-
Consult Resources if Needed: If you notice any significant changes (such as swelling, fever, or the formation of sores) or if it doesn’t begin to improve in a few days, consider looking for information from reliable resources like the CDC or reaching out to a pediatric service for further guidance.
Your concern is valid, and taking these steps can help provide clarity and comfort. Keep me posted on how things go!
Related Questions
Understanding the Impact of a Herniated Disk and Exploring Exercise Alternatives
Hello, reddit medical community, I find myself in a challenging situation, as I reside in a developing nation where language can be a hurdle. Recently, while training for boxing, I (41, male) experienced a back injury that has lingered for over ten days without much improvement. Today, I underwent an MRI scan, and I would like to share the findings: Here’s what the MRI report regarding my lumbar spine indicated: **Lumbar Spine MRI Analysis:** - There is a slight rightward curvature in the lumbar spine, indicative of mild scoliosis. - There is a modest decrease in both the height of the vertebral bodies and disks, alongside a reduction in the standard curvature of the lumbar spine. - Mild degenerative changes and dehydration were observed in the intervertebral disks at levels L3/4 and L4/5, characterized by a low signal in T2-weighted images. - At levels L1-2 and L2-3, there is no indication of disk herniation. - At the L4/5 level, a central-posterior disk herniation approximately 6mm in size is present, slightly deviating to the left of the center. This is applying pressure to the anterior dural sac but has not yet affected the cauda equina. There’s also an annular tear with mild protrusion into the intervertebral foramen, exerting slight pressure on the left L4 nerve root within the left lateral recess. A minimal amount of joint effusion has been recorded, with an anteroposterior diameter around 8-9 mm at this location. - At levels L3-4 and L5-S1, a mild symmetrical annular tear with disk protrusion has been identified, which is not currently compressing the dural sac. Again, minimal joint effusion is present without causing any nerve root compression in the lateral recesses. - The conus medullaris is located at the L1 level, exhibiting a normal shape and signal. - Additionally, edema has been found in the lumbar spinous ligament. **Summary of Findings:** - Mild right-sided scoliotic curvature in the lumbar region. - Reduced vertebral body and disk height, with decreased natural lumbar curvature. - Disk degeneration and dehydration noted at levels L3/4 and L4/5, evidenced by low T2 signals. - A 6mm central-posterior herniation at L4/5 is compressing the anterior dural sac without affecting the cauda equina. - Mild annular tears present at L3/4 and L5/S1 with no current nerve root compression. - Lumbar spinous ligament edema detected. Post-visit, the physician advised me to take anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers over the next ten days and mentioned that I should refrain from boxing or gym activities to prevent further injury. Instead, swimming or walking was suggested as safer exercise options. I'm quite active in sports—including boxing, some high-intensity training, and pickleball—and I’m not keen on giving up my physical pursuits at this age. I would greatly appreciate any insights on the following topics: - The seriousness of my herniated disk - Rehabilitation strategies moving forward - Potential for future physical activities Thank you for your assistance!
Dark pigmentation observed on the right side of the mouth
I’m sharing this on behalf of someone who is unable to seek medical or dental help unless it is an urgent situation due to high copays and deductibles. A 40-year-old male, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 280 pounds, previously smoked cigarettes but has since quit. He does use vaping products. Recently, he has noticed that the right side of his cheek becomes quite sensitive when consuming hot food. Aside from a mild tenderness, he hasn't experienced any issues before this. He just observed the pigmentation today. He isn’t taking any medications, apart from a daily multivitamin. Any insights would be appreciated.
Understanding the Risk of Transmitting Asymptomatic HSV1
It’s concerning to think about the implications of potentially being an asymptomatic carrier of HSV1, especially when entering a new relationship. For someone like me, who has never experienced a cold sore or any noticeable symptoms, the fear of unknowingly transmitting the virus to a partner is quite unsettling. Although I have lived my entire life without any signs of HSV1, I often wonder how to determine if I might be a hidden carrier. Is it possible (or advisable) to get tested in the absence of visible sores? Most testing protocols seem to prioritize cases where sores are present, and I've read that blood tests may not always provide reliable results. This situation is causing me a lot of anxiety. On one hand, I’m worried about the risk of passing on HSV1 to someone I care about, yet I also grapple with the uncertainty of my own viral status given my history of being asymptomatic. How can I have clarity around this issue?
In-Depth Inquiry Regarding an 11-Month-Old with Bilateral Mandibular Condylar Fracture
Greetings, Medical Professionals, I am reaching out to discuss my 11-month-old daughter, who recently suffered from a bilateral fracture of the mandibular condyle due to a fall. Imaging results indicate that one side is significantly displaced downward from the glenoid fossa, while the other side shows either minimal displacement or is not displaced at all. Initially, we were informed that her injury was a bilateral non-displaced fracture at the condyle's base or neck. Currently, we are opting for conservative management—which includes a soft diet and careful monitoring—consistent with pediatric care recommendations. This approach seems suitable, particularly considering her young age and the possibility of natural remodeling. However, one surgeon expressed concerns that unless intervention occurs in her teenage years, her jaw growth may be stunted, potentially leading to deformities, which has left us quite anxious. Given the rarity of this type of injury in infants under one year old, I am eager to hear from any pediatricians, radiologists, or surgeons with experience with similar cases. Here are my specific inquiries: • How effective is natural remodeling in young infants with displaced condylar fractures when it comes to restoring the condylar position and ensuring proper joint functionality? • Is there any guidance available on when to consider intervention or the role of physical therapy in preventing potential ankylosis? • What warning signs should we look out for that could indicate issues with growth or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction later on? • Would you suggest conducting regular imaging, such as CT or MRI, during the first year following the injury? I recognize that this is an uncommon situation and that existing studies mostly pertain to older children or adults. I've come across a few case reports but would greatly appreciate any personal experiences or evidence-based insights you could share. Thank you very much for your attention to this matter.
Concern Regarding My Son's Urological Health
I have some concerns regarding my one-year-old son’s urological health. He currently weighs 20 pounds and stands at 72 cm tall, and he does not take any medications. As a non-smoker, he has no known health issues. I haven't included any images, but I'm willing to provide them if necessary. What we have observed is that the seam on the underside of his penis appears jagged, resembling a lightning bolt rather than being smooth. Additionally, the base seems unusually tight, giving the impression that a band of skin may be constricting it, similar to a hair tourniquet, although that isn't exactly the case. While it’s somewhat difficult to ascertain, I suspect that during erections, his penis may curve down slightly. I am anxious about possible conditions such as chordee or hypospadias. The foreskin also appears somewhat irregular, as if there is extra skin present, yet it isn’t fully fused to the glans. I don’t believe his urethra is misplaced, but I must admit I don't have extensive experience with infant anatomy. Although his pediatrician hasn’t expressed any concern, I often feel dismissed by her. She hasn't been our preferred choice and has overlooked issues in the past. Living in Canada limits our options for healthcare providers, and it’s challenging to secure in-person appointments. Based on these observations, I am contemplating whether it would be prudent to seek a consultation with a pediatric urologist. Additionally, I wonder if this situation is related to the inconclusive result for Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies in his NIPT test. Should I be investigating the possibility of a genetic condition?