Seeking Help for Ongoing Lip Issues
Greetings to everyone. I am a 28-year-old man from Mexico, standing at 5'7" and weighing approximately 250 pounds. Since 2020, I have been consulting various doctors and specialists at the VA in hopes of understanding the issues affecting my lips. It all began when I noticed an outbreak that starts at the corners of my mouth, spreading towards the center of my lower lip and marginally affecting the upper lip. The affected areas consist of clusters of soft, pimple-like bumps. Notably, the skin around these clusters appears darker, while the bumps inside my mouth appear white. In 2021, I underwent testing and was diagnosed with gonorrhea and syphilis in my genital area. Although I received treatment for these conditions, there was no improvement. Somewhere between 2023 and early 2025, I contracted HSV-1; during this period, I was in a challenging relationship where I was manipulated while my girlfriend was unfaithful. For the sake of our children, I remained with her but finally ended the relationship this year. Currently, I have been prescribed valacyclovir for outbreaks of cold sores that occur when I am under stress. Despite this, the medical professionals have yet to determine the underlying issue. If necessary, I can send direct messages with images for further assessment and community insight on my condition. My situation appears to be deteriorating over time, and I am increasingly feeling self-conscious about it, reaching a point where I prefer not to be seen due to these lip concerns.
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 8:01:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing ongoing and distressing issues with your lips, which is understandably frustrating and affecting your self-esteem. Given the history of your conditions and treatments, it’s important to approach this systematically to identify potential causes and find effective management strategies.
Summary of Key Points:
- You have persistent lip issues, including clusters of bumps and discoloration.
- You have a history of various sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and currently manage cold sores with valacyclovir.
- The situation is worsening, affecting your self-esteem and social interactions.
Explanation:
The symptoms you're describing could be due to several factors, including residual effects from previous infections, a possible skin condition (like angular cheilitis), or even stress-related triggers. The bumps and discoloration might also indicate a persistent viral infection, irritation, or an immune response. It’s positive that you’re already on valacyclovir, which is essential for controlling HSV-1 outbreaks, but the other symptoms warrant further exploration.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including when they appear, duration, triggers (stress, weather, foods), and any other changes. This information will be valuable for your healthcare provider.
-
Oral Hygiene and Care: Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent additional irritation. Use a gentle, non-irritating mouthwash, and avoid harsh topical products that may exacerbate the issue.
-
Topical Treatment: Consider using a soothing lip balm or ointment that contains ingredients like petroleum jelly or beeswax to help protect the lips from environmental irritants.
-
Stress Management: Since you've noted that outbreaks can be stress-related, explore stress-reduction techniques. This could include activities like mindfulness, yoga, or regular exercise.
-
Diet and Hydration: Stay well-hydrated and ensure your diet is balanced. Deficiencies in certain vitamins (like B vitamins) can sometimes contribute to skin issues, so incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables while considering a daily multivitamin could be beneficial.
-
Follow-Up with Specialists: If the situation doesn’t improve or worsens, consider seeking a dermatologist for a specialized evaluation. Sometimes, conditions like perioral dermatitis or other skin disorders require targeted treatments not covered by general practitioners.
Your discomfort and self-consciousness about your lip condition are valid feelings. I encourage you to keep advocating for your health and consult with specialists if needed. If you have concerns about sending images for further assessment or any other details you'd like to share, please feel free to discuss.
Related Questions
Unexpected Swelling at Toddler's Neck
A 3-year-old boy, who was born five weeks prematurely and has a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), has developed a lump at the back of his neck, positioned near the hairline. This swelling was not present when he awoke but was noticed approximately two hours later. He is not expressing any discomfort, and the area does not feel warm upon examination. Additionally, he can move his head freely without any signs of pain. He seems to be behaving normally; however, he did have a minor rash on his abdomen upon waking. The family spent time at the beach yesterday morning. Should they keep an eye on it or consult his pediatrician regarding this? Further note: The lump is somewhat firm but not inflamed or discolored.
Concerns About Health: High Calprotectin Levels and Anxiety
At the age of 21, I find myself overwhelmed with fear regarding my health. My recent calprotectin test results were alarmingly high at 224, which has led me to schedule an appointment with a gastrointestinal specialist next month. Although my doctor noted that she would not have referred me to a specialist had I not exhibited such a high level of anxiety, I can't shake my fears. I understand that anxiety and stress can contribute to gastrointestinal issues, but the severity of my symptoms—mucus in my stool and diarrhea—has me worried. Worst-case scenarios have been mentioned, including Crohn's disease, which adds to my distress. Not too long ago, I underwent a blood test for the presence of blood in my stool, and thankfully the results came back negative. Despite this, I can’t help but feel plagued by doubts, wondering if perhaps there was an error in either the blood test or the stool test, leading me to fear that I might actually be suffering from anemia due to a bleeding tumor. To add to my concerns, there is no family history of colon cancer in my immediate relatives. There were a couple of family members who succumbed to cancers related to smoking and alcoholism (specifically throat and lung cancer), and a distant cousin who faced leukemia at a similar age to mine. Yet, the absence of direct cancer links in my family does little to quell my mounting anxiety.
Should I Get Stitches?
Age: 38 Gender: Male Height: 5 feet 6 inches Weight: 165 pounds Ethnicity: Caucasian Duration of issue: 2 hours Injury site: Head, Germany Relevant pre-existing medical conditions: Medications currently being taken: (Photographic evidence is not necessary)
Concerning Inward-Turning Foot
At seventeen, I find myself grappling with several health conditions; I’m managing postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), hypermobility, and adenomyosis, and I'm currently at a weight of 240 pounds. One of the most challenging issues I face is that my left foot turns inward. Although I can force it into a straight position, it feels extremely uncomfortable and causes me to lose my balance. This peculiar alignment has been present since my infancy, as it was first recognized when I was around two years old. I suspect it stems from birth, especially because there was no injury involved. In prior physical therapy sessions, my therapist merely described my condition as "inward-turned foot with no known origin," but I assure you, it isn't something I'm doing intentionally; that's simply the way my foot behaves. This issue has led to a noticeable limp. I’ve been advised to perform a towel exercise, attempting to maneuver my foot, but the results have been lackluster. I'm curious about what might be responsible for this problem. Is there a solution? The embarrassment of limping has become overwhelming; I often face ridicule, and I would gladly wear a brace for an extended period if it meant alleviating this issue. It truly feels odd!
Evaluation of a Rash on My Arm
I'm residing in a scorching climate where the temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees. Although I apply sunscreen on certain days, I generally spend the majority of my time indoors. Currently, I'm trying to determine whether I can postpone a visit to my physician or if immediate care is necessary for the rash on my arm. The rash consists of raised, red bumps; one of the bumps is notably larger and appears to be a cluster of multiple smaller ones. I've noticed that these bumps have gradually increased in size over time. They are neither itchy nor painful.