Concern About a Black Mark on the Inner Lip
I am a male in my late 30s, standing approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing around 155 pounds. Recently, I've noticed a black mark on the left side of my inner lower lip. I'm reaching out for insights on this issue. About six weeks ago, while enjoying frozen berries, including blackberries and blueberries, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror after eating. To my surprise, I spotted a dark blemish on the inside of my bottom lip, only appearing when I opened my mouth. Initially, I presumed it might just be residue from the berries, but attempts to wipe it off were unsuccessful. I even dampened a paper towel to clean it, yet the mark remained. Following this, I remember using the towel again and inadvertently swallowing some berry peel. Upon further inspection, I realized that this black spot resembled either a sunspot or a birthmark and had been present on my left inner lip. Despite my efforts, including using a small toothbrush, I could not remove it. I wasn't aware of how long this blemish had existed until I noticed it about a month and a half ago. In my previous replies, I shared two images: one taken around the time of the initial discovery and another from more recently. I'm concerned about whether this mark should be a cause for alarm. Flipping to the side of my face, there are a couple of noticeable sunspots. However, this particular mark is only visible when I open my mouth; it's concealed when my lips are together, as it doesn't appear when I merely pucker my lips without opening my mouth. Its size seems unchanged. I’ve read about melanotic macules, but I'm uncertain if this fits that description. Additionally, I've been somewhat lax with my oral hygiene lately, often resorting to using Listerine as a substitute for thorough brushing. I'm baffled about the cause of this mark, particularly since my sun exposure has been minimal — even when I do go outside, the mark doesn't show unless I open my mouth. Could this possibly relate to sun exposure?
Answers (1)
7/30/2025, 6:31:06 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about a new mark on your inner lip, especially when it hasn't changed since you first noticed it. Let's address your situation step by step.
Main Points:
- The black mark you see may be harmless, perhaps resembling a melanotic macule, but monitoring is essential.
- Factors such as oral hygiene, sun exposure, or even the food you eat could contribute to changes in your mouth, but this specific mark deserves attention.
Explanation:
A melanotic macule is a flat, pigmented lesion that often appears in the mouth and can look like a small black or brown spot. These are usually benign and can happen due to several reasons, including minor trauma or irritation. Since you mentioned worsening oral hygiene, it's good practice to improve that, as poor hygiene can contribute to other oral health issues.
While your mark doesn't seem to change with sun exposure (as you noted it only appears when your mouth is open), it's still wise to consider all possible factors, including reactions to certain foods, particularly berries, which may cause temporary pigmentation.
Next Steps:
-
Improve Oral Hygiene: Start by returning to a thorough dental care routine. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and consider flossing daily. Avoid using mouthwash as a substitute for brushing.
-
Monitor the Mark: Keep an eye on the black mark over the next few weeks. Take note if it changes in size, color, or texture. If you notice any alterations, it's essential to seek professional help.
-
Avoid Irritants: Be cautious about consuming foods that might irritate the area or contribute to discoloration. This includes highly pigmented foods, which may temporarily stain.
-
Consult a Professional if Necessary: If the mark persists beyond a few weeks without any signs of fading, or if you experience pain, swelling, or any new symptoms, consider seeing a dentist or dermatologist for a professional evaluation.
By following these action steps, you can manage your oral health proactively while keeping tabs on the mark. If you have more concerns or updates, don't hesitate to reach out.
Related Questions
Should I Worry About This Spot?
Hello everyone! I’m a 37-year-old female, not on any medications, and generally have no major health issues. However, I do have a sensitivity to UV rays, so I always apply a good amount of sunscreen and take precautions when I'm outside, such as wearing hats for extra protection. Recently, I discovered a lump behind my ear, which I suspect could be a pimple or possibly a cyst. This prompted me to notice a new spot on my ear that resembles a freckle, hence my reason for reaching out. This new spot is different from my usual freckles. It’s slightly elevated and has a noticeable bump. Thankfully, it doesn’t hurt or itch—it's just there, but I can’t recall when it appeared, and its unusual shape and color are causing me some anxiety. Financial concerns prevent me from booking an appointment just to check if it’s merely a freckle. However, a search on Google has left me feeling anxious about the possibility of it being something more serious like skin cancer. You all know how alarming searches can be! I would appreciate any advice on whether this is something I should be worried about and seek medical attention for, or if it appears to be just a benign freckle or something uncomplicated.
Concerns Regarding Levofloxacin Overdose
Greetings, doctors, I am a 32-year-old male currently undergoing treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. My prescribed regimen includes a daily intake of 1000mg of Levofloxacin. Unfortunately, I mistakenly consumed my daily dose twice today and only just recognized my error. It has been half an hour since the second intake, and I am feeling quite anxious about the possible repercussions. Should I seek immediate medical attention at a hospital? What specific signs or symptoms should I remain vigilant for? At the moment, I feel stable and have not experienced any unusual sensations. Furthermore, as I consider my next steps, should I skip my dosage for tomorrow, which would be approximately 20 hours from now, or is it advisable to proceed with my regular medication schedule starting tomorrow? For clarity, my only excess intake was of Levofloxacin; all other medications in my treatment plan have been taken as directed. Thank you for your guidance.
Concern for a Friend's Dangerous Choices
I have a friend who is a 30-year-old man, coping with bipolar disorder and living with HIV, for which he is receiving treatment. He stands at 5’5” and maintains a healthy weight. My worry stems from his troubling behavior. Despite being diagnosed with a shellfish allergy, he has consumed shellfish multiple times over the past nine months. Recently, he shared a selfie from the emergency room, hooked up to medical equipment, which highlighted the severity of the situation. We’re all at a loss, trying to persuade him of the grave risks associated with repeated exposure to allergens, especially knowing that as the main supporter of his family, including his mother who suffers from sickle cell anemia, he cannot afford to jeopardize his health. Can any medical experts please weigh in and perhaps help convey the seriousness of his actions? It’s crucial he understands the potential life-threatening consequences of his choices!
Experiencing Periodic Bulging and Itching in a Vein in My Left Ankle
For some time now, I’ve noticed a particular vein on the side of my left ankle that occasionally bulges and itches. This started during my pregnancy, and I’m currently four weeks postpartum, yet it remains an issue. Prior to giving birth, I had concerns about a potential blood clot due to some discomfort in my calf, feet, knee, and the back of my thigh; however, those symptoms were eventually diagnosed as sciatica. My question is whether the irregularity I'm observing in this vein could be indicative of venous insufficiency, considering it's only affecting this one area of my ankle. I tend to stay relatively inactive since I’m frequently busy caring for my newborn, and I wonder if increasing my activity levels might be beneficial? I can walk without any problems, and there’s no pain associated with it.
Navigating Hyperbilirubinemia and Elevated Cholesterol: A 19-Year-Old's Perspective
Greetings! I’m a 19-year-old female, currently on sertraline (50 mg), taking iron supplements twice daily, and recently began using Nexplanon. Previously, I dealt with severe anemia, but I'm now at a more manageable level with a hemoglobin count of 12. Additionally, I’m autistic and have some mental health challenges, but I don’t think that’s relevant to my current situation. I just discovered some concerning health details today. I occasionally vape, although I prefer traditional cigarettes, using them infrequently due to their harmful nature. I’ve adhered to a diet throughout the year that has led me to lose a considerable amount of weight, aiming to eat healthily. Over the summer, I've had an occasional drink and perhaps a few during the school year. My doctor recommended a low-fat diet and advised against alcohol consumption; I’ve also received a referral for a liver ultrasound. I’m perplexed by my hyperbilirubinemia and high cholesterol, especially since I believe I maintain a wholesome diet. While I sometimes indulge in a brownie or acquire a Starbucks treat, my overall intake is rich in protein and beneficial nutrients. I don’t drink frequently, and I worry my doctor may consider me an alcoholic; in reality, I prefer cannabis but use it sparingly due to the intense hunger it incites, which can trigger unpleasant memories at night when I wake up after falling asleep under its influence. What concerns me the most are the factors contributing to my hyperbilirubinemia and elevated cholesterol levels. Aside from the occasional eating out, I consciously choose low or non-fat products and have a particular fondness for tuna, which I eat often. There are days I delay eating simply because tuna is what I crave the most. My diet also includes a significant amount of vegetables, yogurt, and shrimp—all nutritious choices. I enjoy Talenti gelato, but I limit myself to indulging once or twice a month. In my research, I encountered images of infants with jaundice, but I assure you my situation is different; it’s primarily my eyes that show yellowing, not my entire body, so it's not overly severe. I'm reaching out for advice on how to improve my condition or to understand potential causes aside from poor dietary habits, as I've been managing my eating but have recently taken a break. I'd appreciate any insights or suggestions!