Strange Oral Sores Since March
At 25 years old, I currently have no specific medical diagnosis and am not on any medications aside from taking Advil occasionally and a daily multivitamin, along with infrequent Culturelle probiotics. Since the beginning of March, I have been experiencing perplexing sores in my mouth that emerge whenever I consume acidic, spicy, or greasy foods. Depending on what I eat, the discomfort can last anywhere from just one day to several days. Tomatoes are the main culprit, often leading to larger lesions and, on rare occasions, swelling of the lips. These sores exclusively form on the inner surface of my lips, extending toward the gum line, and occasionally on the sides or beneath my tongue. I consulted my primary care physician, who speculated that my symptoms might relate to Celiac disease, especially since a family member has been diagnosed with it. To investigate this further, I eliminated gluten from my diet and meticulously checked food labels and certifications for two months but saw no improvement. Subsequently, I visited an allergist to discount the possibility of food allergies. While the tests confirmed I have no food allergies, I did discover that I am allergic to cats. Interestingly, I adopted a cat about a month prior to the onset of my symptoms. However, I've been surrounded by cats my entire life at my parents’ home, so I’m uncertain whether this is a likely cause. The allergist prescribed Acyclovir, suspecting it could be a form of herpetiform verruca, although I have yet to take the medication. A similar incident occurred approximately five years ago, triggered by consuming tomato-based soups. In that case, symptoms were mild, manifesting as small spots on just one side of my upper lip, which disappeared within a day. I greatly miss enjoying the variety of foods I used to eat. Although my multivitamin, rich in B12, seems to provide some relief, I have yet to find a definitive solution for this lingering issue.
Answers (1)
8/2/2025, 6:11:01 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with frustrating and painful oral sores that significantly impact your quality of life, especially following certain foods. Your symptoms seem to point toward a sensitivity or an underlying condition, and I empathize with your desire to find relief. Let's break this down and outline some actionable steps you can take.
Explanation
The sores you're experiencing, particularly after consuming acidic and spicy foods, might relate to several factors. These could include oral mucosal irritation, a potential genetic predisposition (given your family history), or a non-allergic reaction to certain food components. It’s notable that your symptoms intensified with the introduction of a new cat, although this may not be the primary cause.
The hypothesis regarding herpetiform lesions suggests a possible viral origin, which might be covered by the Acyclovir your allergist prescribed. However, as you've not initiated this treatment yet, it might be worthwhile to consider what immediate steps you can take to manage your symptoms.
Prioritized Next Steps
-
Consider Taking Acyclovir: Before making any adjustments, it would be a good idea to start the Acyclovir as prescribed by your allergist. It is specifically indicated for viral infections and may help alleviate your oral sores if they are indeed viral in nature.
-
Track Food and Symptoms: Maintain a detailed food diary to monitor what you eat and when sores appear. Documenting patterns can help identify specific triggers beyond what you've noticed so far.
-
Avoid Known Irritants: Until you see some improvement, try to avoid consuming tomatoes, citrus fruits, spicy foods, and greasy items. This will help reduce the occurrence of sores and allow your mouth to heal.
-
Consider a Different Multivitamin: Although your multivitamin may provide relief, it could be beneficial to discuss a formulation that includes additional oral health-boosting vitamins (like Vitamin C for healing, or folic acid) with a healthcare provider or a nutritionist.
-
Consider Any Potential Stressors: Sometimes, stress or significant lifestyle changes can affect your oral health. Pay attention to any stressors in your life and think about implementing stress-reducing practices such as yoga or meditation.
-
Regular Oral Care: Maintain good oral hygiene, using a mild toothpaste and rinsing your mouth with saltwater or a non-alcoholic mouthwash to help soothe irritation and promote healing.
-
Follow Up with Healthcare Providers: If your symptoms persist after initiating treatment with Acyclovir and adjusting your diet, consider following up with both your primary care physician and the allergist for further evaluation. They may suggest additional tests or treatments based on your ongoing symptoms and history.
Conclusion
Finding a definitive solution to your oral sores can take time, but by following these steps, I hope you can find some relief and gradually reintroduce many of your favorite foods. Remember, consistency with these changes is key, and it’s important to keep your healthcare providers informed of your progress. Let me know if you need more detailed information on any of these steps.
Related Questions
Seeking Insight on MRI Results for Puncture Wound
I am a 31-year-old woman generally in good health and not managing any chronic illnesses. I don’t take any ongoing medications besides those related to this incident. Additionally, I'm a non-smoker and, to my knowledge, have no underlying healing conditions. My height is 5’6” and I weigh around 280 pounds. On July 24th, I accidentally stepped on a rusty nail, which penetrated my shoe and lodged into my foot. It required assistance to remove it. I visited urgent care, where they cleaned and bandaged the wound, prescribed Cipro, and administered a Tetanus vaccination before sending me home. Five days later, I returned, as my condition had not improved. After examining me, the physician ordered X-rays and indicated that I had an infection. He switched my medication to Keflex to be taken four times daily and advised me to consult an orthopedic specialist if my symptoms did not improve. On Friday, I met with the orthopedic team, which arranged for me to undergo an MRI at the hospital immediately. As it is now the weekend, I cannot reach anyone for an interpretation of the MRI findings. I’m wondering if anyone can assist in explaining these results? Do they suggest an infection? Thank you for your help! 😊 The MRI findings indicate mild subcutaneous fluid accumulation and swelling at the top of my foot, with overall muscle mass being preserved. There is no evidence of fluid buildup within the muscle. The plantar fascia shows no irregularities. A marker was placed at the plantar area of the fourth MTP joint, and it reveals slight subcutaneous edema along with a reduction in normal fatty tissue signal on T1 imaging. Importantly, there are no distinct or drainable fluid collections in that area. The plantar plate remains intact, and both the flexor and extensor tendons show no signs of damage.
71-Year-Old Male with Knee Injury Appears Complicated
A 71-year-old man experienced a scraped knee about three weeks ago while trying out some fishing rods in his backyard. Although the wound has remained covered with a bandage throughout this period, it is now showing signs of concern as the scab is turning black. Due to existing plaque psoriasis, he exclusively wears jeans, which has made managing the injury more challenging.
Understanding My Mysterious Health Issues
Greetings. I am a 49-year-old woman grappling with what appears to be a persistent infection affecting my shoulder, lung, or potentially both. Background: I struggled with chronic strep throat during my childhood, which unfortunately led to excessive antibiotic use. I suspect I may have experienced rheumatic fever at some stage. In my early twenties, I developed Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), following my treatment for strep, during which I fear I contracted Clostridium difficile (c-diff). Shortly thereafter, I found myself hospitalized at 32 due to an empyema in my right lung, a condition that arose after enduring agonizing back spams. Despite my time in the hospital, my health did not improve, and medical professionals were unable to provide a definitive diagnosis. In a bid to understand my condition, I identified a sensitivity to gluten, which allowed me to make some progress in my recovery. However, I now manage a low-carb and sugar-reduced diet, as deviations sometimes lead to a resurgence of discomfort, characterized by a sense of heaviness and pain in my lung area. In my twenties, I underwent arthroscopic surgery on my knee, during which doctors noted significant deterioration of my cartilage. This degradation seems to have spread to my other joints over time. An immunologist later informed me that I have an IGG immune deficiency, complicating my health further. Additional symptoms include the appearance of “water blisters” behind my ears and along my neck, intermittent joint pain, and a range of cognitive issues like brain fog and overwhelming fatigue. Mood fluctuations often accompany my infections, and I occasionally experience an itchy sensation across my body, which can feel like either insects crawling on me or severely dry skin. For the past five years, I have battled stiffness in my back and neck alongside intermittent burning sensations and inflammation. On multiple occasions, I sought emergency care, fearing meningitis; however, tests yielded no conclusive results, and a spinal tap was never performed. To manage my symptoms, I take garlic supplements and various antibacterial and antifungal products, which provide some relief. In recent months, I have noticed mild chest discomfort. Cardiac evaluations returned normal. Nonetheless, it seems whatever I am experiencing has progressed to the opposite side of my chest. Following a mild bout of COVID, the symptoms appear to have intensified, now affecting my left lung and shoulder. While I initiated adjustments to my diet and resumed garlic supplementation, improvement has been limited. Despite consulting rheumatologists and specialists in infectious diseases, I often feel dismissed. Many suggest that only individuals with AIDS or existing autoimmune disorders exhibit similar symptoms. Considering my history of chronic strep infections, excessive antibiotic treatments, and compromised immune response, shouldn’t there be a valid reason for further investigation? I am reaching out for insights into what I might be facing and guidance on whom to consult next. I suspect there may be lingering strep or a fungal issue at play, but I am unsure how to communicate this effectively to medical professionals. I am desperate to avoid additional invasive procedures like chest tubes and feel incredibly lost and frustrated in this situation.
Is a Blood Pressure of 103/62 Too Low for an Active Individual?
I’m a 24-year-old woman, standing at 5’4” and weighing 118 pounds. I lead an active lifestyle and have never engaged in smoking or drinking alcohol. I’ve been curious whether it’s typical for someone who is physically active to experience lower blood pressure levels, or if I should be worried about my readings. To clarify, I've been feeling perfectly fine, but after discovering that this particular measurement is often regarded as quite low, I’ve started to fret. My resting heart rate typically ranges from 65 to 70 beats per minute. The only medication I take is Slynd, which is a form of birth control.
Craving for Raw Meat: Understanding the Urge
At 19 years old and identifying as intersex, I experience an uncontrollable attraction to raw steak and ground beef on numerous occasions, which might seem unappealing to many. Could this craving point to a possible nutritional deficiency, similar to the compulsion some have for eating ice? Additionally, I have type 1 diabetes and a weakened immune system, which complicates my situation further.