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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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