Seeking Advice on Lip and Arm Irritation Post-Massage
Age: 28 Gender: Male Height: 6'3" Weight: 200 lbs Ethnicity: South Asian Duration of symptoms: 24 hours Affected Areas: Hands and arms Pre-existing health conditions: None Medications: None Smoking status: THC vape user Greetings, I recently made a poor choice by visiting a massage establishment. After the session, I noticed the therapist had a distinct round, reddish patch on her chest, roughly the size of a quarter. While my arms were exposed, the rest of my body was covered by clothing. After I left, I felt an odd warmth and irritation on my skin, though it wasn't itchy and there was no fluid leakage. To my surprise, I found different bumps emerging on my arms shortly afterward. The following day, I observed that the corners of both my lips appeared swollen and irritated. I am concerned that I might have contracted herpes or some form of infection on my lips. I have a known case of HSV-1, and I wonder if this could be HSV-2 or if it is in any way related to my current symptoms. I did engage in some very light kissing, and the sores on my lips developed the next day, while the bumps on my arms surfaced just a few hours after the massage. I’m anxious about the potential risks stemming from the massage. What could be the cause of these symptoms?
Answers (1)
9/5/2025, 4:01:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about your symptoms following a massage, especially given your known history of HSV-1. Your symptoms, including the warmth and irritation on your arms, as well as the swollen corners of your lips, may be connected to either a skin irritation or an infection.
Explanation
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Skin Irritation: The round reddish patch observed on the therapist, along with exposure during the massage, could indicate possible skin irritation or contact dermatitis, particularly if any oils or lotions used during the massage could have reacted with your skin. This may explain the bumps you noticed on your arms.
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Herpes Consideration: Given your known HSV-1 condition, it’s possible that the bumps and lip irritation are related, especially since the timing aligns with activities that could facilitate the virus's reactivation, such as light kissing. However, HSV-2 typically requires more direct contact, so while it is theoretically possible, your symptoms are more likely to be linked to HSV-1 if they are indeed an outbreak.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms over the next few days. Observe if the bumps on your arms change in size, appearance, or sensation. Likewise, note any changes in your lip irritation.
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Self-Care for Irritation:
- Avoid Irritants: Refrain from applying any harsh products to your skin. Stick to gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers if needed.
- Cold Compress: Applying a clean, cool compress to the irritated areas can help alleviate discomfort.
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Antiviral Consideration: Since you have a history of HSV-1, consider using an over-the-counter topical antiviral cream (like those containing acyclovir) for your lips if you suspect an outbreak. Ensure your hands are clean before applying.
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**Seek Consultation if:
- Symptoms worsen or do not improve in a few days.
- You experience new symptoms such as itching, significant pain, or signs of infection (such as increased redness, warmth, or discharge).
- If you are concerned about the risks of HSV transmission.
It’s important to remember that many skin and lip issues can resolve on their own, and staying calm while monitoring the situation is key. If you have any more worries or notice further changes, reaching out for medical advice would be beneficial. Take care, and let me know if you need more assistance!
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