22-Year-Old Female from England Experiencing Lip Infection for Four Days
A 22-year-old woman weighing 64 kg and standing at 165 cm has been dealing with a lip infection for the past four days. Prior to this incident, she had not been on any medication. Just under a week ago, she went horse riding and, unfortunately, did not sanitize her hands immediately afterward. In a moment of anxiety, she bit her lips and then consumed food that was handed to her by someone who had just touched the horse without washing their hands. Since then, she has been experiencing severe symptoms including high fever, persistent headaches, and dizziness, along with a general feeling of her nervous system being out of balance. As a result, she has been unable to eat for several days. Additionally, her lips appear to have developed an infection that is not responding well to treatment, even though she is applying cold sore ointment (she clarifies that she does not have herpes) and using antibacterial wipes once a day. Describing the condition of her lips, she mentions they resemble crater-like formations with sensitive, creamy skin on the inside as they attempt to heal, occasionally accompanied by yellow pus around the edges. There are roughly seven scab-like spots on her lower lip, with one on the upper lip. She is seeking advice on how to resolve this issue and appreciates any assistance provided.
Answers (1)
2/5/2026, 12:30:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a concerning lip infection combined with systemic symptoms like fever and headaches. Given your situation, it's essential to treat both the local infection and monitor your overall health.
Key Points:
- You likely have an infection on your lips, potentially due to bacteria, exacerbated by biting and inadequate hygiene.
- Your fever, persistent headaches, and dizziness may suggest your body is fighting an infection or you could be experiencing a systemic reaction.
- It's important to address both the lip infection and your overall wellbeing.
Explanation:
The symptoms you're describing, including the crater-like formations, yellow pus, and scabbing on your lips, indicate a possible bacterial infection, which may require different treatment than what you're currently using. Cold sore ointments are ineffective for non-herpes infections. The systemic symptoms suggest that the infection might be more serious, as fever and systemic discomfort can occur with infections that affect the body more broadly.
Next Steps:
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Increase Hydration: Keep yourself well-hydrated by drinking water or clear fluids to help your body fight the infection.
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Apply Warm Compresses: Use a clean, warm, damp cloth on your lips several times a day to ease discomfort and encourage healing.
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Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Consider taking acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen to help reduce fever and alleviate headaches, if you don’t have any contraindications.
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Avoid Further Irritation: Refrain from biting your lips or using any ointment that hasn’t been recommended for your specific infection type to prevent aggravating the area.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms. If your fever persists beyond 72 hours, your headaches worsen, or if the infection continues to spread, you should seek medical attention promptly.
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Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene without irritating your lips. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help keep the area clean.
While these steps may help manage your symptoms, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible, as you may need prescription antibiotics if the infection is bacterial. Your overall health and the systemic symptoms you mentioned need to be evaluated to rule out any serious conditions. Please prioritize seeking help from a healthcare provider to get targeted treatment.
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