Why do I have pain and a bump at the corner of my mouth?

Question

Hello doctor,

Yesterday I suddenly started feeling pain in the right corner of my mouth. It hurts when touched, and if I run my finger over it after drinking water, it hurts. I think a few days earlier, while smoking, I felt like there was something “inside,” but I do not really know how to describe it.

When the area is at rest, it does not hurt, but I have a tingling or burning sensation, or maybe I am just overly focused on that spot. My girlfriend is a beautician, and she thinks it is a blackhead, since she deals with many blackheads at work in all sorts of places. Under my finger, it feels a bit raised and slightly red around it. I just want to hear that it is harmless. I also have a cat that sometimes puts its paw on me, but I do not think it is because of that. I just want to calm down. Please tell me that this is not something to worry about and that I need to stop looking at it.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand how uncomfortable and anxiety-provoking it can be when you suddenly feel pain or an unusual sensation on your face, especially near the mouth, where we constantly notice it. From what you have described and based on the picture attached (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity), you have folliculitis, which is a common, harmless inflammation of a hair follicle, often caused by minor bacterial infection, friction, smoking irritation, or even touching the area repeatedly. The tenderness on touch, slight redness, raised feel, and burning or tingling sensation are all features of acute folliculitis.

It is not dangerous, not related to your cat, and not something serious like cancer or a nerve problem, so you can be reassured on this.

Your girlfriend’s thought about a blackhead also makes sense, because folliculitis can feel very similar in the early stage. The good news is that this condition usually settles quickly with simple treatment and does not leave scars if you avoid squeezing or picking at it. The discomfort you are feeling at rest is very likely due to mild inflammation and heightened awareness of the area. Once you stop checking it constantly, that sensation usually fades on its own.

I am giving you a step-by-step treatment plan to effectively manage acute folliculitis.

Please apply Fusidic acid cream or Clindamycin gel 1% in a thin layer twice daily directly on the affected area for seven days.
This will help clear the bacteria and reduce inflammation.
In addition, take one tablet of Diclofenac sodium plus Serratiopeptidase twice daily for three days to help with pain and swelling.
Make sure to take it after food.

After care and precautions that you should take:

Keep the area clean and dry.
Wash your face gently with a mild cleanser.
Avoid touching, rubbing, or squeezing the spot.
Do not apply harsh products, alcohol, or home remedies to the area.
Try to avoid smoking for a few days if possible, as it can delay healing.
You should start noticing improvement within 48 to 72 hours, and complete resolution usually occurs within a week.

Most importantly, please try to stop inspecting or focusing on the area repeatedly, as this can amplify sensations and anxiety. Your body is already doing the work of healing. At this point, there is no cause for worry.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.