What causes a bump on the lip after biting or oral contact?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
This morning, I had unprotected sex with someone new. We also kissed and had oral sex. Before I even met her, I started biting the corner of my mouth, which is something I usually do not do. After she left, about an hour later, I noticed a bump on the corner of my bottom lip. At first, it was small, but then it started getting bigger. I tried rinsing with salt water, but it made the area burn and irritated it more. The bump grew larger, became wider, and then flattened out. It does not hurt, but it feels uncomfortable because my teeth keep touching it, even when my mouth is closed. I can always feel it there, and it is making it hard to talk. I am not sure if it is a cold sore from oral contact (possibly herpes) or just a mucocele from biting my lip.
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Based on what you described, it sounds more like a mucocele, which is a harmless bump caused by damage to a small salivary gland, often from biting your lip. This seems likely because the bump appeared right after you bit your lip, it is soft and painless, and it grew in size before flattening out. It is also located on the inside of your lip near the corner, a common area for mucoceles, and you did not experience any tingling, burning, or a group of blisters.
It is probably not herpes at this point because oral herpes usually begins with a tingling or burning sensation, followed by the appearance of small, painful blisters that later burst and form a crust. The first outbreak can also cause flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, fever, or swollen glands. Additionally, you noticed the bump just hours after contact, which is too soon for herpes symptoms to appear; they usually take between two to twelve days.
To help with healing, do not pop or pick at the bump, as that can cause irritation or infection. Instead, rinse your mouth gently with warm saltwater (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of water) two to three times a day. Avoid foods that are spicy, acidic, or crunchy, as they might make the area more irritated. In many cases, mucoceles shrink or go away on their own within one to two weeks. However, if it does not heal or keeps coming back, a dentist or doctor can remove it safely.
You should be more concerned about herpes if you notice a cluster of small, painful blisters, if the sore becomes crusted or starts to spread, or if you experience flu-like symptoms such as fever or swollen glands. If any of that happens, it is important to visit a clinic for a swab test or blood test to check for herpes. Let me know if you would like help finding a low-cost clinic or testing center near you.
I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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