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What Causes Persistent Redness And Swelling In The Lips?

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Posted on Mon, 23 Oct 2017
Question: Briefly - For the last 5 months I've had a stiff "muzzle" (lips,cheeks, upper lip and mouth) with swollen red lips. After that started, a dentist ground two molars down to the nerve before filling the teeth - probably not related to the stiffness. Also the inside of the mouth has become very sensitive and sometimes starts a sore place which always seem to clear up within a day.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Mouth ulcers

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HealthcareMagic and thanks for putting up the query,

Please tell me for how long are you having the swollen lips?
Any history of drug reaction?

Please send me the picture of the lips and oral cavity so that I can suggest you better.

Any history of trauma?
Any history of skin disease or any other autoimmune disease?
Please follow up with these required informations

Take care
Thanks and regards


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (4 hours later)
Non trauma, skin disease or drugs.

The first symptom 5 months ago was stiff lips, lower cheeks - the whole muzzle area. So stiff that when I yawned the corners of my lips split. Because of dental visits, I haven't been able to heal them. My primary physician ignored it until a mon ago when she thought it might be Losartan (taking it about 9 years now. So she said to stop it and also leave off the Turmeric. No change from that. I'm also drinking lots of water - she says I'm dehydrated.

My friends don't notice because it subsides to fairly normal usually a few hours after I wake. Also I doubt that they really look at me - don't tell them.

I don't have a XXXXXXX device that takes pictures, etc. Sorry.IF I had your email address, I could send a picture taken last month, although it's hard to see a change with no comparison.

My basic question is what can make the whole mouth area get so stiff? The first time I was aware of it, I yawned and the corners of my mouth split! The flesh is so taut, it couldn't stretch. I can't get them to heal. The inside of the mouth is so sensitive, I had to quit using Arm & Hammer or Sensodyne. They both stung. Colgate original flavor is pretty mild. Quit lipstick because the lips are so dry and stiff that they crack if I don't keep them (and the extended corners) moistened. Also, the lips are much redder that normal.

The only drug I still take is Levothyroxin.

As for mouth ulcers - I doubt it because the only sore spots were created by an outside force - biting cheek or dentist placing a plate (to make a cast) with a rough spot on it's edge. Those would normally heal fast but now they take days. Yesterday I ate some Tunafish and the mouth stiffness & swelling came on full force. Perhaps unrelated. Later that day, first time ever, I felt electricity running around my teeth, also slight sore throat. Took zinc, Vitamin C etc. and finally gargled with colloidal silver -also an unusual procedure for me.

Please give it some more thought. This can't be an only set of symptoms. Thank you very much!!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Scleroderma

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the information.
Your all symptoms are suggestive of a skin condition called scleroderma. It is an autoimmune disease where skin starts stiffening or getting stretched.
You should consult a skin specialist and an immunologist.
A skin biopsy should be done.
Continue with the multivitamins.
You can attach the pictures in the reports section.
You are always welcome with any questions in future.

Take care
Thanks and regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (30 hours later)
Sorry to be so slow. I think your first answer was right on - on checking symptoms of Mouth Ulcer (or Oral Mucositis.) So my question is what kind of oral rinse should I use? Thank you . XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Mouth ulcers

Detailed Answer:
Hi
You should use hexidine mouth wash and take tablet vitamins c once daily.
Apply candid mouth paint.
All the medicine prescribed by me will be available only on prescription.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Thanks and regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (1 hour later)
Thank you for your patience and good answers. I just want to explain the seeming lack of radiation in my background. Between 1960 and 1990 I had lots of dental pain and went to over a hundred dentists. Of course, each one make X-rays. It hadn't bothered me until this year when I went to 3 dentists who also took -rays. One in February, one in May (onset of mouth stiffness) and the last in July.

I'll take your recommendation to my doctor and get the prescription. Thanks again. XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Mouth ulcers

Detailed Answer:
Hi
i would be delighted to help you in future too.
I hope my advise proves helpful to you.
Wish you get well soon.
Regards
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1389 Questions

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What Causes Persistent Redness And Swelling In The Lips?

Brief Answer: Mouth ulcers Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to HealthcareMagic and thanks for putting up the query, Please tell me for how long are you having the swollen lips? Any history of drug reaction? Please send me the picture of the lips and oral cavity so that I can suggest you better. Any history of trauma? Any history of skin disease or any other autoimmune disease? Please follow up with these required informations Take care Thanks and regards