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Skin & Hair Questions

Strange Discolorations on My Hand?

Hello! I’m a 21-year-old male, standing at 183 cm tall and weighing 80 kg, with no current medications. Recently, I've noticed some unusual spots on my hand, and after a friend mentioned the possibility of skin cancer, I’ve become a bit concerned. For context, there’s just over a week between the first two images I took and the last one. I should mention that these spots aren’t causing me any numbness. Appreciate any insights or advice! <3

Dry SkinDermatologySkin Cancer

Male • 25-34

1 hour ago

Mysterious Skin Rashes Leave Doctors Puzzled

Age 32, female, residing in the UK, weighing 145 kg, I face challenges with obesity and a complicated medical history. This includes atrial fibrillation managed with bisoprolol at 7.5 mg and edoxaban at 60 mg daily, as well as experiences with Prinzmetal angina, sleep apnea, bipolar disorder type 2, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression, and stage 2 chronic kidney disease. Furthermore, I suffer from hidradenitis suppurativa, currently classified as stage 2-3. For roughly a month, I’ve been dealing with a persistent rash that stretches from my left foot to my knee. This rash has been excruciatingly painful, characterized by a burning and throbbing sensation, though it does not itch and is not elevated. When I consulted with an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP), she was at a loss regarding the cause. Her treatment plan included prescribing co-codamol (30/500 mg) along with a recommendation to apply dermol cream. Following that weekend, I developed a remarkably tender area on the back of my thigh and beneath my buttock on the same leg. It had a bruised feeling despite no visible marks at that time. The next day, multiple clusters resembling blisters emerged and the pain intensified. Consequently, I scheduled a follow-up appointment for the following Monday with a doctor. Unfortunately, he too was unable to determine the nature of the rashes. In an examination, he gently prodded the recent blister outbreak with a pen's flat end, prompting a reaction from me, to which he noted, "That must have hurt." He prescribed a combined steroid, antibiotic, and antifungal cream for treatment. Since then, my initial localized rash shows no signs of improvement, while the blisters have begun forming scabs. Adding to my anxiety, I previously experienced necrotizing fasciitis in that same leg two years ago, nearly leading to the amputation of the limb due to a central line infection. This history amplifies my concern about the current skin issues I am facing.

Fungal InfectionRashDermatitis

Male • 25-34

5 hours ago

Experiencing Acne Changes After Chickenpox

As a 19-year-old female standing 159 cm tall and weighing 52 kg, I've encountered a troubling change in my skin since contracting chickenpox in October 2024. Previously, I had struggled with acne for quite some time, but the type of breakouts I've been facing post-chickenpox is noticeably different. In the past, my acne consisted mainly of typical pimples. However, following the chickenpox episode, I’ve been dealing with particularly hard, red nodules that can take an entire month to resolve. This shift in the nature of my acne is concerning, and I’m left wondering what could be causing these changes.

MolesDermatitisAcne

Male • 25-34

5 hours ago

Concerns Regarding Skin Changes: Raised Freckle and Changing Seborrheic Keratosis

A 44-year-old woman, who does not smoke and has a history of health complications including fibroids, bilateral ovarian cysts, bowel prolapse, rectocele, and redundant bowel, is seeking advice regarding recent skin changes. Last year, she consulted her general practitioner about a growth located about two inches above her left hip. The doctor suspected it to be a seborrheic keratosis and confirmed this diagnosis using a dermatoscope. As the growth appeared entirely harmless, she was not referred to a dermatologist. Recently, however, she has noticed alterations in the color and texture of the growth, along with occasional bleeding. While she understands that it is still likely to be a seborrheic keratosis, she would greatly appreciate a professional opinion on the matter. Furthermore, she has developed an unusual 'freckle' on her face over the past four months. A couple of weeks ago, it seemed somewhat dry, prompting her brother to mistakenly believe it was something stuck to her skin and attempt to wipe it off. She is curious to know if this facial mark could also be another seborrheic keratosis, as it appeared suddenly and does not align with the typical symptoms of skin cancer presented online. This mark measures approximately 7mm in length and about 2mm in width, exhibiting a raised texture and a distinctly darker complexion compared to her surrounding skin. Photos illustrate the seborrheic keratosis as it appeared during her GP visit versus its current state, along with the new facial mark in question.

MolesDermatologySkin Cancer

Male • 25-34

9 hours ago

Determining If It’s a Yeast Infection

Seeking clarity on whether I may have a yeast infection has been quite challenging, as my online research has produced mixed messages. English is not my primary language, so I appreciate your understanding with my phrasing. I’m a 24-year-old female in a long-term relationship, and my only concern is what I believe to be unusual discharge. This has persisted for some time, but it doesn't occur uniformly throughout my menstrual cycle; there are moments when the quantity seems less. I was tested for STDs last year, and all results came back negative. My only sexual partner is my boyfriend, who also had a negative test. I don’t experience an unpleasant smell, itching, redness, swelling, or discomfort during intercourse; the main issue appears to be a significant amount of white, clumpy discharge. Right now, I'm on day 17 of my 26-day cycle. Sometimes, the discharge resembles what I’ve seen in images similar to this case, though I notice it can vary with more noticeable amounts. The texture is clumpy and doesn’t feel sticky, remaining moist. This discharge is present during intercourse on both my boyfriend and the condom. I also observe that during ovulation, my discharge is clear, stretchy, and slippery, which I assume is typical. I occasionally use condoms, although I do not rely on them every time. A few months ago, I tried using Canesten, though I remain uncertain if it made a difference. Could it be that my partner might have transmitted something back to me? For personal hygiene, I use unscented Dove soap externally, avoiding any internal cleaning. I often forget to drink sufficient water, so dehydration could possibly be a contributing factor. I haven’t seen a doctor as it hasn’t felt urgent, given the absence of severe symptoms, plus I’m financially constrained. I genuinely seek your insights on this matter, as it has been taking a toll on my self-esteem and overall comfort in my skin. I would appreciate any guidance you can provide. :(

Fungal InfectionRashEczema

Male • 25-34

14 hours ago

Dark Lips Dilemma

Hello everyone, I'm reaching out because I've been experiencing an unusual issue with my lips that first appeared last year and seems to be recurring now. Around late summer, possibly August or September, I noticed a sudden transformation in the color of my lips, making them appear nearly black. This change occurred rapidly, following a few days of discomfort. Initially, my lips become very dry, itchy, and start to crack; and if I leave them unprotected, they feel like they're burning, compelling me to apply something—be it lip gloss, balm, or another product—to alleviate the burning sensation. After enduring this dryness and irritation for several days, there's a significant darkening of the lips. Thankfully, they eventually return to their normal hue, but it seems this cycle begins again as fall approaches each year. I should clarify that while I occasionally use Dior lip oil, my usage is quite rare. I've heard discussions surrounding it possibly leading to hyperpigmentation; however, I can confidently say that's not the case for me. I've been consistently using a different lip balm, thus the Dior oil is unlikely responsible for the changes in my lip color. My primary source of confusion lies in whether this issue is tied to seasonal variations, given the timing correlates with the weather changes, or if there might be another underlying skin condition at play. I'm curious to hear if anyone else has gone through a similar experience of lips becoming extremely dry and sensitive, changing colors, and ultimately what might be causing it. At times, my lips appear as though I'm wearing black lipstick!

Dry SkinRashDermatitis

Male • 25-34

16 hours ago

Understanding Brownish Vaginal Discharge

I’m a 33-year-old woman and noticed something unusual when I went to the restroom. I found some brownish discharge on the toilet paper afterward. I'm wondering if this is a typical occurrence. The texture was unusually sticky, almost like rubber cement, and it seemed quite thick. I’ve recently completed treatment for leukemia, and during that time, I was prescribed norethindrone for about eight months. Since I just wrapped up that medication a few weeks ago, my menstrual cycle has been a bit irregular, so I suspect this might be related. However, I thought it best to check and get a second opinion. Currently, I'm not sexually active and my medication routine includes only acyclovir and sertraline—I've been on acyclovir since my leukemia treatment began and have been prescribed sertraline for over 15 years now. Thanks for any insights!

DermatologyDermatitisAllergology

Male • 25-34

19 hours ago

Cyst-like Growth on Tongue: Recurrences and Confusion

I was born with a peculiar cyst resembling a skin tag located on the underside of my tongue. I underwent removal of this growth at the age of three, which was subsequently sent for analysis. Surprisingly, it reappeared on its own thereafter. This phenomenon is quite unfamiliar to me, and likely to many others as well. I can provide a visual reference if necessary; the growth is roughly 1 to 2 millimeters in size, positioned at the center of the tip of my tongue. Numerous tests have been conducted on it, including earlier removal attempts, but it continually returns. Remarkably, it never seems to increase in size. Extensive blood tests were performed to exclude potential conditions, including HPV. This leaves me perplexed: how can a skin tag exist on a muscle?

MolesSkin CancerDermatitis

Male • 25-34

22 hours ago

Seeking Help: Unidentified Skin Condition in 30-Year-Old Woman

I'm a 30-year-old woman from the Midwest, currently taking Sertraline (Zoloft). I first noticed this skin issue on December 30, 2024, and it's recurred only once since then. In total, I've had this strange condition twice. I would appreciate any insights or advice on what this could possibly be since my primary doctor and online research haven't provided any clarity. Details are available in the comments for further context.

Fungal InfectionRashDermatitis

Male • 25-34

1 day ago

Seeking Assistance for Skin Issue (Male, 18)

I'm experiencing a troubling condition—a red rash has developed in the area between my testicles and thigh. It resembles mud that has dried and become caked, causing considerable discomfort. Despite my efforts to address it using rash cream and maintaining a daily washing routine, there hasn't been any improvement. I've even switched to a soap designed for sensitive skin to see if that helps, but to no avail. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!