What Could This Be on My Arm?
I'm a 35-year-old female-to-male individual, and I've been taking the following medications: - Ritalin 40mg daily - Sertraline, 150mg daily - Magnesium, 300mg and Vitamin B6, 2mg daily - Testosterone, 78.95mg bi-weekly (totaling 157.9mg monthly) For the past few days, I've noticed a growth on my forearm. Initially, it was itchy and hard, but over time, it has become redder and larger while feeling less itchy and softer. Yesterday, I visited the emergency room due to abdominal discomfort, where they diagnosed me with a kidney infection. I showed the growth to two doctors while I was there, but they seemed primarily focused on my abdominal issues rather than my arm, which makes me think it’s likely not too serious. I plan to consult my primary care physician once I recover from the current kidney infection; however, I’m wondering if I should be concerned enough to seek attention sooner. Could this merely be a strange insect bite? I live in an older building that has numerous cracks, and we often encounter roaches in our apartments. Given the circumstances, I suspect one of them might have bitten me. Additionally, I've recently adopted guinea pigs, and one has a noticeable injury on her ear which might have resulted from a skirmish or possibly ringworm. On a side note, I noticed that I can't upload a photo of the growth; the upload button is greyed out and unresponsive. Does anyone know how I can share an image?
Answers (1)
4/4/2025, 5:10:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing some concerning changes with a growth on your arm, especially in the context of your recent health issues. While it's understandable to feel worried about the growth, especially with its changing appearance, many possibilities could explain it, ranging from benign skin conditions to more significant concerns.
Explanation:
Given your description:
- The growth started as itchy and hard and has become red, larger, and softer. This change can occur in several skin conditions like an insect bite, allergic reaction, or even a benign tumor such as a lipoma or seborrheic keratosis.
- Your environment and potential insect exposure (like roaches) might suggest an insect bite, but the changing characteristics of the growth warrant closer attention.
- Your recent kidney infection and medications (notably testosterone) may also influence skin changes. Hormonal treatments can sometimes alter skin texture and sensitivity.
Next Steps:
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Observe the Growth Closely: Monitor for any changes over the next few days. Note any increase in size, color changes, or discomfort. Take note if it bleeds, oozes, or develops new symptoms.
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Prioritize Hygiene: Clean the area gently with mild soap and water to prevent any potential infection. Avoid scratching or irritating the growth.
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Limit Exposure to Irritants: Consider minimizing contact with substances that could exacerbate the situation. Be cautious with pets and avoid handling them excessively until you've assessed the growth further.
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Document Symptoms: Keep a note of your observations regarding the growth. This documentation will provide valuable information for your primary care doctor during your upcoming visit.
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Consider Seeking Sooner Attention if Needed: If you notice increasing pain, swelling, or any signs of infection (like pus or fever), don't hesitate to seek medical help sooner than planned.
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Discuss with Your Primary Care Provider: When you are able to see your primary care provider after your recovery from the kidney infection, make sure to bring up both the growth and your guinea pig's injury, as it might help in ruling out any potential zoonotic infections.
Regarding the image upload issue, it sounds like a technical glitch. It may be worthwhile to try refreshing the page, using a different browser, or checking for updates to the site. If you're still unable to upload a photo, consider describing the growth in more detail to help pinpoint potential concerns.
Stay attentive to your symptoms, and I wish you a smooth recovery from your kidney infection.
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