Seeking Dermatologist Advice
I am a 26-year-old male residing in the UK, and I've struggled with sensitive skin and eczema my entire life. Recently, I discovered a reddish spot on my neck shortly after shaving—it appeared either last Tuesday or Wednesday, meaning it's been present for around six to seven days. I haven't attempted to pop it; I've decided to leave it alone for the time being. Is there a chance that this could be something serious?
Answers (1)
4/23/2025, 9:50:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about a new spot on your skin, especially given your history of sensitive skin and eczema. The reddish spot on your neck might be due to irritation from shaving, an allergic reaction, or a skin condition related to your eczema. While it’s often not serious, monitoring it closely is important.
Explanation:
-
Potential Causes:
- Irritation: Shaving can lead to razor burn, especially on sensitive skin. This may cause redness and inflammation.
- Eczema Flare-Up: If you have eczema, skin lesions can sometimes manifest, particularly if your skin has been stressed or irritated.
- Allergic Reaction: New grooming or skincare products could trigger a reaction, especially if they contain fragrances or harsh chemicals.
-
When to Worry: It's generally unlikely that a recently appeared spot, especially linked to shaving, is serious. However, signs that warrant faster evaluation include the spot growing, changing color, becoming painful, or if you develop fever or other systemic symptoms.
Next Steps:
- Gentle Cleansing: Clean the area daily with a mild soap and lukewarm water to avoid further irritation.
- Avoid Irritants: Avoid shaving the area again until it has healed. Steer clear of perfumed products or harsh topical treatments on this spot.
- Moisturize: Use a fragrance-free moisturizer or eczema-specific cream on your skin to keep it hydrated and to aid healing.
- Monitor Changes: Keep an eye on the spot over the next week. If it fades and improves, continue your current routine.
- Document Symptoms: Take note of any changes, such as size, color, or discomfort. If the situation does not improve or worsens, consider speaking with a healthcare professional for further advice.
Taking these steps should help manage your current skin concern effectively. If you have any specific questions or need more clarity, feel free to share!
Related Questions
Bumpy, Itchy Skin Symptoms
26 years old, weighing 135 lbs. The onset of this skin issue began last Tuesday. Throughout the day, I experience intense itching in various areas of my body, which is then followed by the emergence of small bumps. These symptoms subside but leave my skin feeling dry, and I have noticed several patches of dryness developing as well. Most notably, this condition seems to worsen during the mornings, particularly affecting my forearms. I’ve ruled out any recent changes in laundry detergents or new foods in my diet. Could this be attributed to the spring season arriving here in Canada?
Concern Over an Unfamiliar Skin Irregularity
At 47 years old and living with both psoriatic arthritis and temporal lobe epilepsy, I recently encountered a peculiar blemish on my back that my wife pointed out. She mentioned that it appears to be a recent development, as she had not noticed it prior to today. Attempting to gather some insights, I turned to online resources, but the results were far from conclusive. I plan to consult with my doctor about this issue; however, it looks like I will face a wait of several months before securing an appointment.
Clarification Needed on Skin Biopsy Results
Three weeks back, my dermatologist excised a mole she deemed worrisome and sent it for biopsy analysis. I received the results just this evening at 5 PM, moments after the office had closed, and it seems I won’t be able to get an explanation until Thursday. I’m reaching out in hopes that someone can shed some light on these findings for me. From my preliminary online research, I gather that it may be a benign mole; however, I am puzzled by the recommendation for re-excision and the mention of an imperfect PRAME result. **FINAL DIAGNOSIS:** 1. **Skin, Left Mid Upper Back, Shave Procedure:** A. A combined intradermal melanocytic nevus, demonstrating characteristics of both a banal nevus and a common blue nevus (refer to comments for more information). B. The lateral margin shows involvement. **COMMENTARY:** 1. The analysis of the biopsy slides reveals sections of an intradermal melanocytic growth, which consists of a layer of superficial small epithelioid melanocytes with vesicular nuclei situated in the papillary dermis, along with deeper hyperpigmented spindle-shaped melanocytes. The presence of melanocytes is confirmed via SOX-10 staining. However, the PRAME result is technically flawed. BRAF gene testing returned negative, while P16 expression is maintained. Due to the positive margins, it is recommended that a complete re-excision be performed to ensure thorough removal and to avert any risk of recurrence or further progression of the lesion. The reviewing physician concurs with this interpretation. **MICROSCOPIC DETAILS:** The findings at the microscopic level support the provided diagnosis. **GROSS DESCRIPTION:** The first part of the sample is tagged as originating from the left mid upper back (showing pigmentation at the base of the shave, followed by additional shaving and a punch biopsy to eliminate all visible pigment). The specimen comprises three pale tan to tan pieces measuring between 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.1 cm and 0.5 x 0.4 x 0.1 cm, all of which have been fully submitted in a cassette labeled "1A." I'm hoping to better understand what these results imply and the next steps I should consider.
Could This Be Skin Cancer?
M28, height 6.75 feet, weighing 82 kg. I’ve had this unusual bump on my palm for approximately six months. Initially, I presumed it was a minor splinter made of glass or metal from my job, prompting me to attempt extraction with tweezers. There’s a tiny white pimple at the center of this growth, which I refer to as a ‘volcano formation.’ Despite my efforts, I was unable to remove it, leading me to think it might eventually resolve on its own. Unfortunately, it hasn’t gone away, and I experience slight discomfort when pressure is applied—similar to the sensation of a splinter or a small round object beneath my skin. At times, I also notice a mild burning feeling in the area, reminiscent of the sting from alcohol on dry skin. Moreover, the skin above this white protrusion appears not to have healed fully—it seems like a thin layer of skin encircles it while another layer lies beneath the surface. I usually consider myself to be in good health, even if my lifestyle has been less than ideal over the past three years. I don’t have any other noticeable skin issues, but I should mention that a distant relative, my great-grandmother, battled stomach cancer. So, should I be concerned about this?
Identifying Testicular Skin Bumps: Could They Be Fordyce Spots?
Age: 29 | Height: 5’11” | Weight: 250 lbs Hello everyone, Recently, I've observed several tiny, firm, white bumps on the skin of my testicles. They don’t cause any discomfort, itching, or irritation—they’re just present. These bumps have remained unchanged in size and quantity for quite some time. I've come across information regarding Fordyce spots as well as sebaceous cysts, and the descriptions I've seen seem to align with what I’m experiencing. I would greatly appreciate any insights you might have. I do intend to consult a healthcare professional soon, but I wanted to reach out here first for any additional thoughts on the matter.