Understanding My Eczema Concerns
I've been grappling with severe eczema ever since I received the birth control implant. This condition has manifested itself across my body, appearing as small, raised bumps on my hips, right wrist, both inner elbows, neck, and recently, it has also begun to affect my face, causing itchiness. While the prescribed creams provide temporary relief, one particular area on my right inner elbow, which started quite minor, has become concerning. Initially, the inner skin was extremely irritated and raw, often leaving behind a yellowish discharge as it dried overnight. Fortunately, after applying the cream I received from my doctor, that area has shown signs of healing. However, I've noticed significant changes in the past day. The previously small red ring surrounding the affected spot has expanded dramatically, growing from a mere 1 cm irritant to over an inch in diameter. The skin in that area has become highly sensitive. Could it be that my condition was misjudged? Should I be worried? Is it advisable to consult my doctor sooner rather than later?
Answers (1)
6/18/2025, 3:40:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your eczema, especially given the changes you've described. While eczema flare-ups can vary in severity and are often related to various factors, the recent rapid expansion of the rash warrants careful attention.
Explanation:
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, can be influenced by different triggers, including hormonal changes from medications like birth control. The symptoms you're experiencing, such as itching and the formation of a red ring, could indicate a few possibilities: it might still be part of your eczema flare-up, or it could indicate a secondary infection or a different skin condition altogether, particularly since there's discharge present.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a close eye on the area and note any further changes. If the redness, sensitivity, or discharge worsens or if you start experiencing systemic symptoms like fever or chills, this signals increased urgency.
-
Maintain Skin Care: Continue using the prescribed cream as directed, but avoid over-applying. Ensure the affected areas are clean and dry. Moisturizing regularly can help manage dryness and reduce irritation.
-
Consider Triggers: Reflect on any possible triggers that could be exacerbating your eczema, such as recent changes in skincare products, soaps, detergents, or diet.
-
Consult Your Doctor: Given the rapid change and the sensitivity of the area you mentioned, it would be wise to consult your doctor sooner rather than later. They may want to examine the affected area and may need to adjust your treatment plan if an infection or different condition is suspected.
Handling skin conditions can be challenging, and getting the right support from your healthcare provider is crucial. Please take care, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when needed.
Related Questions
Elevated Pulse and Systolic Pressure on Standing Without Change in Diastolic Pressure
I am an 18-year-old male from Egypt, standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 90 kg. Medical Background: I have been diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve that has progressed from causing mild aortic regurgitation to now being moderate to severe along with mild stenosis. Additionally, I seem to exhibit symptoms consistent with Meige's syndrome, which has been present since I was 12 years old. Lately, I have been experiencing a variety of symptoms including palpitations, shortness of breath, sensitivity to light, aura migraines, increased heart rate, eyelid twitching on the right side, and most troubling of all, dizziness when I stand up. The tachycardia was the first symptom to manifest, which was accompanied by excessive sweating upon standing. My blood pressure measurements indicated a systolic reading of 160/70, occasionally reaching as high as 180/90 during stressful moments. An echocardiogram, performed during a tachycardic episode, revealed severe regurgitation and mild stenosis. I was subsequently prescribed a 5 mg dosage of beta blockers, which has been effective most of the time. A follow-up echocardiogram two weeks later showed moderate regurgitation and mild stenosis, along with signs of left ventricular hypertrophy. Following this, I began experiencing photophobia (where everything appears excessively bright), right eyelid twitching, and light-headedness upon standing, particularly more than six hours after taking my beta blockers. I have consistently monitored my heart rate while seated over several days, averaging around 70 beats per minute. However, when I stand, my heart rate often surges to between 90 and 110. My blood pressure also increases from 120 systolic to between 150 and 165, while my diastolic pressure remains relatively unchanged, averaging 50-60. In addition, I underwent a duplex scan on my neck that indicated a resistance of 0.87 in my right vertebral artery, compared to 0.67 on the left. At this point, I am still trying to understand how all these various factors may be interconnected.
Arm Blisters Inquiry
I am a 41-year-old man standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 147 pounds. I don’t smoke and I'm not currently on any medication. Recently, I developed two fluid-filled blisters on each of my arms, which emerged about four days ago. Here are some relevant details: 1. Previously, I had a fungal infection on the finger of my right foot, which led to the formation of fluid-filled blisters. After one of those blisters burst, I started applying antifungal cream, and it is gradually improving. 2. The day following my foot issue, I discovered the four blisters on my arms. 3. Day 1 details are noticeable, and by Day 4, the size of the blisters has slightly increased but no new ones have developed since then. Importantly, I haven’t experienced any additional symptoms such as fever, cough, or tiredness. 4. I’ve been treating the blisters with calamine lotion on a daily basis. Given this situation, do you think I should consult a dermatologist right away, or is it better to monitor the condition for a while longer? Also, am I better off avoiding popping these blisters? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Rash Following Wasp Sting
Last week, I experienced a sting that I believe was from a wasp. Initially, the area became swollen and was quite painful for the first day. However, as time passed, the swelling subsided and I felt better. Now, six days later, the site of the sting has become intensely itchy, and I’ve noticed a raised, reddish rash extending down my leg from the sting site. Today, the itching continues unabated, and the redness appears to have worsened. I applied hydrocortisone cream to alleviate the discomfort; unfortunately, it hasn't provided significant relief. I am considering taking Benadryl later tonight in hopes of improving the situation. What could be causing this rash to emerge a week following the initial sting?
Concern Over Dysplastic Nevi with Severe Atypia
At 34 years old, I'm a 5'4", 145-pound female of Caucasian descent. I've never had any problems with skin cancer or similar conditions in the past. During my routine skin examination, my dermatologist expressed concern regarding a couple of spots on my skin and mentioned three additional areas that needed monitoring. She decided to perform biopsies on the two spots that raised alarm bells. The results indicated that both were identified as dysplastic nevi with significant atypia, resulting in a recommendation for re-excision, which they clarified amounts to a procedure similar to melanoma surgery, potentially leaving approximately a three-inch scar. Naturally, I was taken aback by the findings, prompting me to insist on having the other three spots biopsied as well. The results have recently returned, revealing that all three are also classified as dysplastic nevi with severe atypia. It strikes me as unusual that all five biopsied lesions are categorized as "severe" and necessitate surgical intervention. I'm feeling quite anxious about the situation, and I apologize if my thoughts are scattered and my writing is a bit disjointed.
Seeking Answers for My Son's Unexplained Illness
I am reaching out in desperation for assistance. My son, who is nearing 26 years old, has been struggling with health issues that remain a mystery to medical professionals. He experiences persistent tremors, which can be so severe that he is unable to walk and often resorts to crawling to reach the bathroom. His eyesight is poor, yet despite never having obtained a driver's license, eye examinations conducted by specialists indicate that his eyes themselves are physically healthy. He endures excruciating pain on a continuous basis. A recent DAT scan showed no significant findings, and we are still in the process of scheduling an MRI. Blood tests typically return normal results, although there is frequently a slight elevation in white blood cell count, leading the doctor to speculate that he might be battling a virus that has persisted for years. This troubling condition began in his teenage years and has progressively deteriorated to the point that he is now entirely disabled. Unfortunately, we have yet to find conclusive answers. As his biological mother, I suffer from fibromyalgia and ME/CFS alongside other health complications. I am at a loss for what could be affecting my son and urgently seek guidance on how I can assist him. Is there access to reliable genomic sequencing that I could explore? I am sincerely pleading for help, as this situation is breaking my heart. Thank you for taking the time to read my plea.