OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Seeking Medical Attention Confidentially

6/19/2025, 2:50:29 PMMale25-34

I’m a 16-year-old, standing at 5’4” and weighing 102 lbs, and I find myself in need of medical care. Recently, I’ve noticed concerning symptoms, including blue discoloration in my nails and fingertips. Alarmingly, I lost two toenails while running, which seems very unusual. Additionally, my fingers and toes frequently change color to a bluish hue, and my skin appears mottled. I’m uncertain about the cause, but I don’t believe this is a typical issue. Now, I would like to know if anyone has information on whether I can schedule a doctor's appointment without informing my foster parents. I prefer to keep this visit to myself and not involve them in the process.

AgingFamily MedicineInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

6/19/2025, 2:50:48 PM

OpenHealth AI

It’s important to address your symptoms seriously, particularly the blue discoloration in your nails and fingertips and the loss of toenails. These signs could indicate issues with blood flow or oxygenation in your body, which warrant medical attention.

Main Points:

  1. Your symptoms, including discoloration and toenail loss, are concerning and may require evaluation by a healthcare professional.
  2. There are ways to seek medical care independently, but the options depend on your location and local laws.

Explanation

The blue color in your nails and fingers can be a sign of reduced blood flow or oxygen in your blood, often known as cyanosis. Losing toenails can also result from trauma or poor circulation. Both issues suggest that it would be wise to see a healthcare provider to explore these concerns further, as they can help identify any underlying problems.

Next Steps

  1. Seek Medical Help: Find a local clinic or community health center where you can receive confidential medical care. Many places offer services without needing parental consent for minors.

  2. Consider Telehealth Options: If you prefer not to go in person, look for telehealth services available for your age group, where you can consult a healthcare provider online.

  3. Keep a Symptoms Journal: Document your symptoms, including when you notice changes in color and any other observed issues. This information will be helpful for the healthcare provider.

  4. Stay Safe: If at any point you experience severe symptoms (like difficulty breathing or severe pain), it’s crucial to seek immediate help as this could indicate a more serious condition.

Your health is important, and taking these steps shows you are proactive in seeking the help you need. If you want more information on specific resources or clinics near you, let me know!

Related Questions

Should I Be Concerned?

Greetings everyone. I’m a 22-year-old woman seeking some guidance. For as long as I can recall, I have noticed these "lumps" on my scalp. They generally match my skin tone and appear stable, showing no signs of growth or change in size. Their height ranges from approximately 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch, if measured generously. I’m curious to know if these should raise any red flags for me. Thank you for your input!

WellnessFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
2 minutes ago

Inquiry About Childhood Chiropractic Experience

Hello Reddit! I’m reaching out to seek insights regarding an experience from my adolescent years, roughly between the ages of 12 and 14. I’m currently 25 years old (female). To give you a bit of context, I encountered a troubling incident while bending down to access my locker; suddenly, my neck locked in a position to the side, rendering it completely immobile. The pain was unbearable. In response, my father thought it best to take me to a chiropractor, which seemed to provide some relief, yet I continued to endure significant pain and noticed an unusual odor that lingered for nearly a week. Unfortunately, this episode recurred a few months later, and I underwent the same routine; once again, I experienced that odd smell and extreme discomfort. Since those two occurrences, I have faced similar issues on only a couple of occasions, during which I opted for hospital care instead of chiropractic treatment. The medical professionals provided muscle relaxants, which effectively alleviated my pain without any bizarre lingering odor. Since those formative experiences, I have been left with a constant discomfort in my right shoulder, which feels strained frequently, and I find that my head tends to tilt towards one side. What could have caused this neck locking issue during my youth, and could my decision to visit a chiropractor instead of a physician have led to ongoing complications? I'm eager to understand what happened during those situations!

AgingFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
32 minutes ago

Frustration Over Medical Error: My Child's X-Rays Were of the Wrong Foot

[Patient: A healthy 2.5-year-old boy, average height and weight] I could really use some support right now. A couple of days ago, my toddler injured his foot while playing on a slide at the park. Since then, he hasn't been able to walk without pain or put weight on that foot, only managing to take a few steps at best. We visited his pediatrician, who performed an examination and concluded that the issue was with his left foot. She requested x-rays for that specific foot. After the x-rays were taken, the results indicated no fractures, merely suggesting a soft tissue injury that would require rest. However, after watching him struggle to move today, I've realized that he's actually favoring his left foot, while it’s his right foot that he's avoiding! They took x-rays of the wrong foot! 🤦‍♀️ As a parent, I feel absolutely devastated that this error occurred. I find myself overwhelmed with guilt for putting him through unnecessary radiation exposure. They captured around eight pictures of a foot that isn’t injured at all. The financial aspect—having spent $600 on those x-rays—feels secondary to the worry about the radiation and the continued uncertainty regarding whether there’s an actual injury. I'm feeling extremely upset and incompetent as a mother. Maybe someone could help me understand the radiation risk better? I’m really struggling with this situation.

Family MedicineInternal MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
52 minutes ago

Should I Be Worried? Firm Lump on Thigh with Expanding Swelling

I’m seeking guidance regarding a concerning issue. A solid lump emerged on my inner thigh just two days ago and has enlarged to about a centimeter in size within the day. It seems as if there are two adjacent abscesses. While it isn’t painful, I noticed some swelling yesterday, which has since increased. I am a 25-year-old trans man, standing at 5'10" and weighing around 170 lbs. I have a history of skin infections, including multiple occurrences of cellulitis and shingles that I experienced when I was 11. Additionally, I sometimes get pimples on my inner thighs. Currently, I receive 0.5mL testosterone injections weekly and take 200mg of sertraline daily. I have also recently begun iron supplements.

SupplementsLifestyle ChangesFamily Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Seeking Advice on Staying Active with Heart Palpitations

As a 21-year-old standing 6 feet tall and weighing 135 pounds, I've found myself quite inactive recently due to my studies. I had every intention of returning to my usual workout regimen last week, but I ended up experiencing heart palpitations. My physician advised against lifting weights for the time being, and the earliest appointment I could secure with a cardiologist is not until late February. In the interim, I want to maintain my health and keep moving. I’ve set a daily goal of walking between 10,000 and 15,000 steps. However, without access to weights, I’m eager to discover alternative bodyweight exercises that are safe for me to implement. What are some light or gentle activities I could engage in until I receive my evaluation? I initially sought advice on r/bodyweightfitness, but I was directed here for assistance!

ExerciseAgingWellness
Male25-34
1 hour ago