Could This Be a Verruca?
I am a 17-year-old female, weighing 42 kg and standing 165 cm tall. My current medications include sertraline, diazepam, and quetiapine. I am also a heavy smoker. My medical background consists of eczema, a peanut allergy, a heart murmur, and mental health issues. Additionally, I have a history of esophageal rupture and liver failure, although I am uncertain about how relevant this is. For roughly eight years, I have been dealing with a skin condition. Initially, it was identified as a verruca. When I was younger, I extracted the roots of it and treated the area, which led it to lose the black discoloration that typically characterizes verrucas. Nevertheless, the original site where the verruca once was remains unchanged, lacking any visible black spots or discomfort. Despite sharing living spaces and using communal showers with others for the past eight years, no one has contracted a verruca from me, suggesting it isn't contagious or painful. Despite this, when I point it out to others, they continue to insist that it resembles a verruca. I doubt it is a corn since it doesn’t have the hardened texture associated with corns. I'm perplexed about what this could be. Any insights?
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 9:40:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a longstanding skin issue that has caused you some confusion and concern. Given your history and description, what you have could potentially still be a verruca (plantar wart), but there are other possibilities as well. However, since it hasn't changed much over time and isn’t causing you pain or discomfort, it may not be harmful.
Understanding the Condition: A verruca, or wart, is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and is usually raised and rough in appearance. They can be uncomfortable if pressured but are generally not serious. Since you’ve indicated that your issue hasn't spread to others and doesn’t exhibit typical symptoms of contagion like discomfort or growth, it could be something less common, like a skin tag, scar tissue, or even a benign growth. Your significant medical background is important, especially the liver issues, as some skin conditions can relate to overall health.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Changes: Keep an eye on the area for any changes. If it grows, becomes painful, changes color, or starts itching, note these changes.
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Skin Care: Maintain proper skin hygiene and moisturize the area using emollient creams that might help with any dryness, especially considering your eczema.
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Avoid Self-Treatment: Refrain from trying to extract or treat the area on your own again. This can lead to skin trauma or infections.
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Professional Evaluation: Although you may want to avoid healthcare consultations, considering your complex medical background and the length of time of this skin condition, it's advisable to have a qualified dermatologist assess it. They can provide a definitive diagnosis and recommend treatment if necessary.
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Discussion of Overall Health: Given your medical history with liver issues and mental health medications, it would be beneficial to discuss your skin condition in the context of your overall health during your next health check.
I understand that it can be frustrating dealing with something that has been persistent for so long. Remember, having a healthcare professional evaluate any changes can help you find peace of mind. Let me know if you need further information or have other concerns!
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