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:
-
Monitor Changes: Keep an eye on the area for any changes. If it grows, becomes painful, changes color, or starts itching, note these changes.
-
Skin Care: Maintain proper skin hygiene and moisturize the area using emollient creams that might help with any dryness, especially considering your eczema.
-
Avoid Self-Treatment: Refrain from trying to extract or treat the area on your own again. This can lead to skin trauma or infections.
-
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.
-
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!
Related Questions
Addressing Constipation in a One-Year-Old
I have a one-year-old daughter who weighs roughly 20 pounds and stands 29 inches tall. She has a strong appetite and enjoys a variety of foods, including fruits, fruit pouches, carbohydrates, vegetables, and proteins. However, she’s not a fan of milk, so I mix it with formula to help her drink it. Juice is also not appealing to her. Lately, we've been facing significant challenges with her constipation. For the past six weeks, I've been administering glycerin suppositories once or twice a week. Our pediatrician has now suggested trying Miralax, which we’re beginning to introduce. I’m concerned; am I causing any harm to her by using these suppositories? She seems very uncomfortable, but after using them, she feels much better!
Seeking Guidance on My Father's Rare Medical Condition
**Hello everyone, I'm reaching out to see if anyone has had a similar experience to what my dad is going through or if you might have some helpful advice or perspectives to share.** We feel quite lost and are hoping to gain some clarity on this situation. Back in December 2024, we began to notice that my dad was unexpectedly shedding pounds without any discernible cause. He tended to downplay our concerns whenever we suggested he see a doctor; however, by March, the situation had escalated to a level that couldn’t simply be overlooked. In April, we finally took him for a medical evaluation. The blood tests revealed a troubling imbalance: an extremely high count of white blood cells alongside a significantly low count of red blood cells. Initially, the physicians considered Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and prescribed Imatinib (an oral chemotherapy); regrettably, it proved ineffective. By June, he began to experience involuntary movements in his feet. We took him to St. Luke’s, where an MRI uncovered a **lesion on the right hemisphere of his brain**, which could account for the involuntary motions occurring on the **left** side of his body. The medical team indicated that this lesion is likely associated with the abnormalities in his blood cell production. **Blood cell production issue → Right brain lesion → Uncontrollable twitching** Currently, the doctors are pondering whether this could be a rare and aggressive condition, but we are still without a definitive diagnosis. He is scheduled for additional imaging to explore potential complications, and we are striving to remain optimistic... though, to be honest, the whole experience has left us feeling quite overwhelmed and unsure regarding the next steps to take. We are opening our hearts and reaching out not only for advice but also for a sprinkle of hope. If needed, we are willing to share medical records, test outcomes, or any relevant documents through private messages. Thank you sincerely for taking the time to read this. Your support, in any form, is incredibly meaningful to us at this challenging time.
Surviving a Tylenol Overdose: How Rare or Common Is It?
I apologize for the somber nature of my inquiry, but it's a question that has lingered in my mind. Back in 2020, I was just 17 when I ingested 53 extra strength Tylenol tablets (500mg each) in an attempt to take my life. Following the incident, I endured three days of distress, concealing from my parents the true reason behind my severe nausea and persistent vomiting. By the time I reached the hospital, my condition had deteriorated significantly; I was in a state of confusion and required N-Acetylcysteine treatment to recover. Now, I find myself pondering whether my survival is akin to a miracle or if ingesting 53 tablets is not such an alarming amount for someone my age. Is it generally challenging to overdose on acetaminophen? Had I delayed seeking help for just one more day, might I have succumbed? Thankfully, I’m in a much better place now!
Understanding Marcus Gunn Jaw-Winking Syndrome
I am a 30-year-old woman living with Marcus Gunn Jaw-Winking Syndrome (MGJWS) and have a background of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). I can assure you this diagnosis is legitimate, as confirmed by a healthcare professional. With MGJWS, certain movements of my mouth—such as eating, smiling, or using a straw—cause one of my eyelids to close involuntarily. While there’s a slight droop in that eye when it's at rest, it’s generally not noticeable to others. However, this condition is quite bothersome for me, particularly because some strangers have misinterpreted my eyelid's movement as a sign of eye-rolling, which has led to embarrassing and even frightening situations, such as encounters that escalated to aggression. Additionally, I suspect that the strain from this syndrome contributes to frequent headaches. I am currently contemplating a rhinoplasty or septoplasty for unrelated reasons. Would it be unreasonable to inquire with my surgeon about whether it's possible to address my eye condition during the same procedure? I am unsure if any corrective measures could be taken, given that this involves a miscommunication within the cranial nerve, and I recognize that MGJWS is relatively uncommon. My main concern is not wanting to exacerbate the issue, but I truly dislike living with this condition.
13-Month-Old Boy, Weighing 19 Pounds, Medication-Free
A 13-month-old boy, weighing just 19 pounds and not on any medications, has faced a concerning health issue following his visit to a childcare center. Just three days post-visit, a rash developed and has since spread extensively across his body. He has been experiencing fever and, after roughly two weeks of this condition, the rash has notably worsened on his face and even affected his tongue. Medical professionals are baffled, stating they have encountered nothing quite like this before.