Thoughts on a Health Concern?
I've noticed small, red spots that don't fade when pressing on them, particularly on my legs. These dots tend to be more pronounced after standing for prolonged periods or during hot days. While my doctors initially suspected petechiae and conducted a comprehensive blood test, the results were completely normal, leading them to believe there’s no connection to any blood issues. However, I can't shake the worry that it might signal something more serious. I'm a 25-year-old male from the UK with a medical background that includes paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and costochondritis. The troublesome spots have been fluctuating in visibility for more than a year now.
Answers (1)
6/24/2025, 11:30:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about the small, red spots on your legs, especially given your medical history. While your blood tests came back normal and ruled out serious blood issues, it's important to consider that these spots could stem from various non-serious causes, especially since they become more noticeable after standing or in warm conditions.
Explanation: The small red spots you described, which do not fade when pressed, could be petechiae, which are tiny blood vessels that have burst. However, since you've already undergone comprehensive testing and your doctors have ruled out significant blood disorders, the spots might be related to other factors like vascular issues or benign skin conditions. Prolonged standing can increase pressure in your veins, particularly in your legs, leading to minor changes in the skin's appearance.
Given your concerns and ongoing visibility of the spots, it’s important to monitor your symptoms closely.
Next Steps:
-
Keep a Symptom Journal: Note any changes in the appearance of the spots, their location, and any associated symptoms (like itching or pain). This can help your doctor if you decide to follow up.
-
Limit Prolonged Standing: Try to reduce the amount of time you spend standing without moving. If you have to stand for long periods, shift your weight or take breaks to sit whenever possible.
-
Stay Cool: On hot days, wear loose-fitting clothing and stay hydrated to minimize swelling and discomfort in your legs.
-
Routine Follow-Up: Given the duration and your history, consider discussing your concerns again with your healthcare provider in a routine follow-up. They may want to assess the spots again or perhaps refer you to a dermatologist for further evaluation.
-
Check for Other Symptoms: Monitor for any new symptoms such as unusual bleeding, bruising, or changes in your overall health, which would require more urgent medical attention.
I hope this helps to alleviate some of your worries, and remember that it's okay to seek further clarification from your healthcare team regarding your concerns.
Related Questions
Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome
A 45-year-old male, standing at 5'11" and weighing 250 pounds, experienced an incident on March 16 where he fell and struck the back of his head. Initially, he endured headaches for several days, which he managed with Advil. However, on March 25, while attending college, he began to feel dizzy, lightheaded, and weak. Seeking advice from an EMT instructor, she suggested it was likely a concussion and recommended a visit to urgent care. Since urgent care was unable to provide the necessary treatment, he was directed to the emergency room. While in the ER waiting area, he noticed a decline in his cognitive abilities. When the triage nurse inquired about the reason for his visit along with other standard questions, he found himself struggling to respond accurately. For instance, when asked for his address, he only provided the name of his city instead of the full street address. Once admitted to the ER, a CT scan was conducted, which fortunately revealed no signs of a brain bleed. After some questioning, the attending physician noted that he had trouble with responses and, following additional assessments, identified him as having a moderate concussion. Consequently, he was referred to a neurologist who arranged for concussion therapy. As he departed the ER, he started to notice a gradual recovery of his cognitive functions. Over the next three months, he experienced fluctuating symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and feelings of lightheadedness. Approximately two weeks ago, while at work, he experienced another episode of confusion reminiscent of his earlier ER visit. He has three inquiries regarding his condition: 1) If he experiences confusion again, should someone escort him to the ER or call for emergency assistance? 2) What kind of support can the emergency room provide in such situations? 3) If he ends up being admitted to the hospital, what typically occurs during that process?
Concerns about Tonsil Health and Anxiety
At the age of 24, I have never engaged in vaping or used any form of tobacco. My only experience with smoking has been occasional marijuana use, roughly three times a week for a duration of about two years. I've received the HPV vaccine prior to becoming sexually active. About six months ago, I observed that one of my tonsils became notably enlarged and has remained larger than the other ever since. A month ago, I detected a white spot on it; initially, I thought it could be a tonsil stone, but it appears not to be the case. Additionally, I've occasionally noticed swelling in the lymph nodes around my neck and head without any clear reason. Recently, I've experienced a mild sore throat at times, but I can't help but wonder whether this is a figment of my anxiety. Aside from that, I don’t experience any other issues. I brought these concerns up during a recent physical examination, and my doctor reassured me that there’s no need for alarm unless I start to experience pain. Sometimes, I can’t shake the feeling that I might be overreacting.🙃🙃
Unexpected Lumps on Mother's Legs and Arms Leave Doctors Puzzled
Experiencing tenderness and discomfort. Notable swelling around her ankles. Feeling of constriction while standing up, particularly in the ankle region. Episodes of night sweats are occurring. The condition began on her legs, with some manifestations emerging on her left arm. This is her account of the symptoms. At 47 years old, standing approximately 5'9" and weighing around 180 pounds, she is a female who has been relying on Tylenol for pain relief; she doesn't take any other prescribed medications. She smokes cannabis and uses e-cigarettes occasionally, as well as consumes alcohol occasionally. Generally, she maintains good health; however, she faces gastrointestinal issues, which doctors have yet to pinpoint and suspect might be associated with her current condition. She has been dealing with this issue for a considerable time, yet these lumps are relatively new, leading to uncertainty about any possible connection. Gluten intolerance tests returned normal results, and she has also undergone X-ray examinations of her lungs, with results anticipated soon. Her physician speculates it may be related to dermatological factors, although they remain uncertain. My mother is finding it challenging to endure the wait for definitive answers. I hope someone out there can provide assistance. Images will be shared in the comments section for those who wish to see them. Be warned: those who are squeamish should proceed with caution before looking at the comments!
Two Weeks After the Boat Trip: Experiencing Unexpected Dizziness
Age 23, weight 120 pounds. My partner, who works as a fisherman, had a beautiful day out on the water and graciously invited me to join him on the boat to witness his work firsthand. To my astonishment, I ended up feeling quite nauseous during the trip. Despite growing up in a family immersed in fishing and having navigated much more turbulent waters without issue, I was caught off guard by the sea sickness. Fast forward to two weeks post-trip, and I’ve been experiencing sporadic episodes of dizziness and vertigo. At times, these sensations are intense enough that I feel nauseated once again. Should this concern me? Is there any effective way to alleviate these strange dizzy spells?
Dealing with Mild Scoliosis and Breathing Difficulties
I’m a 32-year-old male weighing 73 kg and standing 5'10”, who does not smoke. After undergoing an MRI, I was diagnosed with mild scoliosis. Frustratingly, I’ve taken it upon myself to manage my physiotherapy since the NHS is rather slow to respond. This situation is causing me considerable distress, which is significantly impacting my mental well-being. Due to the pain, I’ve had to cease all forms of exercise, including my passion for running, particularly since I work a physically demanding job. I have been finding it increasingly difficult to breathe, feeling as though my left lung isn’t receiving adequate air. Full breaths through my nose are elusive, and my entire spine is continuously sore, often accompanied by sharp pains that radiate down into my buttocks and legs. Additionally, I’ve noticed that my ribs appear misaligned, and my left shoulder has an unsettling crunch when it rotates. Despite experiencing these issues for over two decades, I feel that my concerns are not being taken seriously. I am urgently seeking guidance and recommendations on how to proceed or what steps I should take next. I have also self-referred to musculoskeletal services based on my doctor’s advice, but I haven’t received any updates for weeks.