Concern Over Red Marks on Arms: Should I Seek Medical Attention?
M19 - Weight 63kg - Height 177cm - Not taking any medications - Occasionally smokes and drinks, but not in excess. Recently, I've observed several small red spots appearing on the outer section of my arms, likely where they are exposed to sunlight. These spots are irregularly placed, scattered across both my upper arms and forearms without any discernible pattern. Notably, they do not blanch when pressed, which has raised my concerns about the possibility of them being petechiae or even linked to leukemia. Additionally, I've been experiencing ongoing joint discomfort for the past month, which a physiotherapist attributed to patellofemoral pain syndrome—an explanation that does seem reasonable. Given that I've always had rather coarse skin in those areas, it might simply be a harmless response to heat or sun exposure. I can't help but wonder if I'm overreacting, but I felt it was wise to seek advice on whether these marks warrant a professional examination.
Answers (1)
6/25/2025, 10:30:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about any new changes to your skin, especially with the red spots on your arms and your ongoing joint discomfort. Here’s what you need to know:
Main Points:
- The red spots on your arms could be harmless, but their characteristics raise valid concerns.
- Monitoring the spots and any changes is essential, along with managing your joint discomfort.
Explanation:
Red spots that do not blanch (turn white) when pressed can be indicative of various conditions, including harmless issues (like heat rash or sun exposure) or more concerning problems. Your observation regarding these spots forming after sun exposure aligns with common skin reactions, but given your description and the additional context of joint discomfort, it’s wise to remain vigilant.
It's important not to jump to conclusions about serious conditions like leukemia, as many benign explanations may exist. However, with ongoing symptoms, especially joint pain, it's important to pay attention and take appropriate actions.
Next Steps:
- Monitor the Spots: Keep a close eye on the red spots. Note if they change in size, contrast, or number over the next week.
- Document Symptoms: Maintain a diary of your joint discomfort, noting when it occurs, its severity, and any activities that exacerbate it. This will aid in understanding potential triggers or patterns.
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen and wearing long sleeves when possible to see if there’s a correlation with sun exposure.
- Evaluate Other Symptoms: Be aware of related symptoms such as increases in bruising, bleeding, or fatigue, which may signal a need for immediate attention.
- Seek Professional Advice: If the spots worsen, spread, or if you develop new symptoms (like bruising or significant fatigue), it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an examination. This will help rule out any serious conditions and provide reassurance.
Taking these initial steps can help manage your concerns effectively. If you have any further questions or observations, feel free to reach out again.
Related Questions
Understanding Low HDL Cholesterol and High Lipoprotein Levels
At 35 years old and standing 5'5", I've observed a gradual increase in my weight over the past 3 to 4 years, totaling around 35 pounds, bringing my weight to 175 pounds. This weight gain can be attributed to a poor diet, overwhelming stress, and a complete absence of physical activity. My eating habits have taken a turn for the worse, particularly during periods of stress—I often indulge in sugary treats like candy and ice cream, and occasionally consume salty snacks such as chips, with sugar being my primary downfall. Although I still occasionally munch on fruits and vegetables, it pales in comparison to my previous healthy eating habits from about three years ago. Recent blood tests revealed that my HDL cholesterol levels are low, I have low ferritin levels, and high lipoprotein levels. Notably, my last blood test, conducted three years ago, did not assess my lipid profile and returned normal results. I've also experienced shortness of breath when ascending stairs, constant local headaches, lightheadedness under stress— which is frequent for me— and persistent fatigue. Additionally, I struggle with anxiety, a condition I've had for a long time, which likely exacerbates my symptoms. Over these past couple of years, I have encountered episodes of vomiting in the mornings, occurring 2 to 3 times a year, typically lasting 2 to 3 days. Although an abdominal ultrasound performed about a year ago showed no problems, I still deal with loose stools every morning. I recognize that a comprehensive change in my diet and exercise regimen is crucial. I have a doctor's appointment scheduled for next week and am eager to learn what specific concerns I should bring up related to my risk factors, as well as potential next steps. If my query seems out of place here, please let me know, but I'm truly seeking guidance and aiming to improve my health. Thank you for your support!
Seeking Clarity on Recent Blood Test Results
I'm a 37-year-old female, engaged in light physical activity, with a height of 165 cm and a weight around 60 kg, who occasionally vapes. Starting from approximately May 30, I've been grappling with persistent pain on the left side of my neck, episodes of lightheadedness, headaches predominantly on the left side, and irregular heartbeats or palpitations. On June 9, I visited my doctor for the third occasion regarding these symptoms. During this visit, I began to feel extremely unwell, experiencing rapid heartbeats and significant faintness. I used my Apple Watch to check my heart rate, which soared to 180 bpm. The doctor promptly attended to me, noting my heart rate was around 120 bpm at that moment. Given the circumstances, I was referred to the emergency department. In hindsight, I believe I might have been experiencing a panic attack. At the hospital, my vital signs appeared stable, albeit with a slightly elevated heart rate. An ECG returned normal, and I was informed that my blood results were within acceptable limits. After waiting for 19 hours and feeling increasingly better, I decided to discharge myself and return home, resolving to consult a private physician the following day. On June 10, I consulted the private doctor. She confirmed that my blood tests were acceptable, except for a slightly elevated vitamin B12 level. Given my ongoing symptoms of dizziness, fast heartbeats, tremors, and neck discomfort, she conducted a neurological examination and recommended that I seek imaging at a hospital. I subsequently went to a different hospital, where another ECG was performed, showing normal results, and I was again told my blood tests were normal. A CT scan of the head was also reported as normal. Ultimately, I received a diagnosis of cervicogenic headaches and was prescribed Naproxen to be taken twice daily. An MRI and MRA of my head and neck were carried out. Results were predominantly normal, with the exception of some observations including nystagmus, a prominent left vertebral artery, and a small area of signal abnormality in the right matter of the left insula, but no lesions were detected in the parenchyma. The radiographer assured me that everything looked satisfactory. Yesterday, I accessed my healthcare app and found blood test results from my June 9 visit indicating abnormalities in the venous blood gases. I'm seeking insight into what these abnormalities might be and whether there is a cause for concern. I do have a scheduled phone consultation with my regular GP on Friday to discuss this further. However, I would appreciate any clarification on what these results might mean and the discrepancy between being told everything was normal and now seeing abnormal readings. At present, I have not received any other results through the app, nor did I expect to receive these! Thank you for your help!
What Could This White Spot Under My Tongue Be?
Greetings! I’m 32 years old and identify as a trans man, although I’m not sure if that’s particularly relevant here. I occasionally smoke weed, though I’ve been doing it a bit more recently—typically just one puff every few months or possibly a few times a week in the evening. Recently, I started experiencing discomfort in the frenulum area underneath my tongue. Initially, it was just a mild annoyance when I yawned, but as the days went by, the pain intensified (admittedly, I didn't treat my tongue kindly at first, which probably exacerbated the situation). I suspect that I might have slightly torn my frenulum while tackling a rather large sandwich last Thursday. The rough bread certainly scraped my mouth and left my palate feeling tender for a while. A couple of evenings ago, I noticed that the area seemed swollen, prompting me to be more careful, which seemed to help. The following day (yesterday), there was a noticeable improvement, but that’s when a white patch appeared for the first time. Today, the pain has significantly decreased, but the white spot has grown larger. I hadn’t done any saltwater rinses up until now because I don’t have any salt at the moment (I recently moved and, honestly, I’m not a huge fan of salt). I’m hoping this is merely a sign of healing skin, but after some internet searching (I know, not the best idea), I’ve come across information that this resembles Leukoplakia, which is quite concerning. My weed consumption is minimal and very infrequent, just one large puff here and there during the time leading up to this issue. So, I’m now turning to Reddit for some advice, which is probably the second worst thing you can do after googling your symptoms! My plan is to continue with saltwater rinses a few times daily and see a doctor if the situation hasn’t improved in about a week.
Unusual Lump on My Upper Abdomen: Seeking Insights
Does anyone have an idea about this unusual lump I’ve noticed on my upper abdomen? It has been there for as long as I can recall. I am flexing my abdominal muscles in this post to highlight it, yet it remains somewhat noticeable even when I’m relaxed and not tensing up.
Navigating Unexplained Health Concerns: Next Steps to Consider
I am a 33-year-old female with a long-standing history of hypothyroidism, which I've been managing effectively with Armour thyroid for eight years. Recently, I've encountered several troubling symptoms that have left me feeling perplexed. About two months ago, I noticed mild swelling in my right armpit that has remained consistent, neither worsening nor improving. In addition, I am suffering from moderate to severe pain in my right shoulder. A year ago, I also began experiencing intense sensitivity of the skin, making it impossible for me to tolerate lotions, deodorants, perfumes, or any scented washes; exposure to these products results in severe itching and a bright red rash. Throughout this past year, I have dealt with several unexpected episodes of full-body rashes that necessitated treatment with steroids and antihistamines. Furthermore, I have been grappling with intense lower back pain and an unusual degree of fatigue over the last two months. This fatigue has led me to take naps, which is not typical for me. I have struggled with rosacea on my face for several years, but my doctor expressed concern about lupus as a potential underlying issue. Blood tests showed elevated levels of hemoglobin, RBC, hematocrit, and albumin, alongside increased blood pressure; however, retesting four weeks later revealed normal results. Investigations such as an ultrasound of my breasts and armpits, a mammogram, and an MRI of my right shoulder have all been completed, with the only irregularity being mild enlargement of lymph nodes bilaterally. The medical professionals have suggested that this doesn’t clarify the swelling in my right armpit and indicated that I might simply have larger lymph nodes. As a precaution, I've been referred to an oncology specialist, where flow tests were conducted to investigate the possibility of lymphoma or leukemia. Comprehensive autoimmune panels were also run, all of which returned normal results. In terms of my lifestyle, I maintain an active routine consisting of weight lifting and martial arts, adhere to a vegetarian diet, and avoid alcohol, smoking, or drug use. My meals are high in protein yet balanced, and I stay well-hydrated by following a structured meal plan. At this point, I feel uncertain about what additional tests to consider or what other specialists may be helpful. Despite the normal findings, I can't shake the worry that there’s something amiss, and my primary care physician seems unsure of the next steps to take in this ongoing medical mystery.