Concerns About a Mole: Is It Serious?
For the past four months, I've had something on my upper left abdomen that concerns me. The texture is rather rough, almost like it could be peeled off like a scab. About two weeks ago, I felt compelled to pick at it, which led to some bleeding and noticeable discoloration at the edge. I haven't observed any changes in size, yet I find it alarming that it hasn’t healed. What could be the issue? I often suffer from sunburns, adding to my worries about this spot. A bit about me: I'm a 21-year-old male weighing 103 kilograms. I don't consume alcohol or smoke. I take a supplement of 25,000 IU of Vitamin D3 once a month and have had deficiencies in both Vitamin D and B12 in the past. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 4:20:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about a persistent mole or skin issue, especially given your history with sunburns. The rough texture, bleeding, and discoloration you describe warrant careful observation. Although not all irregularities are serious, certain characteristics can indicate the need for further evaluation.
Explanation: Moles can change over time due to various factors, including sun exposure, irritation, or even hormonal changes. Picking at a mole can lead to bleeding and changes in color, which might make it appear more alarming. The fact that it hasn’t healed may suggest that it’s reacting to irritation or could indicate a more complex issue.
It's essential to consider the characteristics of your mole based on the "ABCDE" rule, which helps to assess moles for potential issues:
- Asymmetry: One half doesn't match the other.
- Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges.
- Color: Varied colors (brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue).
- Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolution: Changes in size, shape, color, or texture over time.
Next Steps:
-
Avoid Picking: Refrain from picking at the mole, as this can worsen irritation and delay healing. Try to keep the area clean and covered if needed to prevent further irritation.
-
Monitor Changes: Over the next few weeks, keep an eye on the mole for any changes in size, shape, color, or texture. Document these observations to help identify patterns or concerns.
-
Sun Protection: Since you often experience sunburns, it's vital to protect your skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days, and consider wearing protective clothing when outdoors.
-
Consider Nutritional Health: Given your history of vitamin deficiencies, ensure you are getting adequate nutrients. Talk to a healthcare provider about your Vitamin D and B12 levels, as they could impact your skin health. You might want to explore dietary sources of these vitamins or appropriate supplementation.
-
Seek Professional Evaluation: If you notice any concerning changes in the mole, or if it does not heal within a month, consider scheduling a visit with a dermatologist for a professional assessment. They can offer insight and determine if any treatment is necessary.
Taking these steps can help you manage your current worry while also maintaining good skin health. If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Should I Consult My Doctor Again After Just Two Days?
I apologize if this seems like a trivial inquiry, but I'm weighing the pros and cons of returning to the doctor versus remaining at home. Recently, I visited the doctor to undergo a swab test due to my sore throat and cold/flu-like symptoms. The results indicated a viral infection, so I was advised to rest and take over-the-counter cold and flu medications. However, since last night and continuing into today, I've been experiencing mild discomfort in my ears. Just an hour ago, one ear's condition worsened significantly, suggesting a potential ear infection, which I've encountered multiple times in the past. I'm contemplating whether I should return tomorrow for an ear examination or whether it's wiser to wait for my current illness to resolve. Additionally, I am aware of my infectious status and am considering whether it would be better to remain home or if it would be acceptable to wear a mask if I decide to go out. For context, while I don’t think it’s necessary for my question, I’d like to share a bit about my health: I’m a late teenager, assigned female at birth, and I manage hypothyroidism, low iron levels, and vitamin D deficiency alongside an unspecified pain disorder, all with prescribed medications. As for the symptoms I’m currently experiencing, they include shortness of breath, a wheezing cough, and throat soreness (I’m having trouble swallowing pills and have lost my voice). Initially, I also felt faint and generally weak, but since I'm focusing on rest, that isn’t an issue now. However, I do have sporadic pain in my left ear with head movement, which is constant in my right ear.
Unexplained Low Phosphate Levels: Seeking Answers
At 37 years of age, I am facing a puzzling health issue. My recent blood tests over the past six months consistently indicate low phosphate levels, yet other related metrics remain normal. My PTH and vitamin D levels are satisfactory, and my kidneys show no signs of dysfunction. Additionally, all other blood parameters appear to be within acceptable ranges. My doctors are genuinely perplexed, as they haven't identified any common indicators typically associated with low phosphate. Recently, I received a 200ml infusion, and I'm scheduled for further blood tests to monitor if my phosphate levels continue to decline. What are some potential underlying causes if the usual suspects—such as thyroid problems, kidney disease, or alcohol use—are ruled out?
Seeking Guidance on Supporting My Partner with Autism-Related Eating Challenges
My partner and I share a living space, and I have taken on the primary role in preparing our meals. He navigates a challenging and often fluctuating relationship with food, which can change from day to day. What he enjoys one day he may completely refuse the next, influenced by various factors like texture, odor, or flavor. Generally, he opts for a vegetarian diet and, on occasion, will eat chicken as long as it doesn't appear or feel distinctly like chicken. He typically has a preference for sweet items over savory options. As I work from home, I've noticed that he's been prescribed medication for a separate health concern, which is significantly affecting his sleep quality. He tends to wake up quite late and struggles with persistent fatigue. The combination of our differing schedules and the limited space in our small apartment, particularly in the kitchen, complicates the preparation of comprehensive meals. Most days, our eating habits consist of just breakfast, a snack, dinner, and perhaps a light snack—rarely more than that. Over the past few months, I've observed that he has lost noticeable weight. I strive to maintain a calm and composed demeanor, though I realize that my underlying concern sometimes becomes evident, which in turn adds to his stress. I've approached the topic of seeking professional assistance delicately, but the idea appears to overwhelm him, especially in conjunction with his other mental health issues. I’m not in search of a perfect solution but rather some practical tips, strategies, or even just some reassurance to help me become a more supportive partner without experiencing burnout or making him feel pressured. I truly want to improve and provide better support. Thank you.
Accumulation of Blood in the Ear Canal
Age 24, I recently underwent a forward helix piercing and experienced significant bleeding the previous night. I've since decided to remove the jewelry for various reasons. However, during the night, I woke up feeling like blood was collecting in my ear canal. As I lay down, the blood appeared to have flowed from the base of the helix, through the rook, into the conch, and directly into my ear canal. After cleaning the area, I woke up two hours later to the sensation of blood rushing back in, and this time, I could hear my ear being blocked as it entered the canal. At present, my ear feels congested, and while my hearing isn’t entirely impaired, there is a slight muffling—though it’s not very pronounced. Each time I burp, a sudden sharp pain shoots through my ear, as if it’s attempting to pop but fails to do so. I tried to check for any dried blood using a cotton swab, but it came back clear, with no evidence of clots. I'm puzzled as to why I experience discomfort in what seems to be my middle ear, especially since the tympanic membrane is supposed to act as a shield against liquid entry into this area. What could be the reason for the sensation and pain indicating that my ear wants to pop, despite the membrane's protective role? Additionally, are there any known risks associated with having a large quantity of blood in the ear canal? To clarify, when I say excessive, I mean that I bled from the piercing non-stop for two full days, resulting in significant blood clots that were unexpectedly large for a piercing. The bleeding was relentless, and I even found myself bleeding in public yesterday, all without touching the piercing. Interestingly, when I first got the piercing, my piercer inquired about any blood thinners I might be taking, although I am not on any medications.
Experiencing Dizziness
Greetings, I’m a 49-year-old Caucasian female, measuring 165 cm and weighing 66 kg. I don’t engage in smoking or consuming alcoholic beverages. Currently, I'm prescribed thyroid medication at doses of 0.85/0.88, as well as 2.5 mg of bisoprolol. Occasionally, I take antacids or pantoprazole for my digestive health. I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and GERD, and I have white matter hyperintensities noted in my recent MRI, likely stemming from migraines. Right now, I’m feeling anxious as I await the results from my latest MRI scan. Recently, I completed cardiology assessments, including a treadmill stress test and an echocardiogram, both of which returned normal results. I do have mitral valve prolapse accompanied by mild regurgitation, and I continue to take levothyroxine along with bisoprolol. Earlier today, while I was drinking decaf coffee, I stood up abruptly and was suddenly hit by a wave of dizziness, which made me feel as if I might faint. I quickly sat back down, and the sensation subsided. My daughter mentioned that my face flushed during the incident, but the color returned once I was seated again. I’m curious to hear any insights or suggestions about what could be happening.