Concerns About Expanding Blurry Blue Spots on My Skin
I'm a 35-year-old white female with a health background that includes several significant motor vehicle accidents, shingles, and a salmonella infection I suffered when I was seven. Additionally, I have endured broken bones, surgeries, PTSD, an ectopic pregnancy, and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). My only medications are occasional doses of Motrin and medical cannabis. For approximately seven years, I have had a small blue spot on my upper arm. Initially, it was just a pinprick-sized blue dot, but over time it has increased in size to about the diameter of a cotton swab tip. The edges have always appeared hazy rather than well-defined like a mole, and it has never been raised. It resembles the mark left by a blue marker, as if I hadn’t cleaned it for days, yet it doesn’t cause any discomfort. A few years back, a dermatologist examined it and mentioned that it looked normal at the time. Recently, I discovered another blue dot on my opposite arm, in a similar location. This new spot is faintly colored, but larger than the first, measuring roughly the size of a dime. I’m concerned and curious about what might be happening to my skin. While I can see the blurry appearance of the first spot, I was unable to capture a clear image of the second one.
Answers (1)
6/28/2025, 11:50:28 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about changes in your skin, especially with the appearance of new spots and changes to existing ones. While it’s encouraging that a dermatologist previously assessed the first spot and found it normal, it’s wise to stay vigilant, especially as you notice new spots emerging.
Main Points:
- Blue spots on the skin can arise from various causes, and while many are benign, monitoring their changes is important.
- New or changing skin lesions should be re-evaluated, especially if they resemble previous spots.
Explanation: The blue spots you describe could be due to several benign conditions, including the emergence of new bruises, benign vascular lesions (like a venous malformation), or even tattoos fading or expanding. However, since one spot has expanded and a new one has appeared, it’s essential to have them evaluated to rule out any concerns.
Next Steps:
-
Document Changes: Keep a record of the sizes, colors, shapes, and any changes in sensation of all spots. This will be helpful for any future assessments.
-
Revisit a Dermatologist: Schedule a follow-up appointment with a dermatologist. Given the new spot and the changes in the original one, they may suggest further examination, such as a biopsy or more advanced imaging if necessary.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any new symptoms, such as pain, bleeding, or any other changes in your health status that may arise. If these occur, make sure to inform the dermatologist at your appointment.
-
Avoid Irritation: While waiting for your appointment, protect the areas from sunlight and avoid scratching or irritating them, as this can cause further changes.
By taking proactive steps and consulting with a specialist, you'll be able to address your concerns while ensuring peace of mind. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Persistent Chest Discomfort for Three Weeks: Potential Causes?
As a 24-year-old male, I began experiencing unusual chest tightness after returning from a hike with friends at a nearby park—the first significant hike I've tackled in several years, spanning about 2-3 miles. Initially, I didn’t pay much attention to it, but gradually, I became aware of a continuous sensation of pressure in my chest, akin to an unseen weight bearing down on me. In addition to this, I find myself occasionally coughing both at work and home, coupled with an incessant need to take deep breaths. Despite trying pain relief and antacids, that nagging pressure hasn’t subsided. I’m becoming increasingly anxious about what this may indicate and am contemplating a visit to Urgent Care or consulting with our family physician for further evaluation.
Recent Blood Test Results
I’m currently dealing with a combination of diagnoses including ADHD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Interestingly, I have a unique background; I absorbed my twin while in the womb. My daily routine involves being on my feet as I work as a waitress. Here’s a rundown of my medications: - Adderall (25mg extended release) - Cymbalta (30mg delayed release) - Lamotrigine (25mg – this was introduced after my latest blood work and I’m gradually increasing the dosage). In the past, I regularly donated blood but had to stop when my blood pressure was elevated. Thankfully, my readings have stabilized, often showing as 125/74. By the time I reached 18, I had donated a total of one gallon, but my last donation was on November 24th. Here are some results from my recent blood tests: - RDW: 16.4% - MCHC: 30.2 g/dL - MCH: 24.2 - MCV: 80 fl ounces - Hematocrit: 42% - WBC: 13.0 x10E3/uL - RBC: 5.24 x10E6/uL
Understanding Scoliosis: Seeking Insights
I'm a 23-year-old female, and I'm trying to gather information on the degree of curvature in my spine. Could anyone assist me in understanding what's considered normal?
Seeking Help for Mysterious Arm Pain
Age: 31, Gender: Female, Weight: 155 lbs, Height: 5'8", Ethnicity: Caucasian. Currently not taking any medications, no known allergies, and no existing health issues. This morning, I experienced a strange discomfort in my hand and wrist, reminiscent of that tingling sensation you feel when a limb has fallen asleep. I attempted to move and gently stretch it, but instead of improving, the discomfort escalated throughout the day. The pain has now extended from my wrist all the way to my shoulder. For the past ten hours, I've been grappling with a persistent, throbbing ache in my arm that feels similar to severe menstrual cramps. The pain comes in waves; at times it's centralized in the middle of my arm, in other instances sharp in my shoulder, and occasionally I can feel it in my fingertips. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen, but it had no effect. While using a heating pad offered slight comfort, it hasn’t alleviated the overwhelming pain. This situation is particularly frustrating as I'm currently on vacation, and it's becoming exhausting dealing with this. I’m unsure if I should consult a doctor for my symptoms.
Appearance of Red Spots on Skin: A 19-Year-Old Male's Experience
I’ve noticed the emergence of red spots on various areas of my body, particularly on my arms and neck. Recently, I've been using ON Whey Isolate, and as far as I know, I don’t have any allergies. My parents believe that the whey protein might be causing these issues. What should I do? I've consulted a doctor, who suggested that these could be insect bites and provided me with a cream. However, I find it hard to believe this diagnosis since the spots keep appearing sporadically, rather than all at once. To mitigate the possibility of insect bites, I’ve even moved to a different room for sleeping.