Seeking Advice on a Possibly Mild Skin Condition (Male in His 20s)
(Additional images shared in comments with varied lighting) For about a year now, I’ve noticed a crescent-shaped reddish mark on the inner side of my knee. It hasn’t shown any significant changes in size or appearance during that period. The area is slightly elevated, measuring around 0.5 to 1 mm, but it doesn’t itch or hurt at all. I’m curious if anyone has any insights into what this might be or if it warrants further evaluation. My initial thought is that it could be ringworm. I’m fairly certain it isn’t related to a tick bite, as I previously had one in close proximity that looked quite different.
Answers (1)
7/7/2025, 1:50:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you have a reddish mark on your knee that has been stable for about a year without any discomfort. While I can’t give a definitive diagnosis without a visual examination, I can offer some insights and steps to consider based on what you've described.
Key Points:
- Your description of a stable, mildly elevated, non-itchy lesion suggests it might not be an immediate cause for concern.
- Possible conditions could include a benign skin growth, a form of dermatitis, or in some cases, ringworm, but the characteristics you listed make it less likely.
Explanation: Skin conditions can vary widely, and it’s helpful to consider factors like appearance, duration, and symptoms. Ringworm typically appears as a red, ring-like rash with itchy and flaky skin, which you mentioned does not match your situation since your mark is stable and does not itch or hurt. Other benign conditions, such as a seborrheic keratosis or a dermatofibroma, can also appear reddish and elevated.
Next Steps:
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Monitor the Area: Keep an eye on the mark. If it changes in size, color, or begins to itch or hurt, take note of these changes.
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Avoid Irritants: Try to keep the area clean and avoid applying harsh soaps or products that may irritate it further.
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Take a Picture: Document the area with photos taken at regular intervals under the same lighting for consistency. This can help track any changes over time.
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Consider Consultations if Needed: If there are any changes or if you develop new symptoms (like itchiness or pain), consider talking to a healthcare provider for a closer look. They may suggest a biopsy or another evaluation based on their findings.
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Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with benign skin conditions and ringworm to understand better what to look for, but avoid self-diagnosing too early.
Let me know if you have any further concerns or questions!
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