Should I Consult a Doctor Regarding This Bruise?
I’m a 20-year-old assigned female at birth, and although specifics about my height and weight may not be crucial, I do have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). Recently, I noticed a peculiar mark on my chest. Upon closer inspection, it appears to be a hickey accompanied by a noticeable bite mark, and interestingly, I don’t have any sensation in that area. This injury occurred approximately two days ago, and initially, I felt a lump beneath the skin, which disappeared by the following day. I can’t recall any red or white spots present at the time of the injury or afterward, but if they existed, they seem to have faded now. I’ve read that those symptoms may indicate a cause for concern, particularly with conditions like blood blisters or human bites. However, I don't think the skin was broken. I’ve been following the standard care recommendations for bruises and human bites, such as antiseptic cleaning and applying ice. My question is whether I should seek medical advice regarding this bruise. How long should I monitor it before becoming alarmed if it doesn’t heal? I assure you, I’ll avoid getting bitten in places where I lack sensation in the future!
Answers (1)
7/8/2025, 6:50:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about a bruise, especially considering your condition of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). A bruise that appears after a minor injury and doesn’t seem to show signs of significant complications is usually not a cause for alarm. However, monitoring it closely is essential due to your unique health background.
Explanation
Bruises occur when small blood vessels break beneath the skin, causing blood to leak into surrounding tissues. Given your hEDS, you may be more prone to bruising due to your connective tissue issues. The lack of sensation in the area could be concerning; it's possible this might indicate nerve involvement or simply be related to the bruise itself.
You mentioned no broken skin or the presence of concerning symptoms like red or white spots, which is reassuring. It's also good that you're applying standard care practices like cleaning the area and applying ice, as these can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Next Steps
-
Monitor the bruise: Keep an eye on it over the next week. Look for changes in color (normal bruises change from purple to yellow as they heal), size, or any new symptoms, such as increased pain, swelling, or discharge.
-
Watch for alarming signs: Seek medical advice if you notice:
- The bruise becomes significantly larger or shows signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling).
- You experience new sensations such as persistent tingling or numbness in the area.
- Swelling or pain that spreads beyond the initial bruise.
- Any signs that concern you, especially if you get more significant symptoms.
-
Avoid further irritation: While it’s advisable to avoid situations that might lead to further injury, ensure you take care in the future, especially in areas where you have reduced sensation.
-
Self-care measures: Continue with your current care regimen, including ice application and gentle movement to aid circulation, if comfortable.
Remember, if you ever feel uncertain or if symptoms change significantly, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice. Your health and peace of mind are what’s most important.
Related Questions
Discovery of a 3cm Colon Polyp
Facing my colonoscopy filled me with overwhelming anxiety. At 34 years old, I was scared beyond belief, and the news afterward did little to ease my worries; they discovered a 3cm pedunculated polyp accompanied by a smaller one. My doctor mentioned observing some "changes" in the larger polyp but reassured me that the margins seemed clear. The nurse kept repeating that "the danger is gone," yet I find it impossible to settle my racing thoughts. The stress is taking a toll on my well-being, and now I’m left in suspense, awaiting the results for one to two weeks. At home, I have a three-year-old and had been eagerly hoping to expand my family soon, but my mind spirals with unsettling questions. What if the polyp has developed more serious issues? Could it possibly be cancer that has spread? The uncertainty is consuming my thoughts, making it hard for me to concentrate on anything else.
IV Mishap Experience
Age: 24, Male During my visit to the emergency room yesterday morning, an unfortunate incident occurred when my intravenous line ruptured while I was being administered a contrast injection for a scan. The entire volume of contrast ended up infiltrating my bicep, resulting in severe swelling and noticeable discomfort in that area. My arm feels hard to the touch and painful, with some of the discomfort now extending into my forearm and slightly affecting my hand. When I brought this up to the CT technician, they simply dismissed my concerns, mentioning that it would resolve itself over time. I’m uncertain if their assessment is accurate or if I should pursue further medical attention to address this issue.
Is it necessary to consult a doctor regarding this painful lump under my arm?
Profile: Age: 26, Female, Weight: 200 lbs, Height: 5'3", Medication: Metoprolol 10 mg. I'm reaching out for advice, as I'm hesitant to spend money on an urgent care appointment if this condition can be managed with over-the-counter treatments. Recently, a sizable skin tag located beneath my arm underwent a significant change; it turned black, became painful, and grew rather bulbous. Initially, I assumed it was simply irritated or perhaps entangled. However, the discomfort escalated with each passing day. Eventually, the skin tag developed a crusty appearance and became a deep black, which indicated it was no longer viable. After experiencing considerable pain for several days, it eventually fell off on its own. Still, I'm left with a prominent red protrusion where it once was, maintaining a vivid pinkish-red hue. This new site remains sensitive and is covered with a crust. I contemplated purchasing a cream to treat it but also started to consider whether visiting urgent care might be a better option. What advice would you offer in this situation?
Advice Needed on Recovery After Calcaneal Surgery and Mild Osteoporosis
Hello all, I'm a 20-year-old male currently in the process of healing from two surgeries on my heel bone (calcaneus). Initially, I had an aneurysmal bone cyst, and during the first operation, my doctor discovered that it potentially extended further than anticipated. This led to the recommendation of a follow-up CT scan, which confirmed the situation. Consequently, I underwent a second procedure on May 5, 2025, to completely excise the cyst. After the surgeries, I had to be on strict bed rest for over a month and a half. My cast was taken off on June 23, and I was instructed to start bearing a little weight using a walker. About ten days later, I received the go-ahead to put full weight on my foot. However, a CT scan conducted about 15 days post-cast removal indicated that I am experiencing mild osteoporosis, likely as a result of the prolonged immobility. To aid in my recovery, my doctors have prescribed a Denosumab injection to bolster my bone health. The hospital's estimated cost was ₹20,000, but a consultant from the facility mentioned he could facilitate obtaining it at a different hospital for roughly ₹10,000. I would appreciate any advice regarding this as well. Currently, I am undergoing physiotherapy. While performing certain movements, particularly when my ankle flexes, I sometimes encounter sharp pain or a tingling sensation either around my heel or in my toes. Additionally, mild swelling and discoloration of a red-brown nature persist, although I do not experience consistent pain at rest or with gentle movements. Here are my inquiries: 1. Has anyone here undergone Denosumab treatment? How many injections were required, and did you observe improvements in your recovery process? 2. Should I be significantly concerned about mild osteoporosis in my current situation in terms of long-term effects? 3. Can anyone offer advice on how to manage heel sensitivity while bearing weight or suggestions for alleviating recovery-related discomfort? 4. For those who have had a similar experience with bone cyst removal, how long did it take before you were able to walk normally again? Thank you so much for your assistance! I would greatly value your insights or personal accounts.
Experiencing Fainting Spells?
Profile: 17 years old, Female Conditions: Diagnosed with chronic migraines, PTSD, anxiety, depression, seasonal allergies, and an allergy to EEL. Medications: Currently on Benadryl, Tylenol, and Claritin. Note: I cannot take Sumatriptan as I am six months pregnant. Supplements: Iron and B12. Substance Use: Prior to pregnancy, I utilized cannabis edibles for pain relief. For nearly two years, I have been facing issues with fainting. These episodes often lead me to the emergency room; however, every time my vitals check out as normal. My vitamin levels are adequate, my blood sugar is stable, and I am well-hydrated. Yet, despite this, the reason behind my fainting remains a mystery. The onset of these spells can be unpredictable. Occasionally, I experience brief dizziness and blurred vision just before fainting, but other times I have no symptoms and suddenly find myself on the floor. A battery of tests, including EKGs and EEGs, have been conducted, but they have not provided any answers. I'm feeling lost regarding this situation and unsure about whom to consult or what additional tests I should request. It's worth noting that this condition began prior to my pregnancy, so it cannot be attributed to that.