Unusual Swelling on Skin: Need Advice?
Age 27, weighing around 130 lbs, I have a history of low immunoglobulin G (IgG) and A (IgA), as well as a past of protein-calorie malnutrition. I am diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and take Effexor along with gabapentin; I also use recreational cannabis. This morning, I woke up to discover a swollen bump on my skin that is somewhat tender. I suspect I might have been picking at it unconsciously, but I’m uncertain. I do have a tendency towards skin picking as a result of my ASD and OCD, although I maintain diligent skincare and hygiene practices. Regardless, I am concerned that it may be infected. My mother has experienced precancerous lesions, and there is a history of pancreatic cancer on my father’s side. As for my dad, I'm not certain if he has any skin cancer, but he believes that cancer is contracted from doctors. He works outdoors and is skeptical about sunscreen, which raises some concerns. Should I seek a consultation at a clinic, or is it manageable with home care?
Answers (1)
7/11/2025, 4:01:31 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about an unusual swollen bump on your skin, especially given your medical history and family background. Here's a breakdown of the situation:
Main Points:
- The swelling could be related to skin picking or an irritation, but there's a possibility of infection.
- Given your history of low immunoglobulin levels, it's important to be cautious.
- Monitoring for specific signs will help determine the best course of action.
Explanation:
The swollen bump may be caused by several factors: skin picking, minor trauma, an allergic reaction, or even an infection. With your history of low IgG and IgA, your immune system might not respond as robustly to infections, making it crucial to keep an eye on this situation. Concerns about family history of skin issues and cancer are valid, and while this swelling may not necessarily be cancerous, it’s wise to be vigilant.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the bump for any changes—look for increased redness, warmth, pus, or a fever, all signs that it may be infected.
- Avoid Picking: Resist the urge to pick at it. Consider using a soft bandage to protect the area from further irritation.
- Apply a Clean Dressing: Keep the area clean and potentially apply a sterile bandage. If you suspect it might be infected, consider using an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment like Neosporin.
- Hydrate and Nourish: Ensure you are drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support your skin and overall health.
- Practice Hygiene: Continue your diligent skincare and hygiene routines, as these can help prevent further issues.
- Document Changes: If the bump does not improve or worsens over the next few days, document these changes (like size, color, tenderness, etc.) to discuss in your next healthcare consultation.
If you observe severe symptoms such as significant pain, worsening swelling, fever, or pus, or if you continue to have concerns, consider seeking medical advice sooner. Being proactive with skin changes is important, especially with your medical history.
Related Questions
Concerns About Telemedicine during a Drive
Hello everyone, I'm a 28-year-old woman with a background of thyroid cancer, necessitating routine check-ups every six months. Recently, a question came to my mind regarding the professional conduct of my primary care physician. I was taken aback to learn that she participated in my telemedicine appointment while driving. I've noticed her appearing somewhat distracted during our in-person visits and at times, she forgets the medications we discuss during our reviews, but this situation felt even more inappropriate. It’s challenging for me to comprehend why I’m spending $450 post-insurance for what feels like a casual video call when it’s clear she is multitasking. Although I've been under her care for about two years, I'm eager to find a practitioner who will genuinely take the time to understand my health history and build a long-term relationship. I appreciate any insights you can offer!
Concerns About a Recent Lump on My Shaft: Seeking Guidance
I’m a 20-year-old male with allergies primarily to wood, pollen, and grass, which used to cause me hives, but that issue has resolved. Now, to address the main concern. I found a lump on my shaft while showering yesterday morning, and it caught me off guard. Up until now, I haven’t experienced any discomfort, and I still feel largely fine. The size of the lump is similar to that of a pimple or possibly a cyst, but I'm unsure. I'm contemplating whether it would be wise to consult a doctor about this issue, as I want to be informed on how to proceed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Should We Handle This Ear Issue at Home or Seek Medical Attention?
I’m sharing this on behalf of my husband, a 33-year-old male who is not currently taking any medications and has no known chronic conditions. The only relevant detail is that he has a significant issue with earwax accumulation. At times, this leads to noticeable deposits on his pillow when he sleeps on his side, affecting his hearing. For the past few days, his ear has exhibited symptoms similar to what is often seen in various ear conditions. He reports feeling a sense of discomfort, although there is no pain or itchiness involved. Touching or tugging on the tragus and surrounding areas does not elicit any pain. He’s uncertain why there are scabs around this area. He mentioned experiencing a sensation of fluid inside the ear yesterday, prompting him to use some over-the-counter peroxide drops to help clear it out. He described the output as a thick, opaque discharge resembling earwax, but darker and more liquid in texture. Today, while the fullness sensation seems to have diminished, the discomfort remains. His other ear appears normal, perhaps just slightly dry, but nothing more than what is typical for ears. Given this information, I'd like to know whether this is a situation he can manage at home or one that warrants a visit to urgent care. Additionally, what might be the underlying issue?
Distinguishing Between Norovirus and Influenza: Seeking Insights
I know I recently shared an update, but I realized I overlooked an important question. My 28-year-old husband has been feeling unwell since early this morning, although he seems to be on the mend. He experienced a single episode of vomiting and has had diarrhea 3-4 times today. Since he started expressing discomfort, we have been entirely apart to prevent any possible spread of illness. Given his symptoms, could this be Norovirus or Influenza? Currently, he is suffering from a headache, feels unusually warm (though we don’t have a thermometer, so I can’t confirm if he has a fever), and is experiencing soreness in his legs. Additionally, his throat was quite painful for much of the day, particularly after vomiting, which might be due to a globus sensation. He has taken a total of 12mg of ondansetron, administered in intervals of six hours. For reference, he weighs 230 pounds, seldom consumes alcohol, has Puerto Rican heritage, is a former smoker, and does not use any illicit substances.
Assessment of Three-Year-Old Knees
Patient Information: - Gender: Female - Age: 3 years - Weight: Approximately 13 kilograms - Medical History: None noted Observations: The knees appear to have a slight inward rotation, in my view.