Persistent Skin Issue Lasting 21 Months
Approximately two years ago, I mistakenly believed that a blemish on my skin was just a pimple, and I ended up popping it. Since then, the area has developed into a recurring issue that often bleeds profusely. Although it sometimes forms a scab, this healing process can take several days or even weeks, and eventually, the area will start bleeding again without warning. I have attempted various treatments, including wraps and ointments like Aquaphor, but none have proven effective, particularly because the wound gets irritated when I sit on chairs or similar surfaces. This discomfort also makes me hesitant to share a photo of the affected area. I neither smoke nor consume alcohol, and I’m not on any medications. Does anyone have suggestions for effectively addressing this issue?
Answers (1)

7/12/2025, 11:01:14 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds frustrating to deal with such a persistent skin issue that hasn't responded to treatment. The recurring bleeding and prolonged healing you're experiencing suggest that this may be more than a typical wound and could require a different approach.
Main Points
- Your condition may require a more specialized evaluation, possibly indicating an underlying skin issue.
- Protecting the area and minimizing irritation are important priorities.
- Considerations for possible treatment strategies may include changes to your current self-care routine.
Explanation
When a skin area doesn't heal properly after an injury, it may lead to complications such as infection, irritation, or a type of skin condition known as a chronic wound. Since you've tried various treatments without success and are experiencing persistent bleeding, it's likely that the issue needs more targeted care.
Next Steps
-
Gentle Care: Continue to keep the area clean, but avoid harsh scrubs or treatments. Use mild, fragrance-free soap and pat the area dry gently.
-
Minimize Irritation: Given that sitting affects the area, consider using cushions or padded surfaces to help alleviate pressure. You might also want to wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid further irritation.
-
Moisturizing Treatment: Select a more protective barrier cream or ointment designed for wound care, like silicone-based gels or hydrocolloid dressings, which can help maintain moisture while protecting the area from further injury.
-
Observe Changes: Keep a record of how often the area bleeds and any other symptoms (like pain, changes in size, or color). This information will help in understanding patterns and guiding further care.
-
Seek Specialized Care: Although you mention a desire to avoid consultations, reaching out to a dermatologist could be beneficial. They are trained to handle chronic skin conditions, perform advanced treatments, and can prescribe options like topical steroids or other treatment modalities that might be more effective.
By addressing the comfort aspect while considering professional advice, you can work towards improving your skin condition. If symptoms worsen, prioritize seeking professional help sooner. Let me know if you need further clarification or assistance!
Related Questions
Should I Be Concerned About Tactile Sensations in My Soft Palate?
Subject: 32-year-old male, 2 meters tall, weighing 70 kg. I do not take any medication and have no significant medical history, aside from issues related to throat discomfort, specifically experiencing bleeding and pain in my throat and palate. I vape but have significantly cut back over the past three weeks to about two cigarettes daily, with nicotine still being present in my routine. For nearly ten years, I have been battling throat issues. Whenever I sought medical advice, consultations lasted only a couple of minutes, during which the doctor would examine me and, upon finding nothing amiss, would dismiss me without further investigation, a process I believe I could replicate without the need for medical expertise. Recently, I’ve become aware that when I run my tongue over the top of my soft palate, it doesn’t feel smooth; instead, I detect what seem to be tiny indentations. Is this a normal sensation, or should I seek further evaluation?
Persistent Perineal Tears
Hello everyone, I'm a 20-year-old woman standing at 5'3" and I have an allergy to amoxicillin. Since October 2024, I've been facing a puzzling and ongoing issue involving my perineum that I haven't seen described elsewhere, leaving me quite perplexed. It began with what appeared to be a small rash on my perineum, which I initially attributed to dryness. I treated it with vitamin E oil and thought it would resolve on its own. Approximately ten days after undergoing a Brazilian wax, the rash began to develop into something resembling warts, presenting as raised scabs that wouldn't come off. This led me to speculate that it might be HPV. In December, I stumbled across information online that suggested apple cider vinegar could assist with warts. I decided to soak a tissue in it and applied it to the area for several hours, sometimes even overnight. To my delight, the bumps vanished completely. I believed I had found a solution, but shortly thereafter, around Christmas, I noticed the area starting to crack and tear. Additionally, I experienced inflammation and soreness around my anus. Due to the holiday season, I was unable to secure a doctor's appointment, so I returned to using vitamin E, although it provided little relief. The tear would heal, only to reappear in precisely the same location. By March 2025, I finally had a swab taken, which came back negative for HSV. While I do possess HSV-1 antibodies from childhood cold sores, it has been years since my last outbreak. My doctor prescribed a 5% lidocaine cream, and my mother suggested Desitin. This combination proved helpful, allowing the lesion to heal within a day or two without recurring for several weeks. Nevertheless, the issue persists. My gynecologist indicated that it might be a fungal infection and prescribed oral fluconazole, but that treatment did not yield any results. Currently, I’m writing this while dealing with yet another tear in the same spot. The affected area isn’t particularly itchy but has a stinging and burning sensation akin to a raw cut, and the lesions consistently emerge in this particular location. The condition worsens after long working hours, heavy sweating, or prolonged sitting. There's never been any blistering, scabbing, or oozing; it resembles more of a shallow canker sore than anything else. I have also tested negative for all STDs. Has anyone else experienced a situation like this? Could it be fungal, chronic irritation, lichen, or possibly something else altogether? I'm simply seeking some clarity.
Understanding Pap Smear Results
A 26-year-old woman, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds, has a medical background that includes depression, ADHD, and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Her surgical history entails repairs to her labrum and the extraction of wisdom teeth. Currently, she is on a regimen that includes Wellbutrin at 350 mg, atenolol at 25 mg, and cetirizine at 10 mg. Her past Pap smear findings have been varied, starting from 2021, which indicated HPV positive with ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance). The result for 2022 showed a negative HPV test but indicated LSIL (Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion). The 2023 Pap smear showed no abnormalities. In 2024, the test was again HPV positive with ASCUS. Due to previous issues with biopsies conducted without pain management and limitations noted during colposcopy, her subsequent Pap smear in 2025 was conducted six months after the last test. This test reported no lesions or cellular changes, and while HPV types 16, 18, and 45 returned negative, the presence of HPV mRNA E6/E7 was detected. After receiving her results on Monday, she has experienced confusion, despite extensive research online. Her gynecologist has indicated a follow-up call to discuss her results and potential next steps, which adds to her anxiety as she recalls past negative experiences with her previous gynecologist. Now, she seeks insight into the implications of her results and guidance on when it would be appropriate for her to reach out for further information. For those who resonate with her experience or have undergone similar situations, sharing personal stories might be beneficial.
Concerns About Potential Leukemia?
At 28 years of age and weighing around 300 pounds, I’ve been feeling quite well overall, without experiencing any notable symptoms. Despite this, I find myself quite anxious about the possibility of leukemia or some other kind of blood disorder. Lately, I’ve noticed the emergence of three to four bruises appearing out of nowhere. I can only attribute them to my role as a goalie in soccer, although I can’t recall any specific incidents that would have caused them. I underwent a blood test recently, and to my surprise, the results returned normal, with most values sitting comfortably in the average range. The overall appearance of my Complete Blood Count (CBC) was unexpectedly positive. Does this indicate that leukemia is unlikely? My research indicates that individuals can present with a normal range of platelet counts or white blood cell counts yet still face bruising as a symptom of leukemia. The bruises I’ve developed vary in size, roughly between that of a nickel and a quarter. I am feeling exceptionally fearful, and any guidance would be greatly appreciated. While my blood work results provide a slight sense of relief, I remain concerned given what I’ve learned about the condition.
Dealing with an Ear Problem
**Patient Information** - **Age:** 26 - **Gender:** Male - **Complaint Duration:** 1 day - **Location:** Siem Reap, Cambodia - **Medical History:** No significant prior conditions - **Medications Used:** Attempted ear drops **Situation Overview:** Yesterday, while swimming for a short while, I found that water had become trapped in my ear. This has occurred previously during another swim, and I was unable to expel the water afterward. I applied ear drops but to no avail. Last night I sought treatment at urgent care where they removed a considerable amount of earwax; however, my hearing has not improved, and I am experiencing a persistent ringing in my ear. I suspect that the wax may have been pushed deeper during the procedure, which left me dissatisfied with the care I received. Today, I tried using hydrogen peroxide in my ear, and while I could hear some fizzing, my hearing problems persist. As I am currently traveling in Siem Reap, I find myself weighing three potential courses of action: (1) to continue using hydrogen peroxide twice daily in hopes of a resolution; (2) to visit a different medical professional, potentially at the renowned Royal Angkor International Hospital; or (3) to fly to Bangkok for what I assume would be superior treatment. I'm feeling quite uncertain about the best path forward. Not being able to hear properly is incredibly frustrating and distressing for me. I would appreciate any advice on how to proceed. Thanks!