Concern Over Purple Rash and Accompanying Symptoms
I am a 19-year-old female, standing at 152 cm tall and weighing 59 kg, of European descent. Currently, I am using Yasmin (a generic version) for hormonal contraception and have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Approximately one day ago, I observed a purple rash forming just beneath my knee on my right leg, which does not fade when pressed. As I am currently overseas, accessing a healthcare professional is not straightforward. For the past five days, I have also experienced unexplained pain in both of my legs, particularly around the lower thigh and foot of my right leg. The discomfort isn't severe, and although it is intermittent, I have recently begun to feel similar sensations in my hands as well. Additionally, I've noticed some spotting—stringy brown discharge—despite being in the middle of a cycle with my birth control, and I've been inconsistent with taking the pill. In fact, I stopped taking it three days ago due to the spotting, and I am unsure which day of my cycle I was on because of my irregular adherence to the schedule. Another issue I've been facing for the last two weeks is the appearance of white particles in my urine. On top of that, I've been struggling with odd bowel movements for about seven months, which initially started earlier but have significantly worsened in this timeframe. I am uncertain about the seriousness of these symptoms and would greatly appreciate any advice on how to proceed or whether my concerns are warranted.
Answers (1)
7/13/2025, 2:40:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
You have several symptoms that could indicate an urgent medical situation, especially the purple rash that does not fade, along with leg pain, changes in your menstrual cycle, and other unusual urinary and bowel symptoms. Let’s break this down and prioritize what to consider.
Main Points:
- Purple Rash: This could be a sign of a vascular issue or another underlying condition.
- Leg Pain: Intermittent pain and sensations in your legs and hands warrant attention, especially in combination with the rash.
- Spotting & Irregular Use of Birth Control: Stopping the Yasmin could affect your cycle and lead to breakthrough bleeding.
- Urinary and Bowel Changes: White particles in urine and bowel issues suggest the need for further investigation.
Explanation:
- The purple rash could suggest bruising or a more serious condition if it does not blanch (fade) when pressed. It’s important to monitor for any changes, especially if it spreads.
- The pain in your legs and hands could indicate a musculoskeletal issue or a systemic condition that may need evaluation.
- Irregular menstruation due to inconsistent pill use can lead to spotting; however, if this is abnormal for you or if you have discomfort, it may signal other hormonal issues.
- The presence of white particles in your urine could indicate a urinary tract issue or possible kidney involvement. Bowel changes over time can have various causes, including dietary issues or gastrointestinal concerns.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of the rash (any changes), leg and hand sensations, as well as bowel and urinary symptoms.
- Hydration: Ensure you stay hydrated, especially if you experience any more symptoms.
- Rest and Elevate: If your leg pain increases, try to rest and elevate your legs to reduce discomfort.
- Medication: If you have not taken your birth control consistently, consider whether you want to restart it when you are back on track, but be aware of potential irregularities in your cycle.
- Seek Medical Attention: Given the concerning combination of symptoms, consider seeking medical help urgently. If you're unable to see a doctor where you are, look for the nearest healthcare facility or pharmacy that may be able to provide advice or direction.
Being overseas complicates access to care, but it's important to prioritize your health, especially with these concerning symptoms. If you feel radically worse or develop new symptoms (e.g., swelling, fever, other rashes), seek immediate assistance. Let me know if you need guidance on finding care or understanding your options further.
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