Unexpected Bruise on Elbow
I’m a 26-year-old female, weighing 250 pounds, currently taking medications including Concerta and Pristiq, and I use marijuana heavily but don’t consume alcohol. My skin has always been quite delicate and sensitive, but lately, I’ve noticed I’m getting bruises more frequently, which caught my attention. Two months ago, I experienced a rupture of an ovarian cyst, and I still have lingering symptoms from that. I sometimes worry excessively about my health, haha. I had pneumonia in February and also deal with chronic pain, joint instability, and a generally inactive lifestyle. Recently, I discovered a strange bruise on my arm that startled me. It’s flat and slightly sore to the touch. Around the same time I noticed the bruise, I also experienced some itching on the palms of my hands and the soles of my feet. I find it odd since I haven't sustained any injuries that could explain this mark in the past few hours. I have appointments with a dermatologist and primary care physician scheduled for early August, but I’m wondering if I should seek attention sooner. I appreciate any insights!
Answers (1)
7/15/2025, 7:50:51 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about unexpected bruising, especially when combined with other symptoms like itching. Bruises can occur for many reasons, including sensitive skin, certain medications, and underlying health conditions. Considering your current medications (Concerta and Pristiq), some of the bruising may be linked to medication side effects or other factors.
Key Points:
- Increased bruising, especially with sensitive skin.
- Itching on palms and soles may suggest other dermatological or systemic issues.
- Chronic conditions and medications may play a role.
Explanation: Bruises form when small blood vessels under the skin break, which can happen more easily with conditions that affect blood clotting or when the skin is more delicate. Your history of chronic pain, joint instability, and your recent health issues might make you more prone to bruising. Itching on the palms and soles could indicate an allergic reaction, dermatological condition, or even a systemic issue.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep an eye on the bruise and any new ones that appear. Take note of additional symptoms such as fever, increased pain, or other unusual changes.
- Manage Itching: To relieve itching, try using hypoallergenic moisturizers or over-the-counter anti-itch creams. Avoid scratching, which can worsen irritation.
- Limit Irritants: Since your skin is sensitive, avoid harsh soaps and products that may worsen your skin condition.
- Stay Prepared for Appointments: Since you have doctor appointments scheduled soon, jot down your symptoms, when they started, and any patterns you've noticed (like scratching or increased activity). This information can help your doctors understand your situation better.
If you experience worsening symptoms, such as excessive pain, swelling, or if new bruises appear frequently without any reason, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider sooner rather than waiting for your scheduled appointments. Your health and peace of mind are important.
Related Questions
Seeking Insights: My Journey with Undiagnosed Neurological Symptoms
Hello everyone, I'm a 34-year-old female grappling with neurological symptoms that first appeared in October, and I’m eager to hear from anyone who might have faced similar challenges. My journey began with unexpected migraines, blurred vision, and an ongoing sensation of being off-balance or intoxicated. Gradually, I began experiencing mainly sensory-related symptoms, such as tingling and burning sensations, feelings of extreme heat and cold, sharp pains radiating in my arms and back, as well as discomfort in my hands and toes, alongside intermittent numbness. I also endure varying degrees of weakness and heaviness in my right side, specifically my arm and leg, although I haven’t suffered complete functional loss. The nature of my symptoms is erratic; they fluctuate rather than consistently deteriorate. An MRI revealed mild, scattered lesions in the white matter, which were deemed nonspecific. Further tests from a lumbar puncture returned normal results, showing no markers of inflammation, and the oligoclonal bands were not present. A thorough range of lab tests yielded no significant findings. After evaluating my case, the neurology team suggested a possible diagnosis of MS and administered a three-day course of intravenous steroids. While I noticed a slight improvement in some sensory pain, my symptoms persist and continue to vary day by day. I still experience headaches and pressure in my head along with episodes of blurred vision, but there have been no new deficits since treatment. I am reaching out to connect with others who have had similar experiences. I would like to learn about the insights or diagnoses you encountered and what treatments proved beneficial (such as those related to migraine disorders, dysautonomia, or sensory neuropathy, for example). If you have navigated a similar path, I would greatly appreciate your sharing your story. Thank you!
Should I Seek Medical Attention for Left Ear Pulsatile Tinnitus?
A 31-year-old woman reports an ongoing issue with pulsatile tinnitus, which she is currently experiencing solely in her left ear. Although she's noticed this condition intermittently before, she hadn’t paid it much mind due to the absence of pain. Recently, however, her curiosity piqued her interest in researching the condition, where she stumbled upon information suggesting it could be serious. Usually, she avoids searching online for health worries, but now she is contemplating whether a visit to the doctor might be warranted. Can anyone advise on the need for a medical evaluation in this case?
Concerns About Angular Cheilitis
I’m a 23-year-old woman with no history of smoking, and I’m seeking assistance regarding a health issue. Back in January, I experienced angular cheilitis three times, each episode involving a minor crack at the corner of my mouth that healed within a few days. Following the last occurrence, I became quite anxious due to saliva accumulation in that area. I found myself frequently brushing my finger along that spot. After a few days, I observed a small area forming that appeared white and had a rough texture. Eventually, I realized it was not just a coincidence, and I started taking action, but only after it became noticeably larger. To address it, I cleaned the area with a mix of alcohol and apple cider vinegar. I’m uncertain about what this issue could be, but I’ve recently begun using over-the-counter Clotrimazole cream while also keeping the area moisturized with either lanolin or petroleum jelly. Unfortunately, I haven’t noticed any improvement, and I’m concerned as it seems to be expanding. The patch continues to be rough and excessively dry. Although I can open my mouth wide without any cracks forming, I do feel tension in the skin, similar to having a bandage over that location. At times, I experience a burning sensation after thorough washing, and I’ve noticed tiny red spots appearing on the outer edges of the patch sporadically.
Unusual Heart Sensation
I’m an 18-year-old, weighing 50 kilograms and standing at 170 centimeters (and yes, I’m aware that I’m quite slender). For the past couple of years, I’ve developed a habit of smoking about half a pack of cigarettes each day. So, the other day I was lying on my left side, relaxing, when I stumbled upon an unusual sensation. It felt as though my heart was pulsating so intensely that it was almost outside my body. Out of curiosity, I pressed a bit on the area and was instantly hit with a rush; my head started to tingle, my vision momentarily blurred, and it felt as though my heart dropped. It was as if my entire system had malfunctioned. Just for context, I’ve experienced something similar before after a ketamine overdose, and it persisted for about a month afterward, occurring occasionally while trying to sleep or during random moments in bed. This current episode has me quite anxious, especially since it hasn’t happened in a while, but this time felt particularly alarming.
Mass on the Glottis
Patient Details: 63-year-old male, height 165 cm, weight 66 kg, Asian descent. Lifestyle Factors: No history of smoking or alcohol consumption. Medical History: Diagnosed with asthma and angina. Current Medications: Uses a Symbicort inhaler and takes Concor tablets. Main Concern: A mass was detected during a gastroendoscopy carried out a year ago. There is no report of pain, but the patient experiences mild hoarseness. What might be the diagnosis?