Concerns About Red Dots Beneath Clear Skin: Should I Be Alarmed?
Hello, I’m a 25-year-old who has been experiencing some small, recurrent bumps on my fingers. While I refer to them as "warts," they more accurately appear as tiny, sensitive dots that can persist for a few weeks. Medical professionals have suggested that these could be warts and recommend I use salicylic acid as a treatment. I applied the acid to one of the bumps over the past three weeks, and the results have been quite mixed. This treatment seemed to trigger two new bumps near the original one, yet I successfully removed two of them with the acid. However, the third bump proved to be stubborn, leading to irritated and open skin, prompting me to refrain from further treatment for the last few days. Currently, I’m observing an uncomfortable patch of skin that appears clear on the surface but has red, dot-like cells visible underneath. Should I be concerned about this condition? Are these even warts? They look different from the typical wart images I’ve come across, primarily lacking the usual rough texture.
Answers (1)
7/15/2025, 9:40:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing some frustrating skin issues with these recurring bumps, and your concern is completely valid. Based on your description, these may not be typical warts, especially since they appear sensitive and lack the rough texture commonly associated with them.
Main Points:
- The bumps could be different types of skin conditions, not just warts.
- Ongoing irritation and the appearance of new bumps after treatment are signs to reconsider your approach.
- Monitoring and self-care are important steps to take at this stage.
Explanation
The small, sensitive dots you describe might represent a few different skin conditions such as:
- Common warts: Usually rough and firm.
- Other viral warts or skin tags: May appear smoother and smaller.
- Folliculitis: Inflammation of hair follicles, which can cause red bumps.
- Pearly Penile Papules or other benign growths: Often mistaken for warts but are harmless.
It's important to avoid further irritation of the skin, as that can lead to more bumps or infection.
Next Steps:
- Stop using salicylic acid on the irritated area: Allow your skin to heal. Irritated, open skin can be more susceptible to infections.
- Keep the area clean and dry: Use gentle soap and avoid harsh scrubbing. After washing, you may apply a mild moisturizer to soothe the area.
- Do not pick or squeeze the bumps: This can cause further irritation and possible scarring.
- Monitor any changes closely: Take notes on the size, number of bumps, and any new symptoms (like pain or pus) so you can communicate this effectively if you seek further advice later.
- Consider a temporary pause in treatment: If the bumps persist or if new ones appear, it might be time to change your strategy; a dermatologist can provide tailored options, including possible treatments or further evaluations.
If the bumps worsen or if you develop signs of infection (like increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus), it’s important to seek professional medical advice. Don’t hesitate to ask about your concerns, as the goal is to ensure your skin health and peace of mind.
Related Questions
Seeking Insights on My Son's Health Challenges
I’m reaching out regarding my youngest son, who is now 6 months old and has encountered several medical issues from the moment he was born. Despite numerous evaluations, it seems that no clear connections have been established, and I can’t shake the feeling that something more significant is at play. Apologies in advance for the scattered nature of the details, but here’s what we’ve observed: - He was born with several congenital conditions including Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), and Narrowing of the Peripheral Pulmonary Artery. - Thankfully, all these conditions have resolved without requiring surgical intervention. - Initially, he did not pass his hearing screening at birth due to fluid retention in his ears, but he successfully cleared the test a week later. - By 4 months old, he began experiencing constipation. - He was exclusively breastfed until he was 7 months, after which we switched him to a specialized formula in hopes of alleviating the issue. - At 7 months, he started suffering from severe respiratory infections, including pneumonia and bronchitis. - To address these issues, his tonsils and adenoids were removed, and ear tubes were inserted at age 2 across the board. - His ear canals are not growing proportionately, leading to recurrent fungal infections due to excess moisture; therefore, he needs earplugs when around water. - He was diagnosed with Asthma at the age of 3. - His condition is managed with daily medication, a rescue inhaler, and a nebulizer that is kept nearby. - He is particularly vulnerable to illnesses, where a mild cold tends to escalate into a respiratory issue, resulting in pneumonia about 2-3 times per year. - At the age of 5, he began wearing pull-ups again after being fully toilet-trained due to overflow caused by constipation and impaction. - He currently takes MiraLAX twice each day and senna medication at night. - Migraines also became a concern at the age of 5, leading to an emergency room visit for treatment. He experiences flare-ups where all of his health issues worsen, and during one of these instances, laboratory tests showed elevated liver enzymes, which returned to normal once he stabilized. His primary care physician is uncertain about the next steps to take. The pulmonologist is preparing to conduct further tests to assess how frequently he has flare-ups within the next half year. He is scheduled to see the neurologist next month, while the gastroenterologist can't see him until December. An immunologist performed a basic metabolic and immunological panel, which yielded normal results. I can’t shake the instinct that there’s a more serious underlying problem. I'm seeking suggestions or ideas that I can present to his pediatrician to help us uncover what might be going on.
Epidermoid Cyst Update
Key Details: F33. Generally in good health. Currently 31 weeks into my pregnancy. I have developed an epidermoid inclusion cyst. Initially, it was the size of a pea on Thursday, ballooning to the size of a marble by Friday, at which point it appeared inflamed and prompted treatment from my dermatologist who administered an injection. By Monday, the cyst had expanded to roughly the size of a golf ball and had become quite painful, leading her to prescribe Cephalexin 500mg to be taken once daily. After being on antibiotics for 24 hours, I have noticed a change in the cyst; it has shifted from being deeply embedded under the skin to protruding more visibly on the skin's surface. Although it is still clearly defined, its position is now more pronounced. Could this alteration indicate healing, or is there a possibility that it could be evolving into an abscess requiring drainage? Should I seek a second opinion regarding this condition?
Understanding Small Bowel Obstruction
At 29 years of age, I found myself grappling with a diagnosis of subacute intestinal obstruction, which was confirmed on June 30. After a three-day stay in the emergency room, a contrast CT scan conducted on July 3 revealed no signs of obstruction. However, the following day, a family member offered me a small portion of semi-solid porridge. I managed to consume a few ounces, only to experience a tight sensation in my gut by evening, as if it were being compressed. I spent the night in the hospital where I had some loose bowel movements the next morning. Even after being discharged in the evening, I still felt somewhat uneasy. I adhered to a strict liquid diet, experiencing irregular bowel activity characterized by marbles of dark semi-solid stool interspersed with liquid variations. On July 8, a routine abdominal ultrasound was performed, and the results came back normal. Unfortunately, two days later, my condition took a turn for the worse. I began enduring intermittent abdominal pain, accompanied by nausea—though I thankfully did not experience any vomiting. My stool varied between the small, marble-like form and loose consistency, while I remained on a liquid diet. The pain fluctuates, and it can be intense at times. Meanwhile, my parents insist that the recent ultrasound indicated no issues and advise me not to worry too much, suggesting I might be overreacting to the situation.
Aftermath of a Chokehold: Concerns About My Voice
I’m a 23-year-old female, and recently while goofing around with friends during a play wrestling session, one of the guys put me in a chokehold. Ever since that night, I've been experiencing soreness in my neck, which has lingered for about two days. Although I tend to bruise easily, the minimal bruising I have seems to be improving. Currently, my voice has taken on a raspy quality, and I’ve noticed some discomfort when swallowing. There’s also a bit of tenderness when I touch my throat, but thankfully, this discomfort has lessened over the past few days. I’m starting to worry about the possibility of an injury—whether something might be broken or damaged, especially after reading information suggesting I should visit a doctor to rule out a carotid artery injury. However, I’m hesitant to have my parents find out about it. I’ve been managing the pain by using ice and taking acetaminophen to alleviate the symptoms. Should I be worried about any serious issues, or is this something that will likely resolve itself?
Bumps in the Perineal Area
As a 30-year-old woman, I've been in a relationship with my partner for two years. Before we started dating, I underwent testing, and I've consistently received normal Pap results along with negative STI screenings. Recently, my boyfriend observed some bumps appearing on my perineum that emerged around one to two weeks ago. Initially, I thought this could be due to some discomfort from intimacy, as it felt like the skin was somewhat torn at the opening. I've taken a break to allow for healing since then. However, when we attempted to be intimate last night, he noticed that the bumps were still present. This led to him becoming upset and suggesting that I might have a sexually transmitted infection. I'm anxious about this situation, and I'm unsure of what these bumps could indicate. Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!