Understanding Amelanotic Melanoma
A 48-year-old Caucasian woman from the Midwest shares her experience with sun exposure. Throughout her life, she engaged in typical Generation X sun activities, which included occasional sunburns, though she doesn't recall suffering severe blisters. Over the years, she has intermittently used tanning beds. In terms of sun protection during her childhood, she remembers her mother applying bug spray, and she has a hazy recollection of using Coppertone sunscreen that had a distinct coconut scent. Currently, she notices signs of skin aging, including thinning skin and an increase in sunspots, particularly on the backs of her hands. For approximately the past fifteen years, she has made a conscious effort to limit her sun exposure, often applying sunscreen even when she doesn’t expect to be outdoors for long periods. Specifically, she uses a 60 SPF product on her face and applies it to the backs of her hands as well. After researching online, she has become increasingly concerned about a particular spot on her skin that appears different from others. Her anxiety is heightened due to her observations, and she wonders if it warrants concern. She acknowledges her thoughts may be driven by anxiety, and has shared photographs in the comments for reference.
Answers (1)
7/19/2025, 12:40:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to feel anxious about changes in your skin, especially with a personal history of sun exposure. Your concerns regarding a spot that appears different from your other skin may be valid, especially given the risk factors associated with skin cancer. Here's a structured approach to address your considerations regarding amelanotic melanoma and skin health:
Key Points:
- Understand Amelanotic Melanoma: This type of melanoma lacks the darker pigment typically associated with melanomas, making it harder to recognize. It might appear as a pink or red spot rather than a dark mole.
- Skin Changes and Anxiety: While you may be experiencing common skin aging signs, such as thinning skin and sunspots, any new or evolving spot should be monitored carefully.
Explanation:
Increased sun exposure over the years, especially through tanning beds, can raise the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma. Your proactive approach to using high-SPF sunscreen is excellent, but changes in your skin still necessitate vigilance. Skin spots that appear different in color or texture—especially if they grow or change shape—should definitely be evaluated.
Next Steps:
-
Self-Examine Regularly: Monitor the spot that concerns you closely. Note any changes in its size, shape, color, or texture over the next few weeks. Take clear photographs to document these changes.
-
Skin Care Routine: Continue with your sun protection regimen. Ensure your sunscreen is broad-spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB) and reapply every two hours if you're outside. Likewise, consider using a moisturizer with antioxidants to support skin health.
-
Reduce Anxiety Through Knowledge: It's good to stay informed, but avoid excessive reading of alarming content. Look for reputable sources that provide balanced information on skin health and melanoma risks.
-
Consult a Professional: While you aim to self-manage at first, please prioritize making an appointment with a dermatologist who can assess the unusual spot and provide peace of mind. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a possible biopsy if indicated, which is the best way to determine whether the spot is of concern.
Remember, skin changes are common as we age, and not all spots indicate a serious condition. Taking steps to monitor and consult will serve you best. Stay proactive and take good care of your skin!
Related Questions
Rash on the Dorsal Side of My Hands
A 24-year-old male, standing 5'3" and weighing 125 pounds, is not currently taking any medications. While I do not smoke, I am often exposed to secondhand smoke from those around me, and I have recently spent time in an environment where a significant amount of unpleasant smoke is produced due to casting activities. For approximately three weeks, I have been experiencing a rash on the backs of both my hands. I initially became aware of it after working on my car's engine. The rash has led to dryness and itching, and I took a photo after my shower today, highlighting the redness that has become particularly noticeable. What are some effective treatments for this condition?
Understanding Foam in Urine: When is it a Concern?
Age 24, I've observed a notable increase in the amount of foam in my urine over the past couple of years, compared to what I remember from before. About a year ago, I mentioned this to my primary care physician, who seemed somewhat dismissive of my concerns. Nonetheless, they proceeded to conduct a urinalysis, which returned normal results, indicating no elevated protein levels. I frequently undergo blood tests, and both my eGFR and creatinine levels typically fall within the normal range, although I did experience some fluctuations linked to a bout of mononucleosis a couple of years back, where my eGFR dipped near 70; it currently remains above 100. I suspect that changes in my urological function, likely from aging, are contributing to a stronger urine stream now than in my youth. The foam generally settles down after a few minutes, although occasionally it lingers longer than expected. I make a concerted effort to stay hydrated, even though I don’t always succeed, so I wonder if mild dehydration could partially account for the foaming. This concern is particularly relevant as I'm resuming strength training and planning to increase my protein consumption. I want to ensure that my kidneys are not overtaxed due to any potential underlying issues. Additionally, I have a history of taking 5 grams of creatine daily, paired with plenty of water, which makes me cautious about this, too. Is there a point at which foaming in urine is considered excessive, or does a specific threshold exist that I should be aware of?
Developing an Itchy Rash Following a Client Visit
A 44-year-old woman, without any significant health issues apart from allergies and not currently taking any medications, encountered an uncomfortable situation after a client visit. While working in social services, she noticed an itchy rash that appeared shortly after leaving the client’s residence. Although she initially suspected a bed bug infestation, no evidence of these pests has been found since her departure. Upon returning home, she took certain precautions but now finds herself uncertain about the source of the rash. She visited multiple clients the previous day, making it difficult to pinpoint when the irritation began. The rash became noticeable yesterday and is indeed bothersome. Currently, she has observed the rash on her back, as well as on her lower thigh, and has noted a few spots on her arm and leg. The situation remains concerning as she seeks to identify the cause of this unexpected skin reaction.
Managing Allergic Reactions to Bactrim: Should I Wait It Out?
I'm a 31-year-old female residing in the USA. I’ve been experiencing symptoms such as discomfort during urination and pain on one side of my back. After seeking attention at an urgent care center, the medical professionals suspected I might have a urinary tract infection or a kidney infection, with lab results still pending. They prescribed me Bactrim, instructing me to take it twice daily over the course of 14 days. Having taken my first dose roughly an hour ago, I’m now experiencing itching (without any hives) along with some redness and warmth in my face. My breathing feels normal, and I don’t have any additional concerns at this moment. Is it advisable for me to simply pause the medication until I can consult with my doctor tomorrow?
Should I Visit the Emergency Room After Hitting My Head?
As a 27-year-old woman, I experienced a rather unusual incident yesterday when I was struck on the forehead by two laptops. Although the impact was painful, I did not lose consciousness. I didn’t experience any significant headache afterwards either. This incident occurred around 6:30 PM, and I went to sleep a few hours later, after midnight. Despite the unfortunate event, I haven't noticed any concerning symptoms, aside from a noticeable indentation on my forehead, which I am convinced wasn't there prior to the impact. This dent has become quite apparent to me, although it doesn’t really hurt when I touch it. My husband has suggested that I seek medical attention at the emergency room, but apart from this slight deformity, I feel perfectly okay. There has been no dizziness, no nausea, and no headache—just this peculiar dent. It has now been roughly 20 hours since the incident, and I continue to feel well, though the dent persists. To give a clearer picture: the dent stretches from the upper section of my forehead down to just above my left eyebrow, forming a fairly straight line. Visually, it’s hard to detect; I can only feel it upon touching. Its depth is likely less than a quarter of an inch, probably resulting from the shape of the Chromebook that struck me. Given that I feel fine overall, is a visit to the emergency room necessary?