Seeking Assistance for Chest Lesions
A 40-year-old woman with a history of high blood pressure is currently taking lisinopril at a daily dose of 5mg. Recently, she has observed the emergence of lesions on her chest, which initially appeared as small pustules, similar to pimples. Over the course of one to two weeks, these lesions progressed to ulcerated forms, characterized by raised red edges. Occasionally, they demonstrate mild itching or a burning sensation. The lesions are prone to bleeding, primarily from their peripheries, while the lighter area in the middle does not resemble typical healthy skin; instead, the individual pores are noticeably visible there. The scarring seen on her chest, where the skin also exhibits pore-like appearances, is a remnant of a severe outbreak of similar sores experienced six years ago. After discovering a new allergy to synthetic fabrics, she switched to wearing only 100% cotton, which effectively prevented any recurrence for years until now. For several weeks, the current lesions have persisted in a state that seems stagnant and non-healing. She has refrained from picking at them and has been treating them with over-the-counter clotrimazole and hydrocortisone, applying bandages over the affected areas. A new small lesion has unexpectedly appeared beneath the larger ones in recent days. She is desperate to find a solution to eliminate these unsightly lesions and seeks guidance on how to proceed.
Answers (1)
7/19/2025, 4:40:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing a concerning skin issue with the lesions on your chest, which have not healed despite your efforts to treat them at home. Let's break this down and explore how to proceed.
Main Points
- Persistent Skin Lesions: Your lesions seem to be stubborn and may not respond to over-the-counter treatments.
- New Allergies & Skin Care: Your allergy to synthetic fabrics and recent changes in your skin condition are significant.
- Next Steps Required: Focus on identifying the nature of the lesions and appropriate self-care.
Explanation
The lesions you describe, particularly with their ulcerated nature, itching, burning sensation, and bleeding, may be indicative of a dermatological condition that could be inflammatory, infectious, or allergic in nature. Given your previous history of similar sores and the recent emergence of new ones, it’s essential to address this effectively.
The treatments you've been using—clotrimazole (an antifungal) and hydrocortisone (a mild steroid)—may not be adequate for the specific type of lesions you have. The scarring and changes in your skin may also hint at a need for a more tailored approach.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Avoid Irritants: Continue wearing breathable, 100% cotton clothing to minimize irritation of the skin.
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Moisturize Gently: Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and to support healing. Avoid heavy creams that may clog pores.
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Stop Self-Treatment: Cease applying over-the-counter treatments until you have a clearer understanding of the condition. Some treatments may aggravate the issue.
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Document Changes: Keep a diary of any changes in the lesions, including new symptoms, changes in size, or appearance. This information will be helpful for further evaluation.
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Consider Allergy Testing: Given your history of allergies, you may want to evaluate if there's a connection with your current skin condition.
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Seek Specialized Help: It’s important to have a healthcare professional—preferably a dermatologist—examine the lesions. They may need to perform a biopsy or other diagnostic tests to understand what you’re dealing with.
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Monitor for Infection: If you notice any signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or worsening pain), seek professional advice sooner rather than later.
These steps aim to provide immediate self-care and establish a pathway for further evaluation and treatment. Remember to be gentle with your skin and to seek support from professionals who can offer targeted care. Let me know if you have further questions or need more details!
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