Persistent Red Lesion on Leg for 3 Months
M, 25 years old, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 165 pounds. Approximately three months ago, I discovered a noticeable red sore on my leg, but I did not address it at the time. The sore is strikingly bright red and has maintained its size without any reduction. It is not painful and there is no discharge; however, it has not shown any signs of healing. I plan to visit urgent care soon, but I would appreciate any insights or advice from others who might have experienced something similar.
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 6:01:32 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's important to address concerns about a persistent red lesion on your leg, especially as it has been unchanged for three months. Here's a brief overview of the situation and recommended steps.
Main Points:
- A red lesion persisting for three months without healing warrants attention.
- Causes can vary, but common ones include dermatitis, infections, or even benign growths.
- Keeping track of symptoms is key as you prepare for your urgent care visit.
Explanation:
A bright red sore on your leg that has not changed in size or condition can be concerning. While the absence of pain or discharge may suggest that it’s not an infection, it’s crucial not to ignore it. Some lesions can be benign, such as a hemangioma or a dermatofibroma, while others may require more investigation to rule out conditions like psoriasis or even skin cancer.
Next Steps:
-
Document Changes: Keep a daily observation of any changes in the lesion's appearance, including size, color, texture, or any new symptoms. This will be crucial information for healthcare professionals.
-
Avoid Irritants: Refrain from using any harsh soaps or lotions on the area that could irritate your skin further. Gentle cleansing can help maintain skin health.
-
Plan for Urgent Care Visit: When visiting urgent care, be ready to discuss the duration, any other symptoms you've noticed, and any personal or family history of skin issues. Photographs of the lesion over time could also be beneficial for comparison.
-
Stay Calm and Informed: While it's natural to feel concerned, many skin lesions are benign. Your proactive approach of seeking care is the best way to address your concerns effectively.
Feel free to continue updating about your experience or ask for more specific advice as needed.
Related Questions
Tetanus Inquiry
I'm generally in decent health and take allergy meds. Recently, while working in my garden, I accidentally scraped my finger, and dirt got into the cut. It bled a little, but it's not very deep. I disinfected it with alcohol. My last Tdap vaccine was 6.5 years ago, with another dose given nine years prior. Am I safe? I understand that deeper wounds pose a greater risk, but I also want to make sure I’m not overlooking anything crucial. Thank you for your advice!
5-Year-Old Accidentally Ingests Hand Sanitizer
Earlier today at the playground, my 5-year-old was unsure of my intention to apply hand sanitizer. As a result, he unsuspectingly licked off a generous amount—likely around a tablespoon or perhaps even more—from his hands about half an hour ago. We quickly rinsed his mouth and provided him with water along with a sweet snack to counteract any effects. After contacting poison control, they reassured us that ingesting less than a mouthful isn't usually a cause for concern. Currently, he shows no signs of any symptoms, but I can’t help but feel anxious and guilty about the situation. The hand sanitizer he licked contained 70% ethyl alcohol. What further steps should I take or what signs should I monitor for?
My 8-Year-Old Inadvertently Took My Vitamins
Recently, I’ve had a lot on my plate, and during brunch preparation earlier, I mistakenly swapped my vitamins with those meant for my daughter. She is 8 years old, measures 53 inches in height, and weighs 70 pounds. Importantly, she doesn’t take any medications. After consuming the vitamins, she remarked, “Did you get me different vitamins? They look unusual.” Upon glancing at my plate, she realized her vitamins were mixed up with mine and became quite alarmed. I usually take a Nature Made multivitamin along with omega-3 gummy vitamins while she has her own version meant for children. In total, she ingested two of the omega-3 gummies. These do not include iron but contain various other vitamins and fish oil components. Should I be concerned about her health, or is a visit to urgent care necessary? I can share the ingredient list in the comments if that would help.
Concerns About Recent Health Changes: Should I Be Worried?
I’m a 33-year-old woman, a smoker, standing at 5’10” and weighing 280 pounds. I underwent weight loss surgery (lap band) back in 2012, significantly reducing my previous weight. Currently, I use birth control to suppress my menstrual cycle and take tizanidine as needed to manage migraines. Lately, I've noticed some troubling symptoms: - I find myself getting short of breath more quickly than I used to. - Increased flatulence has become quite noticeable. - My heels, especially the left one, are experiencing severe pain without any clear cause. While my job requires me to be on my feet a lot, my activity level hasn’t changed that much recently. - Intriguingly, I’ve been able to nap during the day, something I’ve never been able to do before. For example, yesterday I fell asleep around 1:30 PM and woke up at 4 PM. Today, I took a nap starting at 1 PM, sleeping until nearly 4 PM. - Additionally, I’ve begun feeling sporadic and sharp pains in my uterus, which started just yesterday. Should I be concerned about these issues?
Concerns Over Ingesting a Small Magnetic Object: What Should Be Done?
A friend of mine, who is 15 years old, accidentally ingested a small sphere that has a slight magnetic property. Although he currently shows no signs of any distress or symptoms, I am still quite anxious about the situation. He insists that everything is alright since the object was small, but I have my doubts. What actions should he consider taking next?