OpenHealth Q&A

Identifying a Possible Bruise: Seeking Advice

Essential Information: I am a 23-year-old nonbinary individual, standing at 5'7" and weighing around 150 pounds. At the moment, I am not taking any medications. While I occasionally partake in cannabis and consume alcohol, I do not smoke cigarettes. Recently, I have experienced some health concerns. In March, I visited a clinic due to a urinary tract infection (UTI). My urine appeared DARK red, a much more severe symptom than any previous UTIs I have encountered. After receiving antibiotics, the issue resolved. Blood tests and STI screenings returned negative results. Also, I have developed pain in my knee, which I believe is linked to my sedentary job; I haven’t been as physically active as I once was. I mention this because the knee discomfort began around the same time as my other symptoms. I cannot upload images to accompany this post, so I strive to be as detailed as possible regarding my current concern. If there’s a method to include pictures, I would appreciate guidance on that. I (23nb) observed what I suspect is a bruise on the back of my middle finger, located between my knuckle and first joint on July 8th. It resembles a horseshoe shape about the size of a nickel. Concurrently, I also noticed what seem to be sunspots on the same hand near my thumb. The bruise on my finger has not been painful or itchy at any point. Initially, it was a light pink, but over time it has darkened to a light brown hue. As of today, July 20th, I have noticed a change in the texture of the skin where the bruise is located. The only incident I recall that might have caused this was approximately six days before the bruise appeared when I banged my hand against a windowsill. However, there was no ongoing pain, and I’m uncertain about which hand I actually hit, making it seem insignificant. Residing in the United States, I am apprehensive about medical expenses, which is why I am seeking advice here first. Should I consult a doctor? Could this simply be a bruise, or might it indicate something else?

Answers (1)

7/20/2025, 8:40:37 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing some concerns with a possible bruise and changes in your hand's skin texture. Given your details, it’s important to understand what you’re witnessing and when to seek help. Here’s a breakdown of your situation:

Main Points:

1. The mark on your finger may very well be a bruise, especially since you linked it to a minor injury.
2. Skin changes, such as texture alteration, can occur with bruises but should be monitored.
3. If the condition escalates or other symptoms develop, seeking medical advice may be necessary.

Explanation:

Bruises (contusions) develop when blood vessels under the skin are damaged, usually due to some form of trauma, which can be minor as you described with the windowsill incident. The color changes are typical as a bruise heals. The darkening from pink to brown is common as bruises go through various healing stages.

Sunspots, on the other hand, are usually harmless pigmentation changes most commonly tied to sun exposure. As for the knee discomfort, it seems related to your activity level combined with your sedentary job, but it’s not directly connected to the bruising or skin changes.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor the Bruise and Skin Changes: Keep an eye on the bruise. If it becomes larger, more painful, or if you notice swelling or other concerning changes, consider seeking medical help.
2. Pain Management: If your knee discomfort persists, try gentle stretching or low-impact exercises to increase mobility.
3. Skin Care: Ensure you keep the area clean and moisturized. If the texture change continues or worsens, it might need evaluation.
4. Self-Observation: Document any new symptoms like swelling, pain in the bruise, or changes in skin texture. This can help any healthcare provider you might consult later.

If you have further questions or if any symptoms worsen, feel free to reach out for more specific advice. Always prioritize your well-being, and it’s okay to consult a physician if you feel concerned about your health.