Should I Be Worried?
I am a 17-year-old girl who has dealt with persistent nerve and joint discomfort, along with troubling digestive issues. Recently, I’ve noticed a strange type of eczema developing on my hands that refuses to respond to any lotion I try. Moreover, for the past week, I have experienced significant blurriness in my vision, making it difficult to recognize even those standing close to me. This isn't a fleeting problem; it lasts for several hours at a time. Additionally, I can't shake the sensation that tiny bugs are crawling over my skin and biting me, which is quite unsettling. Despite my boyfriend being bundled up comfortably in a thick blanket, I find myself feeling unbearably hot, often dressed very lightly while still sweating profusely. Is this something I should be concerned about? Furthermore, I have an ovarian cyst measuring approximately 4 cm, and in my younger years, a doctor had begun investigating the possibility of scleroderma after noticing my Raynaud's phenomenon, but I left before he could complete his assessment. I also partake in marijuana use to help manage my pain, itching, and discomfort from overheating, but I am not currently taking any prescription medications.
Answers (1)
7/25/2025, 1:10:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your concerns involve several symptoms that could be interrelated, and given their complexity, it's understandable to feel worried. You have multiple issues including persistent discomfort, significant vision changes, skin problems, and an overwhelming sensation of heat. It’s important to prioritize these symptoms to better understand what might be affecting your health.
Explanation:
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Persistent Discomfort & Joint Pain: This can stem from a range of conditions, including autoimmune disorders like scleroderma or others affecting the joints. The combination of joint pain and skin symptoms suggests inflammation could be present.
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Vision Changes: Blurriness lasting several hours is concerning, especially at a young age. This could potentially indicate issues with your eyes or systemic conditions affecting your vision.
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Skin Sensations & Extreme Heat: The sensation of bugs crawling on your skin (known as formication) can be caused by various factors including anxiety, skin conditions, or other neurological issues. Feeling hot and sweating excessively could be tied to various medical conditions or even hormonal changes related to the ovarian cyst.
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Ovarian Cyst: While many cysts are benign and resolve on their own, if you're experiencing discomfort or other symptoms, it warrants attention.
Next Steps:
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Monitor and Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including when they occur, any potential triggers, and their duration. This can be very helpful when discussing your situation with a healthcare provider.
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Nutritional and Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated to help with overall body functioning, including skin and joint health.
- Diet: Consider reducing caffeine and sugar as they can exacerbate anxiety and discomfort.
- Stress Management: Engage in stress-relief activities that work for you, such as meditation or yoga, as stress can worsen many symptoms.
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Skin Care: For your eczema, continue trying to keep your skin moisturized. Look for ointments that contain ingredients like ceramides or are specifically designed for eczema.
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Seek Medical Evaluation: Given the combination of these symptoms—especially the vision changes and the sensation of bugs crawling on your skin—I strongly encourage you to seek a thorough evaluation from a healthcare provider. They may order tests to assess for autoimmune conditions, evaluate your vision, and provide appropriate management strategies.
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Regarding Marijuana Use: While it can help manage some symptoms, it is important to discuss this with a healthcare provider, especially considering your ongoing symptoms and lack of current medications.
Your health and well-being are paramount, and addressing these issues is important. Please take care to seek observations and evaluations that can lead you to better health.
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