Recurring Symptoms: Wounds, Gas, and Acne
I’m a 30-year-old female, and I frequently deal with an annoying recurring sore situated on my labia, near the bikini line. This lesion doesn’t bleed or open but often appears as if it’s on the brink of healing. Once, it took a staggering three months to heal, the following year it lingered for four months, and the next time it was somewhat better, resolving in just a few weeks. Although I take vitamin D and iron supplements, I admit I don’t do so as consistently as I ought to, and I'm curious if this plays a role in my health issues. Previously, a gastroenterologist recommended that I use Miralax daily, which I did for around two years. However, after increasing my water intake, I experienced a decrease in severe discomfort, allowing me to stop using the medication. When I relied on Miralax, skipping even a couple of doses would leave me in excruciating pain, causing my family to contemplate a trip to the emergency room. Fortunately, my gas problems have improved significantly since I stopped the daily Miralax regimen. Stress also exacerbates my gas issues. Oddly enough, I often don’t realize I have gas until I experience sharp back pain. It’s not until I begin burping excessively that I recognize the source of the discomfort, feeling relief as the back pain subsides. These episodes can persist for more than a week at a time. Additionally, I notice an increase in acne during stressful situations or after consuming high glycemic index foods. The pimples that erupt often manifest as tiny, easily popped lesions with a little pus or as standard red pimples that take their time to heal. Both types leave behind a trail of acne scars across my face, with persistent marks that seem resistant to fading, unlike before when they would diminish within a few weeks with just regular cleansing and no specific products. Even though I’ve tried popular skincare treatments, including tretinoin, I find that they barely make a dent in reducing the scars. At times, I feel as though the products merely sit on my skin without any effects. I’m even at a stage where I can apply Tazorac (since I transitioned from tretinoin) on damp skin, cover it with Vaseline, and wrap up with plastic wrap, yet I see little improvement, despite following this routine diligently for weeks. I can’t shake the feeling that these recurring wounds, the gas, and the acne are interconnected in some capacity. Unfortunately, my blood tests and consultations with doctors haven’t illuminated the situation. Has anyone else faced similar symptoms? If so, what did you find to be the underlying cause, and how did you resolve the issues?
Answers (1)
7/27/2025, 2:01:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a complex set of recurring symptoms, including labial soreness, gastrointestinal discomfort, and acne issues, which can be frustrating and concerning. Let’s break down these issues and explore potential connections and solutions.
Main Points
- Recurring labial sore: This may relate to skin conditions or infections.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: Gas and abdominal pain can be linked to diet, stress, and prior Miralax use.
- Acne concerns: Stress and diet seem to play a role in your breakouts, and current treatments may not be adequate.
Explanation
- Labial sore: The persistent sore near your labia could be a type of chronic skin condition or irritation. Conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa, friction from clothing, or even herpes (though it usually presents differently) could be considered. Factors like consistency in your vitamin and nutrient intake might play a role in the healing process.
- Gas and abdominal pain: Improvement after increasing your water intake is a positive sign, indicating that hydration can significantly help your gastrointestinal health. Stress is also a key factor that can lead to muscle tension in your abdomen, contributing to pain. Being aware of how your diet affects gas and pain (especially high-glycemic-index foods) will be crucial for management.
- Acne: The connection between stress and acne is well-documented. Stress hormones can increase oil production in your skin, leading to breakouts. Your attempts with tretinoin and Tazorac show you’re committed to treatment, but results can vary based on individual skin types and needs.
Next Steps
-
For the sore: Consider consulting a dermatologist who can evaluate the sore directly. They may recommend topical treatments or specific investigations to understand what it is and how to prevent it.
-
Gastrointestinal management:
- Maintain a food diary to identify triggers for gas. Gradually reintroducing fibers may help (e.g., vegetables, whole grains) if you haven’t already.
- Practice stress-reduction techniques (mindfulness, yoga), as managing stress can alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms.
-
Acne care:
- Review skincare: If tretinoin and Tazorac aren't effective, consider experimenting with other active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which target acne differently.
- Look into seeing a dermatologist or an esthetician for professional-grade treatments or peels that can better address acne scars.
-
Nutrition and supplementation: Aim for consistency in taking your vitamin D and iron supplements. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants (fruits and vegetables) and healthy fats (like omega-3s) can also support skin health and overall well-being.
-
Monitor your progress: Keep a symptom journal to note any new developments or the effectiveness of changes you make, as this can provide valuable information for future consultations if needed.
Remember, while these symptoms can feel daunting, taking systematic steps to address them can lead to improvements over time. It's great that you're seeking solutions—you're on the right path! Let me know if you need further help.
Related Questions
Experiencing Clear Fluid from Ear with No Discomfort: Should I Wait for My Appointment?
I am a healthy 57-year-old female, weighing 120 pounds and standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. My daily medications include 100 mg of Losartan for effectively managed high blood pressure, 200 mg of Lyrica taken twice daily for post-herpetic neuralgia, 100 mg of Synthroid following treatment for thyroid cancer, and a combination hormone replacement therapy patch. Additionally, I take Zyrtec and Flonase every day to combat allergies. Since October, I have been dealing with persistent tinnitus in my right ear, accompanied by some pressure and a muffled sensation. Recently, I've noticed that when I speak, it feels akin to the sensation I experience when my ears clear during a flight after chewing gum—my voice sounds amplified in my head. I've scheduled an appointment with a physician's assistant in an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) office for the end of March due to my worries about the tinnitus and any potential hearing impairment. Yesterday, I noticed that my ear emitted a clear fluid. Thankfully, there was no associated pain. The fluid was somewhat thicker than water, completely odorless—unlike the unpleasant discharge I recall from my daughter's ear infections—and there was no sign of blood. Could this indicate a perforated eardrum? I suspect this might be the case, but can this occur without an underlying infection? Should I seek attention sooner than my appointment in March? I would prefer to avoid urgent care during flu season; however, if this situation is serious, I am prepared to take precautions and visit.
Understanding the Increased Pain in My Foot While Reclining
At 30 years old, I am nearing the five-week mark since undergoing surgery on my metatarsals. I've encountered a troubling issue: I can’t seem to find comfort when lying down, whether it’s with my foot raised or lying flat. My pain level escalates to a severe 10 out of 10, unless my foot is making contact with the floor or I dangle my leg off the side of the bed so that my toes touch the ground. Is this situation typical for someone in my circumstances? Are there any suggestions that might assist me in getting a better night's sleep?
Assessing My Health Concerns: How Anxious Should I Be?
I’m a 32-year-old woman, weighing 124 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall. For over a year, I have been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding. Initially, I attributed this issue to hemorrhoids that developed during my pregnancy two years ago. The bleeding occurs with most of my bowel movements, sometimes happens without one, and on a few occasions, has been enough to stain the toilet bowl significantly. The color of the blood is typically darker than what I observe during a hemorrhoid flare-up. There is a notable family history of bowel cancer on both sides; one family member was diagnosed at age 45, and another at 60. In the past six months, I have encountered several episodes of severe abdominal pain—3 to 4 instances—intense enough to consider a trip to the emergency room. However, the pain usually subsides within about an hour. It’s unusual for me to experience such acute pain, given my high tolerance for discomfort; for example, I once played rugby shortly after dislocating and fracturing my finger. Recently, I mustered the courage to consult with my doctor, who recommended a FIT test, which returned a positive result (30.1). Additionally, I underwent a complete blood test, and aside from having low ferritin levels (7 µg/L), all other results were normal. I have since been referred for a colonoscopy on a two-week waiting list to rule out any possible bowel cancer. Given these circumstances, how concerned should I be? Thank you for your input.
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!