Seeking Guidance on Cyst Removal
As a 19-year-old female with a height of 5'3" and a weight of approximately 200 pounds, I am currently undergoing treatment with Prozac and Ajovy. For the past year, I've been dealing with a cyst located in my pubic area. Fortunately, it is benign and does not cause me any pain, which initially led me to leave it untreated. However, I struggle with dermatillomania, a compulsive skin-picking disorder that compels me to engage with my skin obsessively. This compulsion is difficult to convey to those unfamiliar with it, but it pushed me to use tweezers and scissors on the cyst. I was able to partially open it, yet I couldn't extract anything due to the discomfort caused by my joint issues. Now, I'm faced with the decision of whether I should seek professional medical advice for an evaluation and potential removal of the cyst. Although I always ensure that my tools are sanitized before use, there remains a concern about the possibility of infection. Moreover, even though the cyst itself is not harmful, I believe having it removed might prevent me from revisiting this behavior in the future. However, I feel a sense of embarrassment about the situation, especially since my arms and legs are marked with scars and scabs from my skin-picking. I’m unsure if I’m overreacting, but I would greatly appreciate any advice regarding this matter.
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 1:20:51 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel conflicted about your cyst and the effects of dermatillomania. Addressing your concerns is important, especially since you’re already managing multiple challenges. Here’s a breakdown of the main points and actionable steps you can consider.
Summary of Main Points:
- Cyst Characteristics: Your cyst is benign and not causing pain; however, your compulsive behavior may complicate its management.
- Infection Risk: Attempting to self-treat increases the risk of infection, which can be problematic.
- Potential Benefits of Removal: Professional removal can help reduce your urge to pick at the area and lessen the psychological burden associated with the cyst.
Explanation:
A benign cyst, particularly in sensitive areas like the pubic region, usually doesn’t require treatment if asymptomatic. However, your struggle with dermatillomania indicates that it might be beneficial to explore professional options. Picking at the cyst can lead to skin trauma and infections, which can exacerbate your symptoms and lead to a cycle of picking.
Feeling embarrassed about your situation is natural, but remember that many people deal with similar issues, and healthcare professionals are trained to help without judgment. There are effective treatments for both the cyst and dermatillomania that can significantly improve your overall well-being.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Schedule a Professional Evaluation: Reach out to a dermatologist or a healthcare provider for a consultation about the cyst. Explain your concerns about dermatillomania and any discomfort you're experiencing. They can offer options for removal if it's necessary or help with managing the psychological aspects of your skin-picking.
-
Avoid Self-Treatment: Refrain from using tweezers or scissors on the cyst. This prevents potential infection and scarring. Instead, try to redirect your behavior by focusing on stress-relieving activities or finding alternatives for your hands, like stress balls or fidget toys.
-
Consider Support for Dermatillomania: Look into therapy options that can address your skin-picking behavior, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is effective for habit disorders. Addressing this alongside your cyst may provide you with a robust support system.
-
Keep a Journal: Document your feelings and triggers relating to your skin-picking behavior. This can be helpful in therapy and aids in understanding your compulsions better.
By taking these steps, you’re prioritizing your health and tackling the underlying issues while also managing the cyst effectively. If you have any further questions or need additional support, feel free to reach out!
Related Questions
Young Plumber with Herniated Discs Seeks Guidance
Greetings, medical professionals. I am a 17-year-old plumber who has dedicated the past two years to this trade, beginning when I was just 15. About two years ago, I was involved in a car accident that led to the discovery of three herniated discs: one located in my upper back, while the other two are situated in the mid to lower back region. While it's possible that these injuries stemmed from the accident, I suspect they might not be entirely related. Interestingly, disc problems seem to be common in my family. I'm concerned about my prospects moving forward. What can I expect in terms of health as I age, especially regarding these injuries? Moreover, how can I prevent a situation where I may struggle with mobility in my 50s or 60s? For some time, my pain subsided, but recently, I've started to experience discomfort again in the mid to lower back area, reminiscent of what I felt initially. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!
Seeking Clarity on a Pediatric Surgical Experience
One of my earliest recollections involves surgical gauze wrapped around my genitals and being cautioned to exercise caution regarding my circumcision. This incident dates back to around 1972, when I was roughly three years old. My brother, who was eleven at the time, corroborates this memory and recalls that the bandage remained in place for "a few weeks." His recollection is a bit unclear, but he does remember seeing me running around without pants and with a gauze dressing. He believes the dressing wasn't overly bulky and doesn't recall any stent being used. However, I am aware that his memory may not be completely accurate based on other conversations we've had. He recalls being informed that I underwent surgery for an undescended testicle, yet was never made aware of a circumcision being involved. Later, a physician indirectly confirmed that I had undergone an early orchidopexy. This memory piques my curiosity, particularly since my parents have never brought it up with me. I have knowledge of having glanular/coronal hypospadias, and the details of my situation appear to align with images I’ve encountered depicting partial hypospadias corrections. This leads me to wonder if my circumcision might have actually been related to hypospadias surgery. Unfortunately, any tangible proof of these events was lost when I underwent gender confirmation surgery as a trans woman three decades ago. It's conceivable that the standard circumcision procedure typically performed at birth could have been postponed, given that I was born slightly premature and had significant Rh disease and hypoxia. But could it have been deferred until I reached the age of three? I have made attempts to obtain my medical records, but unfortunately, they have been destroyed over the years. While I understand that definitive answers may be elusive, I would greatly appreciate any insights or thoughts on this matter.
Concerns About Potential Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
For the past three to four years, I have been dealing with a persistent numbness in my left foot. Initially, I suspected it might be due to a pinched nerve or perhaps something similar, but the sensation has never completely returned. As time has gone by, I've encountered additional worrying symptoms: - My feet have started to develop a purple hue, particularly evident when I sit in positions that put pressure on my legs or when I take a shower. This discoloration has become one of the most alarming signs of my condition. - The growth of my toenails has slowed considerably, and they now appear uneven and ridged. - Additionally, my feet have a temperature that feels significantly colder than the rest of my body, and they no longer grow hair as they once did. I do not smoke and I’m not diabetic; however, I have high cholesterol and received an elevated result on a lipoprotein test. The prospect of PAD is frightening to me, as it seems synonymous with a grim future. I have been referred to a cardiologist, but they are reluctant to conduct an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test since I am under 35. I want to remain hopeful and believe I don't have PAD, yet I struggle to identify any other plausible explanations for these symptoms. What could be potential alternatives to consider, if any exist?
Persistent Shin Discomfort
For the past year, I have been grappling with ongoing discomfort in my shins. Despite consulting multiple physiotherapists and doctors, I have yet to find a solution to my problem. My routine has included extensive strength training targeting my hips, glutes, calves, and lower leg muscles. I've also taken steps to improve my running form and have experimented with various recovery techniques, such as foam rolling and using massage devices. No matter what I try, the pain persists, specifically on the inner side of my lower legs. Initially, I suspected that I was suffering from shin splints. However, given my varied attempts at treatment and the lack of improvement, I am starting to believe that the issue might be something different. Even mundane activities, like walking around at home, have become increasingly uncomfortable, not to mention my inability to ride a stationary bike without experiencing pain. If anyone has any insights or recommendations that could assist me in alleviating this issue, I would be extremely grateful. Thank you for your help! I'm a 20-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 70 kilograms.
Concerns About Potential Misdiagnosis
Hello everyone, I recently stumbled upon this subreddit and felt it would be the ideal platform to share my experience. I initially posted something similar under r/Asthma but soon realized that this community might be more appropriate for my concerns. To provide some context, I’m a 25-year-old woman with no personal history of smoking, although I have been heavily exposed to secondhand smoke throughout my life. There is a family history of asthma and COPD on my side. I was diagnosed with asthma during childhood but seemed to outgrow it as I got older. Throughout my younger years, I frequently battled respiratory and sinus infections, and in my teenage years, I suffered a severe case of walking pneumonia. Following that episode, my breathing worsened significantly, prompting my doctor to reinstate the asthma diagnosis and prescribe albuterol inhalers without performing any additional tests except for an X-ray to confirm the pneumonia had resolved. Over the years, I’ve noticed a gradual worsening of my symptoms. Each primary care physician I've consulted has prescribed various inhalers and medications, but the relief they provide has been minimal. For years, I have dealt with a persistent dry cough described as that of a seasoned smoker, yet my doctors continuously assured me it was merely asthma, claiming that my inhalers would alleviate it. When a coughing fit does occur, it can be so intense that I end up gagging, losing control of my bladder, and feeling dizzy. Fast forward to two weeks ago: my cough intensifies with physical activity, and I have a physically demanding job. Typically, my inhaler assists me with breathing, but in this instance, it was ineffective, and emergency services were called to administer oxygen. My oxygen saturation dropped to 93% until the oxygen and my rescue inhaler were applied. I declined hospitalization after feeling better with the oxygen. I took a day off work to recuperate. I managed to see my primary care doctor afterward. Having been on Advair and albuterol for years, I was also prescribed Singulair last year due to flare-ups. In my recent visit, my doctor substituted my Ventolin (albuterol) with Airsupra and introduced Spiriva, along with short courses of Mucinex and Prednisone. At the appointment, my lungs sounded clear, and my oxygen levels were between 99-100%. There was no wheezing, just persistent coughing. Returning to work the following Thursday proved challenging; within three hours, I experienced another severe coughing episode that felt as if my throat might rupture. I was gagging, tearing up, and struggling to remain upright, feeling dizzy and breathless. Several doses of my rescue inhaler provided little relief, and emergency services were contacted again; I was subsequently transported to the emergency room. My oxygen saturation was stable at 97-100%, yet I continued to feel breathless and my painful coughing persisted. Respiratory treatments seemed to exacerbate the coughing, and magnesium failed to provide relief. Both the paramedics and ER staff expressed concern when I mentioned my chronic cough that had persisted for years without improvement. Initially, emergency responders detected only a faint wheeze and diminished lung sounds on one side, although they later reported normal findings. No fluid or wheezing was noted, just continued coughing. CT scans and X-rays of my throat and chest returned normal results. After three days in the hospital, my lactic acid and CO2 levels returned to normal. Despite being treated with steroids and cough suppressants, I found no alleviation of my symptoms. I have now received urgent referrals to a pulmonologist, an ENT specialist, and an allergist, and I recently followed up with my primary care physician. Her only recommendation was cough drops and to wait for my upcoming Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). Additionally, the hospital prescribed Pantoprazole for potential GERD, which hasn't significantly helped. My follow-up blood tests revealed that while my CO2 levels improved, they still remain low, and there are no current indications of an autoimmune disorder, though I am awaiting several results. After undergoing the Pulmonary Function Test, the findings were unusual. Though I await an appointment with the pulmonologist, I reviewed the notes from my test. They indicated, "Spirometry is normal. Lung volumes demonstrate hyperinflation and air trapping. Diffusing capacity is normal. No substantial bronchodilator response observed." When I inquired with the technician who administered the test, she mentioned two possibilities: either my lungs weren't inflamed enough to demonstrate a response, which seemed unlikely considering my extensive coughing fits, or the underlying issue might be irreparable with medications. This situation has left me anxious that I may be dealing with more than just severe asthma. For years, I communicated to my doctors that my condition seems to deteriorate, and that none of the prescribed medications eased my cough, yet they continuously reassured me that it was manageable. Now, after being hospitalized, I recognize the critical need to take this seriously. I rarely experience wheezing or fluid but instead contend with a persistent cough similar to that of a long-term smoker. My cough worsens with movement, eating, drinking, taking deep breaths, lying down, waking up, laughing, excessive talking, exposure to extreme temperatures, dry or humid air, stress, and irritants such as dust, smoke, and potent odors. It feels like merely existing prompts my coughing. Although I always have a cough, the triggers mentioned intensify it. I frequently feel congestion in my throat and chest, accompanied by a tight and painful sensation. I have the incessant urge to clear out whatever feels obstructive, but nothing ever emerges. My coughing often leads to dizziness and incontinence. If I'm not actively coughing, I seem to be clearing my throat repeatedly to manage the mucus. During any illness, my cough tends to worsen, resulting in the need for prednisone. Antihistamines provide partial relief solely for nasal symptoms, without helping my throat and chest. When my rescue inhaler does work, its effectiveness lasts only for a short time before I revert to my previous condition. My lungs may feel momentarily unobstructed thanks to the albuterol, but the coughing inevitably returns until my chest aches again. An ER doctor suggested possible diagnoses of Chronic Rhinosinusitis, Post-Nasal Drip, or GERD; however, medications for allergies and acid reflux have not meaningfully addressed my coughing or breathlessness. It does not seem connected to my sinuses but rather feels like my airways are obstructed, hindering deep breaths. Until I meet with the pulmonologist, my best hypothesis has been Cough-Variant Asthma, but given the lack of response to bronchodilators in my PFT, my confidence in that is wavering. In reviewing my results, I cannot help but consider the early stages of COPD or emphysema, especially since my breathing seems to worsen over time, although my age typically mitigates those concerns given my extensive exposure. I've ordered a test for Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency from AlphaID to discuss with my pulmonologist just in case. I am certain I have asthma, but I’m beginning to suspect that there may be additional complications involved. For years, my primary care provider dismissed my concerns, despite my insistence that something felt off. It wasn’t until I required EMS intervention that she finally began the referral process to specialists. I find myself in a state of confusion and unease. Has anyone here experienced anything resembling my situation? I'm looking forward to consulting with the pulmonologist about my test results in the coming week or two, but I’m apprehensive that they will simply dismiss my concerns like previous practitioners have done.