Concern About New Skin Spot: Seeking Advice
Hello everyone, I'm a medical student reaching out because I've developed a new spot on my shoulder and I'm quite anxious about it possibly being melanoma. I haven’t been exposed to much sunlight lately as I've been focused on preparing for my Step 2 exams. A bit about me: I'm a 26-year-old male, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 270 pounds. The spot on my shoulder has changed in color, becoming slightly darker and showing some crusty texture, which gives me cause for concern. I don’t have any significant medical history, I'm not on any medications, and I don't use alcohol or drugs. After researching melanoma extensively, I found myself even more worried. Unfortunately, my school’s health insurance isn’t active yet, so I'm looking for some preliminary opinions in the meantime. I plan to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist for a biopsy as soon as my insurance is effective, likely within the next few weeks. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice on what I should do in the meantime.
Answers (1)
7/30/2025, 9:31:05 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about a new skin spot, especially given your concerns about melanoma. Increased awareness and concern can often heighten anxiety, but there are steps you can take while you wait for your insurance to kick in and your appointment with a dermatologist.
Key Points:
- Monitor the spot for changes.
- Maintain healthy skin practices.
- Stay informed but avoid excessive stress.
Explanation:
Melanoma can indeed present with changes in color, texture, or size. The characteristics you've described—color change to a darker shade and a crusty texture—are important indicators. While these changes can be concerning, not all skin spots are cancerous. Given your preparation for exams, stress can sometimes heighten worries about health. Keeping an eye on any changes is crucial.
Next Steps:
-
Self-Monitoring: Keep a close observation on the spot. Look for:
- Further changes in color, size, or texture.
- Symptoms like bleeding, itching, or pain. Take photographs weekly to track any changes over time.
-
Skin Care: In the meantime, maintain good skincare practices:
- Avoid further irritation to the area (no scratching or picking).
- Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers.
-
Reduce Stress: Given your current stress level regarding exams and the spot, try to engage in relaxation exercises like deep breathing or mindfulness to help manage anxiety.
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Document Your Concerns: Before your dermatologist appointment, write down specific observations about the spot and any changes you’ve noticed. This information will be helpful for your doctor.
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Schedule the Dermatology Appointment: Be proactive in scheduling your dermatology visit once your insurance is active, as this is the best way to get clarity and care for your skin concern.
If at any point you notice rapid changes in the spot or new concerning symptoms arise, consider seeking out urgent care options or a walk-in clinic.
It's great that you are planning to take action and see a dermatologist; addressing your concerns early is the best approach. Remember, you are not alone in this process, and taking these steps can give you peace of mind as you wait.
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