Mysterious Growth on My Thighs: Seeking Advice (17m)
I'm a 17-year-old male and I've been diagnosed with autism and OCD. I don't currently take any medications; previously, I tried self-prescribing vitamin D, but I eventually stopped. Recently, I've noticed a peculiar growth on my thigh. It began as a small spot on my buttock, situated just beneath my genital area, and has gradually expanded into several small patches. Now, it's even spreading down to my calf. The affected area is solely on my legs. The other leg does exhibit a couple of patches, but they are fewer in number. Importantly, this condition isn’t causing any pain or itching, though the skin does feel quite dry. Initially, the patch appeared red and raised; then it shifted to a bluish-gray and exhibited a velvety texture before flattening out and turning a dark brown. The sizes of the patches vary, and the newer ones are tiny and notably form a near-straight line, which I find both intriguing and worrying. I first noticed this issue towards the end of the previous year. I realize I ought to have informed my mother sooner about it, but I’m not great at that kind of communication. I finally spoke to her about it last month, and we’re set to see a doctor next month, which is a relief. Still, I’m quite eager to find out what this could be. It resembles lichen pigmentosus inversus, although the coloration is much subtler. I've taken some photos, albeit they aren't the best quality, but I can share them in the comments if needed. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
7/31/2025, 4:40:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about changes in your skin, especially when they are persistent and noticeable. Based on your description, there are several possible explanations for the growths on your thighs, but we cannot provide a precise diagnosis without a medical examination. It’s good to hear that you have an appointment scheduled with a doctor next month.
Key Points:
- The patches you've noticed might be linked to various skin conditions, such as a benign skin growth, pigment changes, or even a mild form of dermatitis.
- The change in color and texture, along with the progression of the patches, makes it important to monitor and understand better through medical evaluation.
Explanation:
Your symptoms suggest that the skin condition might involve pigment alterations or other dermatological changes. They can occur for multiple reasons, including environmental factors, skin irritation, or other underlying skin conditions. Notably, the absence of itching or pain often suggests that it might be benign, but changes in color and size warrant a closer look.
Next Steps:
- Keep Observing: Make a note of any changes in size, shape, or color of the patches until your doctor’s appointment. This could provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.
- Hydrate the Skin: While you're not experiencing itching, using a gentle, unscented moisturizer can help improve the dryness of the skin, which may alleviate some discomfort.
- Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of harsh soaps, scrubs, or any products that may irritate the skin further until you have a better understanding of what’s going on.
- Communicate with Your Doctor: At your upcoming appointment, share all your observations, including when you first noticed the patches, any changes over time, and how they feel. This information can assist your doctor in making an accurate diagnosis.
It's great that you spoke up about your symptoms to your mother, and you're taking steps to receive medical advice. Remember, you're not alone in this, and medical professionals are there to provide support and clarity. If your symptoms change significantly before your appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider sooner.
Related Questions
Should I Seek Medical Attention for Left Ear Pulsatile Tinnitus?
A 31-year-old woman reports an ongoing issue with pulsatile tinnitus, which she is currently experiencing solely in her left ear. Although she's noticed this condition intermittently before, she hadn’t paid it much mind due to the absence of pain. Recently, however, her curiosity piqued her interest in researching the condition, where she stumbled upon information suggesting it could be serious. Usually, she avoids searching online for health worries, but now she is contemplating whether a visit to the doctor might be warranted. Can anyone advise on the need for a medical evaluation in this case?
Experiencing Heart Palpitations Following Chest Impact
I'm a 17-year-old female who has struggled with tachycardia for several years, having been diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) about five years ago, although I haven't pursued further testing because I haven't completely lost consciousness. Recently, over the past month or two, I've started to experience sensations of my heart skipping beats, accompanied by difficulty in breathing during these episodes. These occurrences have become significantly more frequent, even when I'm at rest. Five years ago, I underwent a Holter monitor test, which indicated primarily tachycardia with occasional premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), but nothing alarming was found. In early December, I was struck hard in the chest by an elbow while in a mosh pit, which resulted in some pain when taking deep breaths for a few days. My sternum became bruised and slightly swollen, and it remained tender to touch for about two weeks, but this discomfort was manageable. I still feel some soreness when stretching, although it’s not severe. Additionally, I have diagnoses of Crohn’s disease and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (HEDS), and I am currently on immunosuppressants. Given these circumstances, would it be advisable for me to seek medical evaluation, or could these symptoms be considered typical?
Understanding My Experiences with Dissociation and Physical Symptoms
Hello everyone! I'm 15 years old and I’ve been grappling with intense feelings of dissociation recently. About two years back, I experienced what I now refer to as a "silent seizure" for the first time. It happened around 2 PM while I was at school in the band hall. Suddenly, I found myself zoning out completely; I was just sitting there, disassociated from reality, until it dawned on me that I couldn’t seem to reconnect with my surroundings. Feeling lost, I turned to a friend and anxiously asked, "Where am I?" She chuckled, unaware of the seriousness of my situation, but I stood up and wandered out of the classroom, aimlessly walking towards the bathrooms. The sensation was akin to being in a dream—you know you’re somewhere, yet you can’t fully engage with the moment for what felt like 5 to 10 minutes. Strangely, I even had the feeling of observing myself from above as I moved through the halls, like a scene from a dream. In a state of panic, I contacted my mom. By the time I managed to leave school, my mind was clearing. She took me to her workplace where a colleague checked my blood sugar levels, revealing it was low. I had eaten that day, so this was unexpected (especially since my mother also faces issues with low blood sugar). This occurrence was unprecedented for me; thankfully, I haven’t faced such low levels since then. In the following weeks, I experienced intermittent dissociative episodes, prompting me to visit a doctor. I underwent blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and a routine examination. Everything appeared normal, except I was diagnosed with anemia—something my mother and sister also deal with. I walked away from that appointment without any real explanations, and after a while, the episodes subsided—thankfully, a relief. FAST FORWARD TO NOW: (15 years old) (Potentially relevant context) Recently, I’ve been enduring severe heart and chest discomfort. I’ve been noticing irregular heartbeats, sporadic strong pulsations, and sharp pain localized in my heart region and upper right chest. Lying on my side can be quite painful, and sometimes I struggle to take deep breaths. I make it a priority to get a full eight hours of sleep each night, I take daily vitamins, and I’m actively involved in competitive cheerleading, maintaining a healthy fitness level for my height and weight. We sought medical advice again, underwent numerous tests, and, once more, everything checked out fine. My heart was deemed healthy, and all other measurements were satisfactory. Initially, we suspected anxiety might be a factor, but my mom is hesitant to consider antidepressants, believing that my age may limit treatment options. She has recommended that I hydrate more and practice breathing exercises (which is somewhat ironic since I struggle to breathe when these pains occur, yet I don’t argue). UPDATE: During practice today, I unexpectedly experienced my first "silent seizure" episode in two years. It was more disconcerting than I recalled. I lost track of my location again and couldn’t re-engage with reality. It felt as if I was observing those around me from a dream-like vantage point. This realization frightened me, thinking that I had moved past these episodes. It took about ten minutes for me to regain my awareness of my environment. Additionally, this week, I noticed moments of dissociation, albeit not as intense as previous episodes. I found myself vacantly staring, and my vision felt oddly lazy, frequently. It's worth noting that I do not have a lazy eye. I plan to document these occurrences meticulously, and if they persist, I will consult my doctor again. Meanwhile, if anyone has suggestions about what might be happening to me, I would greatly appreciate it. Is this potentially linked to anxiety? I’m genuinely confused about my condition!
Identifying a Mysterious Brown Circle on My Scalp
Age: 21 Gender: Female Height: 5'4" Weight: 175 lbs Ethnicity: White (Scottish/Irish) Location: California Current Medication: Testosterone injection administered subcutaneously in the thigh While I was having my hair dyed blue, my girlfriend noticed a perfectly circular brown mark on my scalp. It resembles a circle that appears to have been made with a brown marker. The size of the ring is similar to my thumb’s tip and contrasts sharply with the lighter shade of my scalp. There is no evidence of hair thinning or loss around this circle; we only discovered it because we were parting my hair. I’m curious if this could be connected to the brain fog or headaches I’ve been experiencing lately. I looked online, and while ringworm was suggested, it doesn’t match my symptoms since there are no bald patches or flaky skin. I’m open to answering any additional questions to help clarify this situation, as it's causing me some concern.
Should I Seek Medical Attention for a Possible Spinal Injury?
Greetings! I’m a 20-year-old male, and while I’m not overly anxious about my situation, I've been experiencing enough discomfort to consider it. Three days prior, I went snowboarding and attempted to navigate a box, which is essentially a flat metal structure with a slight ramp at the end. Unfortunately, I lost my balance close to the end of the box and landed squarely on my backside. This caused my back and head to make hard contact with the ground. At first, I didn’t perceive much pain in my back or head; instead, the primary source of pain seemed to be my rear, which felt as if it had developed a noticeable lump. However, I dismissed it at the time. The following day, the soreness persisted, alongside generalized discomfort throughout my upper body. Every time I coughed, I felt pain that radiated from my neck down to my abdomen, which was tender to the touch. I asked my girlfriend to check for any visible injuries, and although my butt showed no bruising, I did notice around five bruises along my spine. I’m questioning whether I should consult a physician. I usually avoid going to the doctor unless absolutely necessary, having only visited twice in the last four years (excluding vaccinations during my teenage years). I tend to prefer toughing things out to save on medical expenses, but if the situation warrants it, I wouldn’t hesitate to seek help as I did last year for an ear infection. What do you think – should I consider getting checked out?