Strange mirrored skin lesion near the waist
I’m a 20-year-old male, weighing 130 kg and standing 1.85 m tall, so I have a few extra pounds and some stretch marks around my waistline. Yesterday, as I stood up and adjusted my pants, I noticed a peculiar mark on my left side right along one of those stretch marks that suddenly began to bleed. Initially, I assumed it was simply a pimple, but when I pressed it, the pain was intense, more like a stab than typical acne discomfort. A notable amount of dark blood, including some thick, gelatinous clots, oozed out at first before it transitioned to more standard dark blood. The bleeding ceased once I stopped applying pressure, but it felt as though there could have been more if I had continued to press. I cleaned the area and applied a bandage; afterward, the pain wasn't significant. Here's where it gets strange: Around 24 hours later, I discovered a similar lesion developing on the opposite side of my waist, as if it were a mirror image, perfectly aligned if you imagined a line cutting straight down the middle. The new spot hasn't burst yet and isn't painful, but it has a similar sensation just beneath the skin. I decided to bandage it as a precaution since I'm hesitant to pop it. I have no fever, no severe discomfort, and generally, I feel well overall. I have a doctor's appointment coming up in a few days, but I’m curious if anyone might have insights into what this could be and how best to handle it. Unfortunately, I can't upload images here, but if anyone requires more details, feel free to reach out via direct message.
Answers (1)
8/9/2025, 1:01:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've encountered a concerning skin lesion, especially with the bleeding and mirrored nature of the new spot. Here's a breakdown of what you might be experiencing, along with some recommendations on how to proceed.
Key Insights:
- Lesion Characteristics: The bleeding, pain, and mirrored appearance of the lesions suggest a possibly inflammatory or dermatological condition, which requires attention.
- Current Situation: While you feel generally well without fever or severe discomfort, any new skin lesions should be monitored closely, especially if they involve bleeding.
Possible Explanations:
- Pilar Cyst: These can occur near hair follicles and sometimes bleed or become inflamed.
- Folliculitis or Boils: They’re usually painful lumps that can develop due to follicle infections.
- Dermatological Conditions: Your skin type, associated with stretch marks, could be more prone to various skin issues, including cysts or vascular lesions.
Immediate Steps to Take:
- Do Not Pop: Avoid squeezing or popping the new lesion. This may cause further irritation or introduce infection.
- Keep It Clean: Maintain hygiene by cleaning the area gently with mild soap and water. Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment if necessary to prevent infection.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes in size, coloration, pain level, or if the new lesion starts to ooze or bleed.
- Track Your Lesions: Note down any details about the lesions (size, changes, pain levels) to discuss during your upcoming appointment, which is very important.
When to Seek Attention:
- If you notice spreading redness or warmth around the area.
- If the new lesion becomes painful, increases in size rapidly, or starts to ooze or bleed.
- If you develop any systemic symptoms like fever or malaise.
Conclusion:
You've done well by bandaging the area and planning to see a doctor, which is crucial for an accurate diagnosis. Keeping track of any changes will help your healthcare provider assess the situation better. If any alarming changes occur before your appointment, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical advice.
Feel free to reach out for further assistance or updates as you watch how your skin responds.
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