Enigmatic Skin Condition
I’ve recently stumbled upon this community and wanted to share my experience! Here's my story: - At the age of 22, I noticed peculiar marks appearing on both of my hands. They weren’t itchy or red, but there was some slight swelling in my hands. - I felt perfectly healthy otherwise, without any additional symptoms. - These marks extended from my fingertips to about the halfway point on my forearms. - Over a span of two weeks, they began as subtle symptoms beneath the skin and eventually surfaced, with some areas developing blisters. - Prior to this, I had experienced chicken pox as a child at three years old and shingles on my back at the age of 19. Since then, I have had no other skin-related problems, and I’ve never dealt with cold sores, warts, or anything similar. - I consulted a general practitioner at the time, who speculated that it might be stress-related as he eliminated the possibility of contact dermatitis. This was shortly after I graduated from college about a month earlier. This incident occurred back in 2008, and I haven't encountered anything like it again. I would appreciate any insights or thoughts you may have!
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 3:30:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience and seeking insights. It sounds like a unique skin condition that has left you curious, especially since it developed shortly after a major life transition.
From your description, the marks you experienced on your hands and forearms—especially with swelling and the eventual development of blisters—suggest that it could have been linked to several factors such as stress or even a viral response given your history with chickenpox and shingles. While the symptoms resolved themselves, it’s understandable to want clarity since they were concerning at the time.
Explanation
The appearance of skin changes, particularly after a stressful event or a significant life transition, is not uncommon. Stress can manifest in various ways, including skin conditions like eczema, hives, or even stress-induced dermatitis. It's also worth noting that past viral infections (like chickenpox and shingles, which are caused by the varicella-zoster virus) might have temporary effects on skin presentation, though they typically don't cause lasting changes unless reactivated.
Next Steps
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Monitor: Since the condition has not recurred, it's good to keep in mind what triggers your skin could react to if it happens again. Note any patterns related to stress or environmental changes.
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Skin Care: Focus on using gentle skincare products, and consider moisturizing your skin regularly to prevent any irritation, especially if you're experiencing dry skin.
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Stress Management: Engage in stress-reducing activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies that relax you. Keeping track of your emotional well-being can help prevent future skin flare-ups.
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Documentation: If you notice similar changes in the future, document the symptoms, potential triggers, and duration. This can provide valuable information if you seek advice from a healthcare provider later.
Feel free to share more if you have additional questions or if new symptoms arise. Your experience is important, and understanding it further can help manage any concerns you may have.
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