Unexplained Geometric Mark on My Friend's Back: Seeking Serious Advice
Hello, medical experts of Reddit, I have a friend, a 28-year-old male from Australia, who has discovered a peculiar geometric red design on his back. While some internet conversations suggest it could be related to alien encounters, I’m hoping for a more serious and medically informed analysis. He engages in occasional drinking and smoking and has Coeliac disease. Recently, he has been supplementing his diet with Swiss vitamins including Vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, a sleep aid, and calcium. Given the unusual nature of this mark, we’re puzzled about its origin, especially since we can’t identify any surfaces or materials he may have been resting against that could explain this impression. Any insights you could share would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Answers (1)
2/15/2026, 10:40:33 AM
OpenHealth AI
The appearance of a geometric red mark on your friend's back is certainly intriguing and understandably concerning. It's important to assess the situation thoughtfully, focusing on the most likely medical explanations first.
Main Points:
- The geometric red design could be due to various causes, including dermatological reactions or irritations.
- Given your friend's history of Coeliac disease and current supplements, some possibilities need consideration.
Explanation:
The unusual mark could stem from several factors:
- Irritation or Contact Dermatitis: If your friend recently came into contact with certain materials (like fabric, lotion, or a new detergent), it could cause a localized skin reaction.
- Dermatological Conditions: Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can sometimes manifest as unusual patterns.
- Possible Infection: Fungal infections like ringworm can present with geometric shapes and redness.
- Vascular Changes: Conditions like vasculitis or petechiae could also cause unusual markings but usually have other accompanying symptoms.
The mention of alien encounters is more a matter of speculation than scientific fact and should be discounted unless there are viable symptoms suggesting otherwise.
Next Steps:
- Observation: If the mark changes in size, color, or shape, or if your friend experiences itching, pain, or other symptoms, these could be key indicators of a more serious issue.
- Skin Care: Encourage him to avoid harsh soaps or products on the area and to keep it clean and dry.
- Documentation: Take clear photos of the mark and note any accompanying symptoms. This information can be helpful if professional medical advice is sought.
- Consultation (If Needed): If the mark persists or worsens over the next week, it would be wise for your friend to see a healthcare provider, preferably a dermatologist, who can evaluate it in person.
Reassurance:
While it’s easy to worry about unusual marks on the skin, many dermatological conditions are manageable and not serious. Keeping a close eye on the mark and following the steps above should provide clarity in due time. Please share this information with your friend, and encourage him to take a cautious but calm approach.
Related Questions
Assessing the Implications of Peptoniphius Harei
At 62 years old, I face the challenges of lupus alongside various other health complications. Recently, I underwent hip replacement surgery, during which I developed a cyst located near my vagina on my buttocks. This cyst became infected shortly after my surgery, and while I'm unsure if there's a connection to the hip procedure, I think it's important to mention it. I initially consulted my primary care physician, who attempted to drain the infection and prescribed an antibiotic. He advised that if the issue persisted, I should see a gynecologist. About ten days later, I visited a gynecologist, who also tried to drain the cyst and took a sample for testing. She indicated that the sample size was quite small but expressed hope that it would yield the necessary information. Over the weekend, I received notification on the patient portal regarding the test results, revealing that Peptoniphius harei had been detected. The information I've found regarding this bacterium varies significantly: some sources indicate it's a minor concern, while others suggest that it may necessitate hospitalization. I expect to learn more tomorrow when the gynecologist reviews the findings. This raises a question for me: should I be discussing this situation with my rheumatologist? In the past, I've had mixed experiences with the coordination of my medical care. Nevertheless, I hesitate to inform my rheumatologist about every minor issue and try to reserve communication for matters that truly require her attention.
Seeking Guidance on Low Transferrin and Ongoing Gastrointestinal Issues
Hello everyone, I've recently undergone blood tests to evaluate my iron levels and related factors, and the results revealed a low transferrin level of 2.14 g/L, while the lower threshold of normal is indicated as 2.52 g/L in my medical records. Other metrics appeared to be relatively normal, yet the lab added a note suggesting a 15% risk for vitamin B12 deficiency based on the test outcomes. My medical history includes significant gastrointestinal issues; I experience some form of discomfort every day. Previously, I attempted the FODMAP diet, which offered some initial relief but ultimately proved inadequate. Additionally, I have eliminated dairy from my diet, yet I haven’t noticed any substantial change. During a follow-up appointment with my physician, the low transferrin result was dismissed as irrelevant, and he failed to address the B12 deficiency concern altogether. Instead, he speculated that my symptoms could be attributed to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), anxiety, or female health issues. However, I did not convey any current anxiety or gynecological complaints, as I do not experience problems in those areas. The doctor prescribed 40 mg of propranolol, which I decided to try today—at this point, I feel it’s worth a shot. He also suggested I take Imodium, a medication designed to manage diarrhea (for those unfamiliar, it’s an antidiarrheal agent), essentially advising me to cope with my symptoms. In the past, I’ve tried using Imodium regularly, but it tends to backfire, leading to debilitating constipation. Furthermore, I've been experiencing symptoms associated with low iron, which my doctor seemed to overlook when I mentioned them. These include allodynia, hair thinning, fogginess of the mind, discomfort in my femurs, and restless legs syndrome. Essentially, I have been left without further investigation or treatment options beyond the prescribed anxiety medication and the suggestion to take Imodium. I have a few key questions: 1. Should I be receiving targeted treatment for my low transferrin levels, considering that anxiety medication and a simple antidiarrheal won't address the underlying issue? 2. Could my chronic gastrointestinal problems be contributing to low transferrin and the potential for vitamin B12 deficiency? Additionally, is there any advice or recommendations based on these test results that could aid me in discussions with my doctor in the future? If you need any more details, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for your assistance. Best, J.
Should I Be Concerned About My Gallbladder Polyp Diagnosis?
I’m a 21-year-old male, standing at 5'5" and weighing 117 pounds. Currently, I’m studying abroad, which has complicated my understanding of the medical details due to a language barrier with my doctors. While I managed to grasp some critical information regarding my health, I’m left uncertain about the severity of my diagnosis concerning an irregular gallbladder polyp. From my perspective, it seemed like a low-risk situation since they conducted a blood test that came back normal, prescribed some medication, and provided little else in guidance. However, my research online suggests that my polyp is quite large, measuring approximately 2cm by 1cm. It’s concerning because, prior to the tests, the doctor did bring up the possibility of cancer, which has increased my anxiety about the situation. Should I be worried? Additionally, I began taking PrEP a couple of weeks ago, and I’ve heard from others experiencing similar side effects to mine, although none of them mentioned gallbladder issues or polyps. Is there a chance these could be connected? To provide more context, I’ve been dealing with significant stomach pain, which is starting to fade without any medication. I also experienced a brief but intense dizziness after lunch that lasted for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Is It Common for Medical Students to Observe Invasive Procedures Without My Consent?
Recently, I underwent a gynecological operation that required general anesthesia. Before the procedure, I anticipated the presence of key medical personnel such as the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nursing staff. However, upon entering the operating room, I was surprised to find several medical students in attendance as well. While I was quickly sedated, I distinctly remember how the students appeared to observe me as if I were an object of study rather than a person. This sensation was unsettling. They did not introduce themselves or even greet me before the procedure began, which contributed to my discomfort. When I regained consciousness after surgery, I was in tears. At first, I attributed my emotional response to their scrutinizing gazes as I was wheeled in. However, upon reflection, I realized it also troubled me that I had not given permission for these students to witness the insertion of a catheter and an ultrasound into my body. Is it normal practice for students to observe such intimate procedures without explicit consent? It’s important to note that this wasn't at a teaching hospital, and their presence wasn't essential for my care. I fully acknowledge the need for medical training, but I recall an instance with a different physician who consulted me beforehand about a trainee's presence when I had a minor procedure on my foot. She sensitively asked for my consent before allowing the trainee to join. - Age: 33 - Approximate height & weight: 5'5", 135 lbs - Gender: Female - Medications: None - Smoking status: Non-smoker - Previous and current medical issues: Elective surgery - Duration and location of complaint: Elective surgery
Persistent Hand Eczema: Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Condition
My mother, aged 53, stands at about 5 feet 4 inches (162 cm) tall and weighs 145 pounds (66 kg). She does not smoke or consume alcohol and has no chronic health issues other than her current skin concern. She has not reported any known allergies and is not taking regular medications aside from topical creams that have previously been recommended for her eczema. For several months, possibly even longer, she has been struggling with persistent eczema on her hands. This condition manifests as extreme dryness, severe itching, irritation, and frequent cracking, significantly hampering her ability to perform daily tasks. Despite her consistent use of moisturizers and previous attempts with prescribed steroid creams, her condition never seems to fully resolve, often returning without warning. Given that she frequently engages in household chores where her hands come into contact with water and various cleaning agents, we are starting to question whether this could be indicative of chronic hand eczema, contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction, or even a fungal infection. We are eager to understand what diagnostic tests or treatment options may be suggested when hand eczema proves stubborn and resistant to treatment, including the possibility of patch testing, fungal cultures, or exploring alternative treatment methods.