OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Persistent Bump on Shoulder Linked to Old Splinter

2/18/2026, 3:10:19 AMMale25-34

- Age: 20 - Mental Health Conditions: Anxiety, BPD, Depression - Medications: Clonidine, Lamictal, Adderall, Strattera - Recreational Use: Cannabis Approximately four years ago, I had a tiny splinter lodged in my arm, and since that incident, I've been experiencing persistent bumps in the same location. I believed the splinter was completely removed. The bump occasionally causes discomfort, but it's quite small, making it difficult to determine if anything remains inside it. Do you think a visit to a healthcare professional would be advisable? I'm uncertain about the appropriate steps to take. I appreciate any guidance you can offer!

Multiple SclerosisLupusInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

2/18/2026, 3:10:44 AM

OpenHealth AI

It’s understandable to be concerned about a persistent bump on your shoulder, especially since it’s linked to an old splinter. From your description, it’s possible that the bump could be a residual effect from the splinter or even a benign cyst. However, it’s important to address any discomfort and to rule out any underlying issues.

Explanation

The longevity of the bump suggests it could be scar tissue, a reaction to the splinter, or a cyst. Since it causes discomfort at times, it’s worth investigating further to ensure there are no complications, especially as conditions might vary based on your overall health and any factors related to your mental health medications.

Next Steps

  1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes in size, color, or pain associated with the bump over the next week.
  2. Self-Care: Keep the area clean and avoid any irritants, such as tight clothing or excessive rubbing. Applying a warm compress may help alleviate discomfort.
  3. Consultation Consideration: Since the bump has been persistent and causes some discomfort, reaching out to a healthcare professional would be a wise next step. They can properly assess the area, possibly through an examination or imaging, to determine if anything needs to be removed or treated.

Addressing your concerns about the bump can help alleviate anxiety and ensure that your health remains a priority. Please feel free to reach out again if you have more questions or need further guidance!

Related Questions

Challenges with Oral Mobility and Swallowing Post-Jaw Surgery

Hello everyone, I’m seeking expert opinions on persistent difficulties concerning chewing, tongue manipulation, taste perception, and swallowing. About two years ago, I underwent maxillomandibular advancement surgery to address sleep apnea, but I had already been experiencing issues with swallowing and taste prior to this procedure. Since the surgery, these challenges have become even more prominent and limit my daily functions. My primary concerns include: - Struggles with repositioning food in my mouth - Issues in moving food toward the back of my tongue - Difficulty in creating and managing a proper food bolus - Inefficient and uncoordinated chewing - Diminished ability to enjoy or taste food - While I haven’t experienced any severe choking incidents, I face frequent discomfort and find swallowing to be laborious. It seems as though the muscles of my tongue, jaw, and throat are not working together seamlessly; eating has turned into a conscious activity rather than an automatic response. Some additional context about my health includes: - A history of neck and postural issues - No prior incidents of stroke, ALS, or any major neurological conditions - Over time, I’ve noted alterations in tongue positioning and mouth sensitivity - There hasn’t been significant weight loss, but mealtime has become stressful - Although these symptoms have been ongoing for several years, they have intensified following the surgery. Questions I have: - Is it possible that these symptoms indicate oropharyngeal dysphagia? - Could there be neuromuscular involvement, possibly tied to cranial nerves, despite the absence of a definitive neurological diagnosis? - Would it be advisable to undergo a modified barium swallow or a FEES evaluation? - Should I consult with an ENT specialist, a neurologist, or a speech-language pathologist for further evaluation? I appreciate any insights you might offer. Thank you!

COPDInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
57 minutes ago

Should I Be Alarmed by This Bruise?

I'm a 25-year-old transgender man who has been on testosterone therapy for several years, and my hormone levels are stable. I also underwent a double mastectomy, which means I identify as male. Currently, I’m taking lamotrigine, quetiapine, and sertraline. Weighing around 125 pounds at a height of 5'1", I occasionally enjoy a drink but otherwise do not partake in any substances. Historically, my mean platelet volume (MPV) has been low, as I can see from my previous complete blood counts (CBCs) available in my health record, with the latest one dated May 29, 2025. I've experienced random bruises before, but this particular one seems to be larger and more unusual than those I've had in the past. The irregular shape and mottled appearance are what I find disconcerting. Additionally, I’ve been suffering from significant night sweats for quite some time. I know this is an issue I should mention to my doctor, but given the odd bruising I discovered a couple of days ago, I can’t help but worry about potential underlying blood disorders. Does this bruise appear unusual, or do you think I might be overreacting? My history of severe health anxiety makes me aware that my concerns may not align with those of others.

LupusInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Infection Detected Post-Injury

Patient Profile: Male, 50 years of age, weighing 150 pounds, standing at 5'8", non-smoker, with no significant medical history. Three weeks prior, I experienced a fall, landing heavily on my left side. My left elbow impacted my torso during the fall. Following the incident, I sought medical attention at the emergency room where an x-ray was performed, revealing no fractures or visible bruising. However, I continue to experience discomfort on the left side of my body, particularly in the area below the ribs and above the pelvis, which remains sensitive to this day. Recently, I underwent a complete blood count (CBC) with differential analysis, and the findings suggest a potential infection: - White Blood Cell Count (WBC): 10: 13.1 - Platelet Count (plt): 10: 427 - Granulocyte Count (gran #): 10: 9.1 - Eosinophil Count (eos #): 10: 0.5 Could the pain and detected infection be related to the injuries sustained during the fall?

LupusCOPDInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Forearm Injury from Cat Scratch: An Unusual Blood Accumulation

This incident occurred about a week ago, and thankfully, I'm not in any immediate risk. I’m a 40-year-old male and the only medication I think might apply to my situation is a beta blocker. About a week back, while tending to a stray cat, I ended up with a scratch that led to an eerie, blood-filled bulge on my forearm that reminded me of a scene from John Carpenter's "The Thing." Rather than just a minor scratch, a small puncture from one of the cat's claws resulted in a peculiar, blood-filled protrusion that jutted out at a right angle from my arm. It resembled a diminutive pinky finger sticking out from the side of my forearm. In a panic, I doused the area with hydrogen peroxide; shortly thereafter, the bulge began to shrink, leaving the skin in that section feeling loose for a little while. The following day, I noticed that a significant portion—about three-quarters—of my forearm was heavily bruised, exhibiting a dark purple hue. Remarkably, this discoloration has faded quite rapidly; usually, such a severe bruise would take much longer to heal. I’ve kept an eye out for any symptoms of cat scratch fever, and everything appears to be normal. What I’m really curious about is whether it’s actually possible for skin to erupt like a blood-filled balloon from a vein so quickly. I witnessed it firsthand, and I just need reassurance that I’m not imagining things.

LupusCOPDInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Unexpected Resolution of Shoulder Pain Over Time

Good evening, everyone. For several months, I've been grappling with persistent pain and stiffness in my shoulder, which radiated into my bicep. In an effort to alleviate this discomfort, I opted for shockwave therapy, a treatment that had previously provided relief, though this time it didn’t yield any improvement. After undergoing an x-ray, my physiotherapist informed me that there were indications of mild osteoarthritis and bone spurs. However, my doctor suspects that I may have a rotator cuff tear or tendonitis and has recommended an MRI for further investigation. Despite these challenges, I've continued my gym routine but have been very cautious about the arm exercises I perform. Recently, I attempted some light lat pull-downs; initially, everything felt fine as I pulled the bar down, yet I was taken by surprise when I experienced a sudden, sharp pain shooting from my shoulder down to my elbow upon releasing it. I promptly ceased the exercise. Later that evening, my shoulder grew increasingly sore, making it difficult to raise my arm to waist height without significant pain. However, within 48 hours, I noticed an unexpected change — the persistent pain in my shoulder that had troubled me for months seemed to have mostly vanished in the last few days. I’m left wondering if anyone can offer insight into this abrupt change or what might have transpired. While I plan to proceed with the MRI as a precaution in case the pain resurfaces, I find myself puzzled about the potential underlying issues. 🤔

AsthmaArthritisInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago