Posts by Patrick Carter

Jack Kelly said:http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/8152/slika1aox1.jpg

So, I stopped using the corticosteroid three days ago. Just one day after that—the day before yesterday, actually—the itching started up again, but I managed to hold out for a bit. Then, by yesterday morning, I just couldn't take it anymore, so I ended up completely picking at the skin in that spot. It doesn't look quite as terrible right now, though, mostly because I used the steroid for over a week, so the lesion is only about a centimeter wide now. Before that, it used to be at least 2 cm.

It’s not exactly like I have visible blisters, but when you touch it, it feels like these hard little lumps under the skin that swell up whenever they start leaking fluid. I don't wear any rings or anything, and since I'm a student, I don't really have a heavy-duty job. I do handle chemicals once in a while, but I always make sure to wear gloves in those cases.

I've already found a ton of potential triggers for dyshidrosis, so I guess hunting for the actual cause is going to be "fun." I mean, it could be an allergy, it could be stress, maybe it's my diet, or maybe it's some irritant that stayed in contact with my skin too long... or honestly, it might just happen for no reason at all. In my case, I guess any of those things could be the culprit...

So, here’s the question—are these gloves actually any good? Do they offer enough protection, or are we just kidding ourselves?

The photo's a bit blurry.

You’re spot on about the causes—it can be anything. But since this thing has been hanging around forever without letting up, just go get a referral for a dermatologist. If you're living in Chicago, I’d personally aim for the dermatology clinic over in the Salad district—they actually know what they're doing there.

Corticosteroids will help—but you need to pick the right one. You’ll likely need something more potent than the standard stuff used for daily maintenance. There's also the option of injecting the steroid directly into the lesion. On top of that, you really need to rule out a Staph infection; those things love to hitch a ride on small wounds like this and make everything much worse.

Get to a dermatology clinic this week—and make sure you actually book that appointment. 🙂

The trauma center over on Broadway in NYC.

If you told me where the kid is from, I might be able to point you to the right place—assuming he’s out of New York County. If not, just head to the Broadway trauma center.

Gregory Young3 said:That sounds like it might be dyshidrosis. I get flare-ups in that exact same spot between my fingers where the skin is really thin. Thank God mine stays so small and localized; I’ve read stories about people dealing with it all over their palms, fingers, and even the soles of their feet.

When it pops up for me—especially since I wear a ring there—it tends to linger for quite a while. Personally, I find that Pavlovich ointment (from DM) works wonders, and I also swear by that Marigold balm from Walgreens you can find at DM. It's an incredible hand balm. Honestly, it helps everything dry out and heal up really quickly.

Maybe try not wearing that ring?! 🙄

It’d be best if you could snap a photo of your fingers—specifically the palm where the rash is—then upload it to a free host like Imgur and drop the link here. It’s hard to tell what we're dealing with from just a description.

Are there any tiny blisters around those weeping spots? Also, do you wear any jewelry, like rings, on that hand?

What do you do for a living? Or just, what keeps you busy during the day?

How old are you, and what other symptoms are we talking about? Any issues with high blood pressure or diabetes? Any other chronic conditions on your radar? Have you been under the weather lately?

What kind of work or hobbies do you get into—generally speaking?

What did the blood work show?

The silver lining in your current labs is that there's no sign of poor blood flow to the brain—no evidence of ischemia.

Not everyone runs a fever, and people don't all react to illness the same way.

If you have the lab results, post them. Not everyone knows how to interpret medical data.

People on here constantly ask for advice only to follow it up with "my bloodwork looks fine." Okay—but you actually need to know how to read the report first.

And look, no offense, but I’m genuinely confused by one thing—you’re willing to go through all the hoops for a driver's license exam, yet you won't see a doctor about your actual health issue? Priorities seem a bit skewed there, don't they? 🙄

urbanpilot20 said:I eat dinner normally... nothing excessive. I don't drink alcohol at all. And before this, I almost never had nausea after eating.

freya7, can you tell me... what other symptoms were you dealing with? For me, it’s nausea every morning—sometimes it lingers for most of the day. Every morning when I get up, I feel sluggish and exhausted... there's this weird bitter taste in my mouth, my throat feels dry, and I get occasional headaches. How did you manage to get rid of the nausea? I start a job this Monday, and while I can push through the headaches and fatigue for a bit until I get a proper diagnosis and treatment starts, the nausea is the real killer—when I feel sick, I'm useless.

Have you had blood work done since the symptoms started? You really need to get that checked out.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
ESR (sedimentation rate)
CRP (inflammation marker, C-reactive protein)
Liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, direct and indirect bilirubin)
Amylase (for the pancreas)

Based on the symptoms, it could be chronic anemia or even hepatitis. You need to rule those out, along with any kind of chronic inflammation.

I doubt it's gallbladder issues.
In the last six months or so, have you been taking any pills or medication in any other form? Any hospital stays?

Go get your blood drawn tomorrow—straight to the doctor. You've been dragging these symptoms around for too long.

Let me know how it goes.

Doesn't look like molluscum (what you're worried about) to me—looks more like some kind of hemangioma.

Is this in your groin area? When did it pop up? How old are you?

If it were actually molluscum, you'd be seeing a cluster of them—plus, they usually have this little dimple in the center that expresses a white, cheesy substance when squeezed.

urbanpilot20 said:I'm an 18-year-old guy. I've got this issue—for the last two weeks, every morning right after I wake up, I get hit with this wave of nausea. It feels like if I eat even a bite, I’ll throw everything back up, so I just skip breakfast every single day. Usually, the nausea clears up after an hour or two, and then I can eat lunch like nothing ever happened.

I was thinking maybe it's stress... but honestly, I haven't been stressed lately—graduation went smoothly enough, so there's no real reason to be wound up.

Anyone have any ideas what this could be?

What time do you usually eat dinner, and how much? Also, any regular drinking?

Do you deal with nausea after meals at other times of the day?

Amanda Gomez47 said:I still have a few more tests to run just to be absolutely sure there isn't a physical cause. Honestly, I'd much rather it be psychosomatic than some actual physical illness—at least that's harmless, even if it feels terrible.
As far as the extrasystoles go, part of them are probably caused by my mitral insufficiency.
Since you've dealt with this too, let me ask you something: if this were just from panic attacks, why does it happen every single time I exert myself? Even with the smallest movement—like walking fast, climbing stairs, bending over, or even just picking up a chair—it hits me instantly. The shortness of breath, the fatigue, the extrasystoles... it's constant. Is that kind of reaction typical for panic attacks?

That shortness of breath, heart skipping beats, arrhythmia, etc.—it could actually be a side effect of your medication (Concor) if the dosage isn't dialed in right. How long have you been on it, and what's the dose? Also, have you noticed any swelling in your legs—like your ankles or feet?

Based on what you're describing, you really need a full blood panel. Chronic anemia can cause massive fatigue, and there are plenty of reasons for that: underlying issues, iron absorption problems, certain medications, you name it.

But if you're getting winded from basic movement as you described, you should also have your ejection fraction checked—basically, how well your heart is pumping. There's a nuclear medicine test called a MUGA scan that checks this. They might have already looked at something similar via ultrasound. It's possible you're dealing with cardiomyopathy—where the heart muscle itself is weakened—which would explain the shortness of breath and rapid exhaustion.

When were you diagnosed with angina pectoris? That's the condition where narrowed arteries don't deliver enough oxygen to the heart muscle, usually causing chest pain after exertion. Typically, that sharp pain under the breastbone lasts for about 5 or 10 minutes before subsiding. It almost always triggers after physical activity.

Concor is used for high blood pressure. Have you had hypertension, and what are your readings looking like now? What's your pulse?

Getting exhausted from simple tasks isn't typical for panic attacks. How's your sleep? Do you find yourself needing to prop yourself up with extra pillows because breathing is difficult?

Either way, you need a follow-up with a cardiologist to adjust your meds based on the results. If your current doctor isn't helping, find a new one. Like I said, the air hunger and arrhythmias could be side effects of the drug. Tell your doctor about it and ask about switching to an ACE inhibitor (that's the class of drug, not the brand name).

Amanda Gomez47 said:I’ve been wondering about something else. Since asbestos exposure can cause fatigue and shortness of breath during physical activity, is it actually possible to spot signs of it on a standard RTG, or do you need some kind of specialized scan?

You can catch signs of asbestosis on a regular X-ray, sure, but a CT scan is much more reliable for seeing what's actually happening.
Keep in mind, asbestosis can be present without showing any outward symptoms at all—though when things do kick in, you're looking at coughing and that classic "shortness of breath" issue.

Amanda Gomez47 said:How are you supposed to tell if those symptoms are actually coming from your mitral valve issues or if they're just part of a panic attack?
(The cardiologist said surgery isn't necessary right now)

When does this shortness of breath hit? Do you get that sensation where you just can't catch enough air—even when you're breathing deep? Does it get any better when you switch from sitting to standing?

Are you on any meds? If so, what's the cocktail?

casualcanyon40 said:Thanks, Patrick Carter! 🙂
I suppose I should try to be more active, though my motivation is currently non-existent.

I have zero interest in any kind of therapy; that sounds like a one-way ticket to a deeper depression.
My doctor mentioned therapy isn't mandatory, but I am stuck taking these pills for at least six months, since apparently, all antidepressants take that long to actually kick in.

You're wrong there—psychotherapy is incredibly useful. Some people dodge it because they're afraid of digging up old dirt or exposing parts of themselves they'd rather keep private. If I were in your shoes, I'd be brave enough to give therapy a shot.

Try some brisk walking, jogging, or hitting the gym—it's definitely going to help with the depression. When you're physically active, your body pumps out hormones that act as natural antidepressants. You'll feel the effects of exercise pretty quickly. Plus, you'll be exhausted, which makes falling asleep a lot easier. 😁

casualcanyon40 said:I've been taking an antidepressant to help me sleep, mostly because I'm dealing with some depression right now. It’s the only way I can actually drift off.
Ideally, I'd prefer to sleep without relying on pills, but at this point, that just isn't happening.

Look, that’s fine for "first aid"—the first two or three weeks, at most. You really ought to make it a goal to stop relying on those pills as soon as you're able. Are you seeing a therapist for the depression? Honestly, the best results usually come from combining medication with actual therapy.

Another thing that helps with depression—if you have the energy—is exercise. Just hitting some light recreation three times a week for 30 minutes can make a noticeable difference.

casualcanyon40 said:I don't have any major issues, yet I find myself unable to sleep.😢

How often? Every night? How long has this insomnia been messing with you—

Ryan Evans63 said:Yeah, exactly—that Neti Pot thing. Where can you actually pick one of those up here in the States?
I’ve been dealing with vasomotor issues and allergic rhinitis for years now—total nightmare. Based on what I've read online, sinus rinsing with saline sounds like it could be a massive relief.

So, does anyone know where I can find a Neti Pot?

I honestly have no clue, I forgot. I'll have to ask my boyfriend—he bought one recently and swears by it. 😁

Frank Hughes56 said:So, for a few days now, I've been dealing with this constant itching, plus some pretty heavy discharge and an unpleasant odor—not to mention that stinging sensation when I pee. It’s super uncomfortable. I was wondering about that treatment using L.G. and a tampon? Does the L.G. need to be applied slightly differently, or can I just start using it right away? Also, what size tampon should I be looking for...

Look, just because it's itchy doesn't mean it's a yeast infection. Honestly, this sounds more like a Trichomonas situation to me. Go see a doctor—stop trying to play scientist at home.

redowl832 said:Maria Grant42,
thanks a million.
My five-year-old has been limping and in pain for two months now—the second the ibuprofen wears off. She’s taking 1.5 teaspoons every 6 to 8 hours. One orthopedic specialist diagnosed her with Brodie's abscess, and the MRI shows a Brodie's abscess. She also had hip effusion that eventually cleared up.
Right now, the only treatment she's getting is ibuprofen.
A second orthopedist completely disagrees with that diagnosis and is calling it an osteoid osteoma instead. We haven't been able to get her in for a CT scan because of a death in the family.

So, what's the next move? Which test is actually more reliable? Who should we go to for a second opinion?

Help

If the MRI isn't giving a clear answer, you're looking at a biopsy for cultures—meaning they take tissue samples to check for bacteria—and a pathology report (PHD). Once the biopsy is done, antibiotics for osteomyelitis tailored for a child's age would start immediately.

Essentially, about a third of MRI findings fall into a gray area where you can't tell if it's Brodie's abscess or some kind of primary malignant bone tumor. That's why a biopsy is necessary. Once they identify the specific pathogen (the type of bacteria involved), they'll start an antibiotic course for 2–7 days—initially IV, then switching to oral for about six weeks. An infectious disease specialist should manage this. You typically transition from IV to oral once the pain subsides, swelling goes down, and function improves (in this case, when the limping stops).

On the other hand, if the MRI is definitive and confirms Brodie's abscess, a biopsy might be skipped in favor of immediate "empirical therapy." This involves using broad-spectrum antibiotics designed to cover the most likely culprits, like Staphylococcus aureus, as well as others like Haemophilus influenzae.

The only other reason to combine surgery with antibiotics would be if there's synovitis or pus buildup that needs to be surgically drained.

I don't see why on earth the kid is being treated with just ibuprofen. 😲You either need to rule out subacute osteomyelitis (which is Brodie's abscess), a primary malignant bone tumor, or an osteoid osteoma. In all three scenarios, treatment is required—and it needs to happen now. There's no time to sit around waiting for a perfect diagnosis.

My gut feeling is that this is Brodie's abscess, which usually responds well to antibiotics.

As far as other tests go, bloodwork might offer some clues:

Differential blood count—values within normal range.
White blood cell count—either slightly elevated or normal.
Sedimentation rate and CRP (C-reactive protein) levels are slightly elevated.

A CT scan is the gold standard for distinguishing an osteoid osteoma from subacute osteomyelitis (Brodie's abscess).
An MRI is the best tool for looking at bone pathology (and the marrow), making it superior for diagnosing subacute osteomyelitis (Brodie's abscess) and differentiating it from a tumor.

Either way, the doctors need to hurry up with a diagnosis. If this is Brodie's abscess, she needs to be on antibiotics immediately!

If you have to, change doctors or switch hospitals.

dustyraven33 said:I had them drawn because my hair is thinning out like crazy—everything else seems fine, except those two specific values are off...

Have you been on any medication lately? And how are your periods—regular?

Keith Lee74 said:Look, every single morning I wake up with my nose completely stuffed—just full of mucus and whatever else you want to call it. It’s gross. This kind of intense congestion never used to hit me this hard before.

Have you dealt with a bout of sinusitis lately?
It’s entirely possible there’s still a lingering infection sitting in your sinuses—and as long as that hotspot stays active, the drainage isn't going anywhere.

Keep an eye on how it progresses. If this keeps dragging on, you should probably get some imaging done on your sinuses—maybe a CT scan—and talk to a doctor about antibiotics to actually kill the infection at the source.

There’s also that sinus rinse method using those little neti pots: you pour saline into one nostril, let it flow through the sinus cavity, and have it drain out the other side. It cleans everything out. Pretty straightforward—I saw it online, and you can pick them up at any CVS or Walgreens.