Spot on skin

[cathy141]

Hello,

I've recently noticed a small red spot on my elbow, about the size of a pencil eraser. It is reddish, 100% flat, and sensitive and a bit sore to the touch. Its edges are fairly well-defined and it's oval-shaped but it's not what I would call completely symmetrical. It almost resembles a friction burn but to the touch it feels exactly like regular skin - ie it isn't an open sore or starting to scab. If I press it the redness lessens. I only noticed it a few days ago but a few months ago I had something similar in the same area but didn't think much of it - so I'm not sure if it's a recurrence of what I had a few months ago or if it never actually went away. I am fair, light-eyed, fairly smooth-skinned and do not have any moles. Does it sound like something I should be concerned about and do you have any idea of what it might be?

Thank you.

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Dear Cathy141,

We were hoping to hear from you, but it has been more than a week...

Our answer based on the information you initially provided is below.

Erythematous (red), slightly painful, spontaneously resolving macule (flat lesion) on the elbow does not sound like something a person should be too concerned about.

On the other hand, if repeated twice, it could be a discrete introductory clinical sign very worth looking into. Therefore, visit to a dermatologist would be a good decision.


Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum!

Thank you for your description of the lesion. Still, the list of skin diseases with such a lesion as only clinical manifestation is too long. Any other skin changes in the present moment, or in the past? How is your overall health? Any skin (or other) diseases in your family? In addition, it would be helpful if you could post clear pictures of your skin lesion.

Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum!

Thank you for your description f the lesion. Still the list of skin diseases with such a lesion as version of clinical manifestation is to long. Could post a clear picture of the lesion? We would like to try to give you more focused, rather than general information.

Any other skin changes in the present moment, or in the past? How about overall health? Any skin diseases in the family?

Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic