mole like bump on my back itches & stings only after I smoke

[handytech]

I have had a 3.5 to 4 mm mole like bump on my back in the left scapular area, more red in color than the browner freckles on my back, that itches & stings a bit, normally (chronically) but this sensation worsens significant after I smoke cigarettes. I also have a tough callused or 'thickened' spot on the palm part of the thumb on my left hand that that is light purplish in color and also itches like crazy but does not sting or bleed [yet] but again, only after I smoke.

This is something that has been there for about 4 or 5 years and hasn't gotten worse as far as outward appearances go [flat not raised, no increase in diameter and there is a firmer, almost harder pea sized lump that exists subcutaneously...I can feel it when I scratch my back with a back scratcher and is does bleed a little and never goes away]

Now of course it is a 'no brainer' that:

       1.) I should stop smoking!    .....

and 2.) I should have it checked by a doctor.

The thing is that, nicotine is terribly addictive and it is extremely difficult to quit and if you don't have medical coverage like me (unfortunately) it's costly to pay a doctor for a three minute visit just so that you can a prescription for the patches that are stronger than the OTC brands which do me little to no good.

Also again, since I don't have medical coverage and county hospitals only see patients with acute life threatening illnesses and injuries, I'm not exactly sure where to go or what to do (besides...possibly die of skin cancer for lack of taking action)!

Any experienced doctor's / nurse practitioner's or patient's (past or present) opinion re: this would be greatly appreciated.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
You need to STOP SMOKING NOW. Patches are no ggod in your case - you know you have an addiction nad you know that you will have to quit. There is no easier way out to this. You practically know the solution to your problem, at least to some part of it. What next is that after you have stopped smoking, start a healthy diet plan alongwith mineral and multivitamin supplements. Drink plenty of water to maintain hydration and detoxify your system. Avoid alcohol too. Seek the support of family and friends if required. After that if the lesions still persist then consult your physician and let him treat you according to the diagnosis based on clinical evaluation.

[loiloi]

Far from telling you to switch from cigarettes to nicotine patches i would tell you to avoid nicotine altogether. It is possible to develop an allergy or bad reaction to just about anything, and that includes nicotine. Although it hasn't changed shape you say the lesion on your back has bled so you must see a dermatologist. I appreciate this is expensive, but nothing is more important than your health. There are different types of skin cancer, some of which are slow growing and can be removed by a simple procedure. Others are more dangerous and can spread to other parts of your body. You should go to the 'Ask a Doctor' Dermatology forum and for $19 Dr Rockoff will answer your question.