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Dermatology  (Expert Forum)
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red spots under skin
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.

red spots under skin

by jenjen1970, Nov 19, 2007 07:58AM
Tags: irritable
I wrote in last week about vaginal irritation I thought was mybe due to my partner shaving his pubic area.  I examined the area with a magnifying mirror and discovered pin-sized red dots under the skin on my vagina.  They looked like blood is underneath but they are not open and are completely flush with the skin.  There is also some spots of a purplish color splattered around.  I don't know if that type of discoloration is normal or not, or if these little red spots are either.  I never really looked that close before.  I also have some raised dark purple spots that do not hurt.  I do however, have a general irritaion of the vaginal skin on one side.  It does not itch, but it feels like an overall irritation and will get red if I am messing around down there.  The skin does not hurt at all to the touch.  During the day when I look at it (I am obsessed)  it seems to look different every time.

I went to the doctor about the irritation and he did an exam. He gave me hydrocortizone 2.5% to put on twice a day.   It seems like more of the red dots are popping up under the skin.  I have only been putting it on for 2 days.  I don't know how long I should keep putting it on, or if it will even help.  This is causing me to have so much anxiety!  What does this sound like?  What could be causing these red spots that look like blood is under them?  Does it sound like any disease?  What would make them go away?

by Alan Rockoff, MD, Nov 20, 2007 09:45PM
To: jenjen1970
I don't think you have anything wrong at all.  I think these red dots are tiny bruises that you can only see because you are looking at them in totally unnatural magnification.  You quite sensibly went to the doctor who didn't find anything wrong, but then instead of taking reassurance at face value, you seem to have stayed obsessed with this.  You are doing yourself no good by constantly examining yourself an doing internet research.  What I suggest is that you leave your groin entirely alone and get another opinion from a skin doctor.  Them when you learn that you have no problem, you can forget the whole thing and get on with your life.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (4)

by jenjen1970, Nov 19, 2007 08:21AM
Also,  there are no blisters, discharge, or pain with these spots.  I have to pull skin tight to see them undera 10x magnifying mirror. Why do thes red spots look bright red and in an hour they look purple?
I just don't know what is going on!

by jenjen1970, Nov 20, 2007 05:38PM
Now a few of the red dots look like blood blisters under the skin. They are not raised and do not hurt to the touch.  The area is just so irritated.  I don't know if the hydrocortizone 2.5% has something to do with it.

by jenjen1970, Nov 20, 2007 08:39PM
To: Dr. Rockoff
I just did an over the counter vaginal screening kit, it said I have a ph of 5.5, which indicates dacterial vaginosis-could this be causing the red spots?
This is my last comment!!Sorry
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