Marks on finger

[Suzy1980]

I'm sure you must get sick of hearing about red marks on skin so I apologise. I've had this particular spot for at least 5 months. It is on the line of the middle joint of my index finger (opposite side to my knuckle), it's slightly raised (like a 'bump') and it never changes. I think it's probably a blood blister, but from pictures I've seen of those they tend to be dark red, but this is... well just normal red.

I ALSO have a red mark on the same finger, but on the other side where my knuckle is, but THAT mark is flat and not as bright. Again, that has been there for at least 5 months.

Both are about the diameter of a pencil lead, maybe slightly bigger! (sorry pencil lead was the only thing I could think of.)

Could you hazzard a guess as to what they could be, how I can get rid of them and what caused them? If they - or one of them -is a blood blister, I've heard my doctor can get rid if it. is this true? and how?

Thanks in advance,

P.S I live in the UK, so please don't tell me to visit my 'dermo'.
P.P.S Just because I live in the UK this is not an explanation for having a skin condition.

[Suzy1980]

So.... you don't think it's a burst blood vessel then?????

Sorry about my sense of humour it was just a little joke about British people having bad skin. I will try and retain a formal mannor in future. Thank you very much for your advice but if you could just address the whole burst blood vessel issue for me I will shut up.

Thanks again.

[Suzy1980]

So.... you don't think it's a burst blood vessel then?????

Sorry about my sense of humour it was just a little joke about British people having bad skin. I will try and retain a formal mannor in future. Thank you very much for your advice but if you could just address the whole burst blood vessel issue for me I will shut up.

Thanks again.

[Suzy1980]

Sorry - I thought I'd better mention that I meant to say "Burst blood vessel" in my question rather than "Blood blister". I do NOT think the mark is a blood blister (I don't think I do anyway).

Cheers (that means thank you)

Kate

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

If you have red marks in this symmetrical pattern, perhaps the spots in question rub against either some object you use or else the adjacent digit.  I can't think of any skin diseases that look the way you describe.

If rubbing is at issue, getting rid of the behavior that promotes it will be needed.

I'm not sure why being in UK preclude seeing a skin doctor altogether.  Can't you be referred if you see your Family Physician first, if this practitioner is unable to diagnose what you have?

I do agree, however, that "Just because I live in the UK this is not an explanation for having a skin condition."  

Best.

Dr. Rockoff