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lumps under skin

i'm not even sure this is the right forum for this question, but it's the closest i can figure to the correct field. in the last few weeks I have been noticing several lumps (about nickel sized) under the skin on the fleshy parts of my thighs. At first I thought it was just part of the uneven texture of the cellulite, then I noticed they were harder, like little knots. I then thought they might be bites of some sort (we live in the country and get all kinds of spiders and other creepy crawlies in the house at times), but they aren't going away or getting better or worse. They don't hurt unless I mess with them a lot, but they do itch, severely at times. I had first noticed them on one leg, and now I've started noticing a few on the other. They have exactly the same feel as if you had gotten a mosquito bite that rose up a knot under the skin. I am wondering what they might be and if I need to be concerned. I also wonder if they could be at all connected with fibromyalgia? Thank you for your time.
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563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Yes these lumps can be swollen lymph nodes due to an allergic reaction. Unexplained swelling of the lips and mouth without any predisposing disease is frequently caused by allergies. An allergic reaction can occur suddenly, even in a person with no previous history of allergy. This swelling is called angioedema. Diagnosis is by clinical examination and complete blood tests, electrolytes and renal function tests. Treatment is by antihistaminics and steroids. Also please stop taking the herbal drug as it may be responsible for your allergic reaction.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.



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Avatar universal
Thank you so much for your reply. As it turns out the lumps may be part of an allergic reaction. Since the time I had originally posted my question I ended up going to the emergency room with my lips and mouth beginning to swell. It turns out there was an herbal medication (passion flower) I have been taking for awhile and we think it is what I was reacting to. The time I have been taking it loosely coincides with the time the lumps have been showing up. I didn't even think about this until after I had taken an increased dose of the herb two nights ago and began having the swelling in and around the mouth and the higher dosage had been the only thing I had done differently, then after thinking about it I realized I had been taking that for about the same amount of time I had been having the lumps appear. I will be following up with my own doctor this week. Thank you so much for your time.
-shelly
Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
This kind of bumps can be swollen lymph nodes, cysts or lipomas. The other possibilities that are coming to my mind is of erythema nodosum or panniculitis. Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Other causes include allergic reactions, arthritis, cancer, metabolic diseases, and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

I would suggest you to consult a physician and get fine needle aspiration cytology of the lymph nodes done to confirm the diagnosis. You can also get a biopsy of these bumps done which will confirm the diagnosis.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

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