Persistent Red Spots on the Back of Your Hand

Red spots on the back of the hand resembling unhealed wounds?

Hello Doctor: I have done some research, but it seems that my condition is not covered.
I have one or two red spots on the back of my hand that I don't know how to describe.
From my reading, they don't appear to be moles, spots, rashes, or angiomas, as they are not raised and feel the same as the surrounding skin.
They look like red dots with a slight inflamed halo around them, but they are not painful, itchy, or expanding.
When pressed, they disappear, but they return once I release the pressure.
It feels like the color of blood vessels coming to the surface.
I remember being bitten by an insect, and the wound has not healed since then...
I initially thought it would gradually improve, but it has been about 2-3 years now, and I am increasingly experiencing this condition where bites turn into permanent wounds.
It looks strange, but I feel embarrassed to make an appointment since it doesn't cause discomfort, but it is really unsightly...
Could you please advise what might be causing this and if there is a way to remove it? Or at least prevent other wounds from becoming like this? P.S.
I am open to making an appointment as well.
Thank you for your response.

Xiao Xing, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/09/04

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

Without actually seeing the lesion, it is impossible to determine the issue.
If it is causing significant distress, please seek medical attention as soon as possible.
A proper examination is necessary to understand the problem and to determine the appropriate course of action.

Reply Date: 2017/09/04

More Info

Persistent red spots on the back of your hand can be concerning, especially when they have been present for an extended period, such as 2-3 years. Based on your description, these spots are flat, do not cause pain or itching, and tend to disappear temporarily when pressed. This suggests that they may be related to vascular changes or localized inflammation rather than a more serious dermatological condition.

One possibility is that these spots are a form of petechiae or purpura, which can occur due to minor trauma, such as insect bites, or even from increased pressure on the skin. When you mentioned that they appeared after being bitten by an insect, it’s possible that the initial irritation led to some form of localized vascular response that has not fully resolved. The fact that they do not expand or cause discomfort is a good sign, but the persistence of these spots is unusual.

Another consideration is that these spots could be a type of dermatitis, possibly related to an allergic reaction or irritation from environmental factors. Chronic exposure to irritants or allergens can lead to persistent skin changes. Additionally, conditions like vasculitis or other inflammatory skin diseases could also present with similar symptoms, although they typically would involve more systemic symptoms or discomfort.

Given that these spots have been persistent and are becoming more frequent, it would be advisable to consult a dermatologist. While it may feel uncomfortable to seek medical attention for something that is not causing pain, a professional evaluation can provide clarity. A dermatologist can perform a thorough examination, possibly including a skin biopsy if necessary, to determine the exact nature of these spots and recommend appropriate treatment options.

In terms of treatment, if these spots are indeed related to vascular changes or mild inflammation, topical treatments such as corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of the skin. If they are related to an allergic reaction, identifying and avoiding the allergen would be crucial. Additionally, maintaining good skin care practices, such as moisturizing and protecting your skin from irritants, can help prevent new spots from forming.

In summary, while your symptoms do not indicate an immediate cause for alarm, the persistence and increasing frequency of these red spots warrant a professional evaluation. A dermatologist can provide a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment options to help manage your condition and improve the appearance of your skin. Don't hesitate to seek medical advice; it’s always better to be proactive about your health, especially when it comes to changes in your skin that concern you.

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