HomeAnswersDermatologyfolliculitisWhat is the pimple on the side of my arm that swells up on touch?

What can be the mole or ingrown pimple that swells up on touching on the side of the arm?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At April 13, 2022
Reviewed AtSeptember 8, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have a weird mole on the side of my arm; I do not know what it is. I thought it was an ingrown pimple. It does not hurt, but it swells up when I mess with it. What is it?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern. Please answer my questions for details and to better understand your condition. Is it painful or tender to touch? Have you noticed any change in size, shape, or color? Does your lesion have any irregular margins or borders? How many moles are present on your body? Do you have any history of sunburn? Do you have any history of prolonged exposure to radiation like ultraviolet (UV) rays or sun? Do you have any family history of melanoma? Do you notice any crust formation or elevation? Did you use any tanning beds or booths? Is your skin tone fair? Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

It is not painful or tender. I do not have moles anywhere else on my body, and I do not think it is a mole. I think it is more like ingrown acne, just like a blood clot, maybe. Yes, I have had sunburns before but no history of melanoma. I have never done tanning bed. I have a fair skin tone, but I am usually tan. It could be sunburn-related, but I do not think so. It feels like ingrown acne.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Your answers suggest it is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). It does not require any extensive workup. I would like to suggest these measures. Apply Kojic cream (Kojic acid, Lactokine fluid, Axeloglicina) at night for 20 days. Use Azac soap (Azelaic acid) for the bath for one month. Apply photostable sunscreen daily at 9 AM, 12 PM, and 3 PM for two months. Moisturize skin daily. Use Cetaphil moisturizing lotion immediately after bath for two months. Take Tablet Limcee (vitamin C) 500 mg once a day after breakfast for 30 days and Tablet Antoxid HC (antioxidants) once daily at night after food for 30 days. Avoid scratching and rubbing the lesions. Avoid popping or pricking as it may cause secondary bacterial infection and deep scars. Do you have any history of antecedent trauma? Warm regards.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I do not think it is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Please see the attached video link for an explanation.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern. After watching the video (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity), I would suggest that it is folliculitis with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). I suggest you to apply Mupirocin ointment twice daily for ten days if the lesion is painful along with previously mentioned medications. Regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav
Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Venereology

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