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I have a painful mark on my back. Is it a cancerous mole or an insect bite?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have a slightly painful mark on my back. I have sent the picture. Is it a cancerous mole or an insect bite?

Answered by Dr. Shanza Ikram

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shanza Ikram is a highly experienced Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She is skilled in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, offering advanced treatments for conditions like acne, eczema, pigmentation, and aging concerns. With her patient-focused approach, Dr. Ikram provides personalized care to promote healthy and radiant skin.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the photo (attachment removed to protect patient identity). In my opinion, it is not a cancerous mole at all. Yes, it could be an insect bite reaction or folliculitis. Please mix Hydrocortisone cream and Fusidic acid cream and apply twice daily on the affected area for seven days. Take care.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply. Are you able to zoom in on the picture? It gives me an on and off the burning sensation. I have an appointment with a dermatologist for tomorrow, but I have the worst anxiety attack. I appreciate your answer, though.

Answered by Dr. Shanza Ikram

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shanza Ikram is a highly experienced Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She is skilled in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, offering advanced treatments for conditions like acne, eczema, pigmentation, and aging concerns. With her patient-focused approach, Dr. Ikram provides personalized care to promote healthy and radiant skin.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can understand your anxiety and apprehension. Considering your anxiety, I again examined your picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity). My diagnosis is folliculitis or some insect bite. Pain and burning sensation are more common when pus or fluid gets captured in a small enclosed cavity. And it occurs both in insect bite and folliculitis. You will get relieved if this pus is drained out. Apply the given cream; it will drain out your pus, and the lesion will be flattened. The rest of your back shows freckles. And these are common in fair skin individuals. I hope I have satisfied your anxiety to some extent.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Preetha. J
Published At October 29, 2020
Reviewed At August 25, 2023

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shanza Ikram is a highly experienced Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She is skilled in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, offering advanced treatments for conditions like acne, eczema, pigmentation, and aging concerns. With her patient-focused approach, Dr. Ikram provides personalized care to promote healthy and radiant skin.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Preetha J. is a proficient Dental Surgeon with expertise in cosmetic dentistry, restorative procedures, root canal treatments, and oral surgery. She is known for her gentle approach, precision, and commitment to patient comfort. Dr. Preetha combines advanced dental techniques with personalized care to ensure optimal oral health and aesthetic results, helping patients achieve confident, healthy smiles. Currently, she contributes her expertise as a valuable member of the medical reviewer team at iCliniq.com. 

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shanza Ikram is a highly experienced Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She is skilled in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, offering advanced treatments for conditions like acne, eczema, pigmentation, and aging concerns. With her patient-focused approach, Dr. Ikram provides personalized care to promote healthy and radiant skin.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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