This topic is about a person who has had an ostomy for 40 years and also lives with spina bifida. They noticed two small white, raised spots on the skin beneath their stoma. These spots are slightly larger than a pinhead, and due to reduced sensation, they cannot feel them. The person recently completed a course of antibiotics for a dental extraction and is wondering if the medication might be the cause. They tried covering the spots, but this did not help, so they are seeking advice on what these spots might be and how to treat them.
Here are some helpful insights and advice:
1. If you notice any persistent changes in the skin around your stoma, it's important to have them checked by a stoma nurse, dermatologist, or surgeon. A biopsy might be necessary to rule out conditions like polyps.
2. Sometimes, similar bumps can appear due to chronic irritation or trauma under the wafer. These might be benign skin tags or polyps, which are harmless once confirmed.
3. Some people have experienced similar raised spots that resolved on their own within about a week. It's important to monitor new lesions but not to ignore them.
4. Antibiotics can sometimes lead to superficial yeast infections around the stoma. If the lesions come back, consider using an antifungal powder or cream and make sure your appliance fits well to avoid trapping moisture.
5. If you have recurrent or painful white bumps that bleed easily, it could be a sign of pyoderma gangrenosum, a skin ulcer related to ulcerative colitis. These lesions can rupture, bleed heavily, and take a long time to heal. It's crucial to seek specialist advice promptly for treatment, which may include cauterization and systemic medications.
6. Remember that ulcerative colitis is a systemic disease, and symptoms can appear in other parts of the body, like the skin, joints, and bones, even after the colon is removed. It's important to stay vigilant for any new symptoms.
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