Numb Patch of Skin in middle of back

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Hello, 

I have a small patch of skin (1-2 inches in diameter, oblong shape) in the middle of my back, a little left of center. It is numb and feels dry relative to the surrounding skin (although this could be the numbness I am feeling). It is also very slightly discolored: a little more red/brown/colored than the surrounding skin. I have had it for half a year or so, and as far as I can tell, it has not changed. I am 19 years old. 

From what I've seen online, it seems very similar to "notalgia paresthetica" although for me there is no itching, and that seems to be the distinctive symptom with that (although it isn't very clear whether you can have notalgia paresthetica without itching online). If it is just that, I am fine with getting a steroid cream or even doing nothing. However, I am concerned about melanoma, as I know skin cancer sometimes doesn't always look like what the ABCDE acronym indicates. 

So: are my symptoms consistent with nolagia paresthetica, or is this something i should be concerned with? 

Thanks

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  • Posted

    I guess I'll add that I went and got this checked up on and the doctor was not completely sure about it. He proscribed me a steroid/moisturizer cream (triamcinoline), and it has not done that much. Well, I can't really tell -- maybe it has a little. He said that if it doesn't help, a biopsy would be a possibility. However, I do not have health insurance, and I am sure a biopsy would be expensive. I have the option of opting into health insurance in a few weeks (however, I do not know if I will be able to schedule an appointment because my summer will be hectic. Really, August may be the earliest feasible time for a biopsy) Should a biopsy appointment be a priority regardless of cost or difficulty?

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