Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyPrurigoTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Hello everyone. Not the most pleasant of questions, but does anyone know what is inside these wretched spots?

A MyPrurigoTeam Member asked a question 💭
Cheshire UK

One member said it was keratin and another said that the spots don’t resolve unless you clean them out. Here in the U.K. - whenever I’ve tried to ask about this - every dermatologist, without fail has looked blankly back at me and admitted that they don’t know. How can we treat these spots if we don’t know what we are dealing with - it’s mind blowing! My spots won’t start to heal unless this ‘debris’ is removed, which then gives the appearance that I am self-harming. I’m totally frustrated. Has… read more

March 8, 2025
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members shared their deeply relatable frustration over the mystery of what fills the painful nodules characteristic of their condition, with... Read more

Members shared their deeply relatable frustration over the mystery of what fills the painful nodules characteristic of their condition, with many describing how dermatologists have offered conflicting or vague explanations ranging from keratin to connective tissue to broken blood vessels. Several members found that removing the material inside provided temporary relief from the intense stinging and swelling, though this led to scarring and the appearance of self-harm, compounding the emotional toll of a disease that already causes many to feel isolated and embarrassed. A recurring theme was the shared search for answers, with members noting possible connections to autoimmune conditions, nerve dysfunction, and excess keratin production, while also expressing concern about infection risks and the urgent need for more research into the root cause.

A MyPrurigoTeam Member

I'm concerned that by digging into the nodules there's a risk of infection and scarring.

March 10, 2025
A MyPrurigoTeam Member

It's a conundrum of a disease. Excess keratin, immune system; so many things to consider. I hope that with continued research scientists will pinpoint the cause.

March 10, 2025
A MyPrurigoTeam Member

I was thinking that it was the nerve endings firing that causes the stinging.

March 9, 2025
A MyPrurigoTeam Member

I'm glad someone finally said something about what's inside the sores! I've asked two dermatologists and one said connective tissue and the other said broken blood vessels... I think no to both answers. Mine file like something is stinging me or it gets swollen and hurts so bad but once I remove the stuff inside it feels so much better. It's about to drive me crazy trying to figure out what it is though. I don't care about scarring I'm already way scarred up. I don't just get a couple here and there I get them from head to toe. I can only get into see my dermatologist once every 12-14 months due to over booking and it's hard to get into living in a big city. I have many health issues and this just put the icing on the cake.
I rarely leave my house due to the embarrassment of all the sores and being miserable wearing clothes. I sure hope a cure is found because this on top of everything else really makes life hard! I'm truly sorry for everyone that is going through this! Prayers 🙏❤️🙏

March 9, 2025
A MyPrurigoTeam Member

Hi Jan.
I’m so sorry that your life is blighted by this dreadful disease. I could have written your letter. I’m not as bad as you, but I can have 20 spots at one time at various stages. I think the stinging is related to the spot itself, as you rightly point out that it feels better when the ‘stuff’ is removed. I, too, am covered in scars.
Do some of your spots ulcerate like mine do? I think that tends to happen more when they are on a sharp edge like the jaw line or collar bone.
I call these spots ‘Satan’s spots’ to reflect how hellish they are.
After I asked my question, I had an AI generated answer which said that it is keratin inside the spots. If that is right, the next logical step would be to discover why we produce excess keratin. I’m working on that.
Thank you so much for your message - it means a lot.
Sending you a hug.
Patricia.

March 10, 2025

Related Questions

View All

Mouth sores inside my lip

A MyPrurigoTeam Member asked a question 💭
Waterloo, IL
September 12, 2024

Does Prurigo Nodularis Ever Go Away, or Is It Lifelong?
What Does Prurigo Nodularis Look Like? Pictures for Reference
What Is Clinical Research? Why It’s Important and What To Expect
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In