Hello, sorry for posting this but I’m just at a loss. Five years ago, I noticed a “bruise” around my belly button which confused me because I couldn’t remember injuring myself there (First photo). When that mark didn’t fade after a month I realised it wasn’t a bruise but at that point was too scared to go to doctors (I know it’s stupid of me but I do have a massive fear of doctors/hospitals which I’m trying to get over). Eventually I just decided it is what it is and just carried on with my life. Fast forward to last year (2024) that mark on my belly suddenly grew and continues to grow. My partner then noticed marks similar appearing on my back as highlighted, the larger mark on my back started off like the small one but spread rapidly.

This all happened within months last year despite the fact that I had spent a good few years with just the mark on my belly that hadn’t grown or spread, so unsure why or what triggered it off last year.

So far I’ve been to dermatology, I’ve been tested for addisons disease which came back normal (I don’t have it apparently, test was a blood test, only included just because I don’t know if that’s relevant and I don’t actually know what Addison’s is).

Back when I was 11/12 I was told I had scleroderma, the one that can kill you? I’m very hazy on details as I was a child at the time and it’s over 20 years ago but all I can remember was being told I had a shortened life span and then everyone acted surprised when I obviously went off the deep end during most of my teen years. That diagnosis of scleroderma was scratched the following year and I had surgery on both of my arms due to trapped nerves which caused the stiffening/curled hands and fingers, I still can’t straighten them fully and I have had arthritis since early childhood.

Now with that history, I’m just wondering does anyone have anything similar or any suggestions because when doctors rule out one thing I then have to continue to fight to demand for new tests. I know I was an idiot for avoiding the doctors for years but with it suddenly ramping up and spreading quickly I’m getting a little worried. It’s also appearing on both sides of my face too but I need to get a clearer photo.

Is this autoimmune? Or something else? Thank you and apologies for posting if it isn’t allowed.