Rash On both lower legs

[DEARESTFRIEND]

Help me please...I have a rash on both lower legs it been there off and on for over a year now its red sometimes blotchy and itchy(very) no its not any poison like ivy or oak its mainly above my ankles most of the time all the way aroud and up as it goes up it is kind of sperated spotsbut is spread from the ring around my ankles and is puffy(swollan) and itches today when i got home from work i noticed it again but this time it was all most up to my knees and the rings around my ankles (mainly the left) was extremely red and almost bloody in looks i poored everything i could think of on it took baths and showers to try to see if it was something on my skin nothing worked and the itching was driving me nut i finally got to sleep and several hours later the majority had gone but the ring was still there and about 2 inches up was spotted light red and not very swollan or as itchys can anyone help?

[generalp2]

I have found TWO sources that cause itchy legs. For a small percentage of people, there is a obscure chemical in caffeinated drinks, not removed by decaffeinating, that can cause itching and even at times extreme redness (and in rare cases cracking skin). The cure is to stop consuming caffeine. The other source is the combination of drugs commonly used in over-the-counter cough suppression medicines - Dextromethorphan and Guaifenesin.   Not doubt, itching is also the side-effect of other medicines.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examination,it is very difficult to confirm a diagnosis,but it can be due to heat rash(Golfer’s vasculitis),contact dermatitis,rashes due to friction rub, sweat dermatitis, fungal infections ,hives or atopic dermatitis(eczema).

Oral antihistaminics like benadryl or claritin,oral steroids and topical application of steroids(mild steroid cream like dermacort) and calamine are the mainstay of treatment.Benadryl and claritin are available over the counter . So try taking any of these to control itching.If the itchy rashes still persist then consultation of a dermatologist will be the best.High potency steroids may be needed which are available only on prescription.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing and if you have any additional queries.