Eczema, just dry skin, or something else?

Hello everyone and thank you in advance for reading my question and posting your responses. On my lower stomach, just above my belt line/ hips on either side of my stomach I have some various brownish patches. I am a caucasian female. These brown patches are light in color and are smooth, not raised. The patches feel rough and dry to touch and occasionally itch. Basically the skin looks discolored and slightly darkened. At first I thought I may have a fungal infection so I started to use sellenium sulfide (selsum blue) shampoo on the patches. It seems to either make the patches more visible and drier. I have stopped using the shampoo and have started using a moisturerizer, Oil of Olay, and it seems to be helping a little. (I just started using it yesterday) I'm not sure if by itching it is spreading the patches, but it does seem that I gradually accumulated more patches. (I do try my hardest not to itch them). I've been looking online for symptoms of skin rashes and dry skin. It is winter time, so I wasn't sure if this is just typical for dry winter skin or if it might be eczema or something else. The patches vary in size and shape, nothing bigger than an inch long/around. Does anyone have any idea what it may be?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

This is eczema or atopic dermatitis most probably though nothing can be said with surety without a clinical examination.

To combat the severe dryness associated with eczema, a high-quality, dermatologist approved moisturizer should be used daily. Moisturizers should not have any ingredients that may further aggravate the condition. Moisturizers are especially effective if applied within 5-10 minutes after bathing.

Most commercial soaps wash away the oils produced by the skin that normally serve to prevent drying. Using a soap substitute such as aqueous cream helps keep the skin moisturized. A non-soap cleanser can be purchased usually at a local drug store. Showers should be kept short and at a lukewarm/moderate temperature.

If moisturizers on their own don't help and the eczema is severe, a doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroid ointments, creams, or injections. Corticosteroids have traditionally been considered the most effective method of treating severe eczema. Disadvantages of using steroid creams include stretch marks and thinning of the skin. Higher-potency steroid creams must not be used on the face or other areas where the skin is naturally thin; usually a lower-potency steroid is prescribed for sensitive areas. If the eczema is especially severe, a doctor may prescribe prednisone or administer a shot of cortisone or triamcinolone If the eczema is mild, over-the-counter hydrocortisone can be purchased at the local drugstore.

If complications include infections (often of Staphylococcus aureus), antibiotics may be employed.

The immunosuppressant Tacrolimus or pimecrolimus can be used as a topical preparation in the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis instead of traditional steroid creams. However, there can be unpleasant side effects in some patients such as intense stinging or burning.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atopic_dermatitis

Let us know if you need any further information.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for your symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Regards.

[nervousgirl83]

Thank you so much Dr. Bhumika for responding to my question! I'll be stopping by the doctor soon to see if I can get some proper creams to try my dry skin. I appreciate your input greatly. :) Have a great day!

[nervousgirl83]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I did end up going to the doctor and he told me that it looked like I was having an allergic reaction to something. The doctor asked me if there was something in the lining of my pants that may be irritating me like elastic in my pjs or something. I've never been allergic to elastic before, so I'm not sure if that's the culprit, but anyway, I was prescribed a cream, triamcinolone, that I use twice a day. It looks like my itchy skin is slowly going away. It also looks like it's turning a lighter brown color. The doctor also told me that the color of my "rash" meant that whatever it was that was causing the irritation is not being healed. Thanks again for your reply!