Itch that won't go away

[AFlowers]

I've had itchy white and/or red bumps on my arms and legs for quite some time now. I first noticed it in late April on my wrists. The tiny white bumps would get irritated and red only upon scratching. I would scratch and it wouldn't help, so I tried some over-the-counter cream that didn't really help. Then I noticed that it had spread to my thighs, legs and even on my feet. It's really bad at night and I have to resist the urge to scratch constantly. It's been over a month now and it's only gotten worse.

My boss first complained of constant itching several months ago. I made fun of it, but now here I am itching like crazy. So I think, maybe I'm contagious, but I've since shared a bed with my friends and they haven't started itching.

I went to the doctor and she prescribed some antihistamines but I want more than that. I'd like an answer so I can put a stop to this. I'd like to cure the bumps and itching, not temporarily relieve them.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be due to lichen planus which presents as papules, irritated hair follicles or scabies. Scabies an infestation of the skin with the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. It is characterized by intense itching, usually at night and by small insect-type bites lesions on the skin. I suggest you to get it examined from a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[AFlowers]

I'd also like to add that I work with animals on a daily basis and am surrounded by cats. Fleas? I've also checked for bed bugs in my apartment but found no evidence of any. Maybe scabies, but from what I've heard those are bigger red bumps than what I have and the doctor didn't seem to think I had that. She said bug bites.

Please help.

Thanks!