Itchy Ankles

my ankles itch like crazy usually after a shower or bath.  I scratch until it hurts, it keeps me up during the night.  So I started with rubbing alcohol, then witch hazel, neither of these helped.  So I started using benadryl itch releif, this does cools the skin down so that I can sleep. I was wondering if theres something wrong with me, because this didn't start happening until about a couple of weeks ago, before then I never had this problem.  One thing I thought about, I did change bath soap during that time, I had switched from Oil of Olay to Caress. So I just switched back to Oil of Olay yesterday, so I'm gonna see if there is a difference.  Someone told me it was from drinking too much water or that my feet swells up and that'  the reason.  Does anyone really know the reason?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be due to allergy to soap, eczema, venous eczema or lichen simplex chronicus. If there are any bite like lesions then scabies needs to be ruled out. Apply calamine lotion and topical steroids and take some antihistaminic like Benadryl or Claritin. Also keep your feet elevated while sitting or lying down.

If the symptoms persist then please consult 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.