Itchy rash on torso

[romaine5]

I will try to make this a short history, lower leg injury (April '09) that was caused by walking into a piece of wood. It did get infected but was treated and responded to OTC tri-biotic cream. Soon after that leg and weeks later the other leg became itcy, with ozzing rash. Treated as if it were poision ivy, which is wasn't. After Dr visit/blood test he was diagnosed with stasis dermatitis. Maybe a coincidence but this is about the time that his "traveling itch" started. The itch would actually move from legs, back, torso. He has been to the MD for this has had blood work, steroids (both oral regeime and injection) to no avail. Have several calls into the MD/MD's nurse with no return call (not sure what to do about that part, will deal with later). I have been asking for a referral to a dermatologist, which will take 6-8 weeks even with a referral. Was hoping someone can help. I am attaching pics. Up until the last few days there has been no visual sign of any type of rash. Now there are tiny read dots, most not raised on both his back and a few on his chest which is where the itchy seems to be contained to this area.
No change in meds/detergents/soaps, we have eliminated all those possibilites again to no avail.

[romaine5]

He has had this problem for about 6-8 months and we live in the same house, sleep in the same bed and I have no symptoms of scabies. Any other suggestions?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be due to scabies. It is 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. Diagnosis of scabies is made by scraping the skin and viewing the material under a microscope to see the characteristic mite or eggs.
Treatment of scabies is specific and consists of topical medicines like permethrin, malathion, lindane and tea tree oil and oral medicine like ivermectin. It is highly contagious and is transmissible from daily household articles also and so they may also require the treatment. My sincere advice is to 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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.