Itchy *side* of elbows

For about two weeks now I've been having strong itching on both arms, on the front side from my elbows (not the point or crease, but in front). I don't see any rash or anything visible. I've tried lotion in case it was just dry skin, and benadryl gel since I use that on my bug bites anyway, and neither of them help. But I can't figure out why they itch so bad. I've never had this problem before. Any ideas why this area in particular, on both arms, would be so itchy?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
If the bumps are itchy and you are having them on the hands as well then the possibility of scabies is important to be ruled out. Otherwise contact dermatitis and allergies is an important possibility. Scabies 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.

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.