Itchy spots

I returned home three years ago from a two year stint in South Africa. In South Africa I got a rash that looked like a ringworm but when i visited the doctor, they said it was not a ring worm and treated me for a bacterial infection and that helped. Three years later and it's been back three times since i'm home. I visited my doctor and he treated it as a bacteria as well and it helped, except it keeps coming back and it's driving me crazy. It itches like crazy, it's red and bumpy and looks disgusting and occurs on my lower legs. I can't sleep at night and it gets worse everytime it returns. please help.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
If the round patches are itchy then chances of ringworm are there but from your symptoms it looks more like nummular dermatitis. Nummular dermatitis is a sort of eczema and allergic reaction is an important cause. Take some antihistaminic like Benadryl or Claritin and apply some calamine lotion on the rash. Also wear cotton clothes and keep the skin sweat free. If the symptoms persist then please 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.