dry skin on ankles

[snopi44]

I have a rash on my left and right ankle that i have had for about two years now. It covers just about the whole ankle area. When the area is dry it itches. I scratch the area and the dry skin comes off. I have tried lotions and also Mupirocin and nothing works. Can one of you Doctors answer this for me????  

[softwarengineer]

I had the same symptoms prop up for me too, dry skin on front of ankles that was sore to stretch and itched.

My symtoms improved in about a week by using Neutrogena Body Moisturizing Lotion daily....the soreness from stretching my ankles got better too.

You're right.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From your symptoms the chances of eczema are more. Eczema is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash).Allergic reaction is one of the important causes of eczema. Wash the areas several times with fresh water and do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

Also use mild steroid cream and good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If still the symptoms do not improve then please get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist. I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing. Kind regards.