Rash on legs

[girlfromnj]

About 3 weeks ago I used a different razor it seemed to work just fine about one week after I shaved my legs it started itching very bad i scratched so i started bleeding. Right now my legs are very itchy and look very horrrible. Any suggestions on what to do?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

You could use over-the-counter  antihistamine for the rash and itching at night. Cool compresses may also help.  Contact dermatitis may resolve after a few days especially if the offending substance is discontinued. If it persists, it would still be best to have this seen by your doctor.

Take care and regards.

[girlfromnj]

Thanks for responding. I am using Hydrocourtisone and it has relieved the itching. It gets worst at night when im ready to  go to bed it starts itching very bad. Is is recommneded to use alcohol?. what else can I use any lotions?...

Thanks for your response....

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

How are you? At this point, I would recommend that you try to avoid scratching. Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating substance, such as the razor or cream used.  It results to an inflammation of the skin. Reactions may vary in the same person over time. A history of any type of allergies also increases the risk for this condition. Symptoms  It presents with itching, skin redness or inflammation , tenderness of the skin, and skin lesion or rash at the site of exposure.

The diagnosis is primarily based on the skin appearance and a history of exposure to an irritant or an allergen. Patch testing, skin lesion biopsy or culture of the skin lesion  may rule out other casues. Wet dressings and soothing anti-itch or drying lotions may be recommended to reduce other symptoms. Contact dermatitis usually clears up without complications within 2 or 3 weeks, but may return if the substance or material that caused it cannot be identified or avoided.  If it persists, it would be best to have this evaluated further for proper management.
Take care and do keep us posted.