White spots and pimple-like objects on legs

[Justin107]

Hello!  Ok, I don't know if this is something I should be concerned about but my legs have been a bit itchy from time to time and I examined them and it appears as though some small white specks are attached to the base of quite a few of my leg hairs.  As well, my legs have also developed quite a few small, red, pimple-like spots with a white spot on the middle (However, I do not believe this to be folliculitis).  Any ideas?

[Justin107]

Thank you for your post!

I believe I was not too clear with my explaination.  Some of the tiny white specks are attached to the base of the hairs, but do not have any red bumps.  I also have red bumps,which I now believe may be folliculitis.  But any ideas on what these white specks attached to the base of the hairs could be (not dry skin because they are very difficult to take off)?

Ps. Yes, I've had some flaking of the scalp

Thanks Again!

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.

This may be case of folliculitis, a fungal infection ,seborrheic dermatitis, and keratosis pilaris. Folliculitis is a likely differential as you have mentioned that the hair follicles appeared to be involved. Folliculitis may present with red bumps involving the hair follicles. The bumps may have  yellowish or whitish centers. They can be itchy and an overlying fungal infection need to be ruled out here.

Keratosis pilaris is due to build up and blockage of keratin plugs within the hair follicles. The hair follicles may appear to have whitish elevated plugs near the base of the hair shaft. The surface appears to have a sand papery feel.

Have you any fungal infections before?

Any scaling of flaking of the scalp?

[Justin107]

PS. I tried to remove these tiny white spots, but it is very difficult.  They seem to be firmly attached to the base of the hairs.