extreme itch from shoulders to knees

[bgizzle187]

about a month ago my legs and genitals started itching like crazy! no rash or bumps or anything until about a week ago and it has spread up to my chest and back and even my arms. i now have tiny red spots(not bumps) on my thighs up to my belly button, and scaly itchy skin on my back. everywhere between my knees and my shoulders is itching like crazy and i dont know what to do!! went to the clinic and doctor said looks like bug bites or maybe fungal infection and gave me some cream that didnt do anything except make my clothes uncomfortable. i got new sheets, washed all my clothes with hot water and light detergent, changed bath soap, lotion dont help, HELP ME PLEASE!!!

[bgizzle187]

I now have tiny red bumps on my wrist and up my forearms, all the way to the back of my armpits and down my sides into my thighs and around my waist area. And a little on my chest, but mostly just itchy on my chest. It seems that only the sensitive skin areas have the red bumps and itch the must. There have been a few slightly larger bumps between my fingers. But pretty much my entire body itches uncontrollably. I will try the things you said above. I'm willing to do anything to get rid of this!

I was also wondering if this sounds like something contagious? I know you can't say for sure without me actually being seen by a dermatologist. I'm just wondering because I have recently started seeing someone and I'm worried about it spreading and also a bit worried it could scare her off.

Thank you for the tips!! Please Help!!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be sweat dermatitis, heat rash, allergies, eczema or scabies bites. Use a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Also use cotton clothes and change the clothes twice if there is any increased sweating.Try keeping the skin free of sweat as far as possible. If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort.For the itching antihistaminics like Benadryl or Claritin can be taken.

If the symptoms persist then please get an evaluation done 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.