leg sore

[Granny7]

For the last 7 years or so I have had a burning, itching sore on the outside of my bottom leg.  I have been to a dermatoligist several times and can't get it under control.  The sore is about 2 by 4 inches.  And for the last year I have started developing one on the right leg same location.
Any suggestions?

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Would you be ble to elaborate more on the appearance of this sore?

Is this sore reddish, violaceous, or skin colored?

Is this flat or elevated?

Are there any scales or is it shiny?

Are there any white lines over it?

Are there any small bumps within the sore that appears to contain pus or fluid?

[Granny7]

It is reddish and sometimes the skin looks purplish.  Mostly flat.  When healing it gets real dried out with scales and sometimes shiny.  No white lines.  If I have been scratching it can get infected and have pus.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

How old are you?

Are there any visible varicosities on this area of your legs?

Any other areas of discolorations in the body?

For how long have you had this?

Differentials for reddish and purplish lesions in the lower extremities may be psoriasis,lichen planus, a fungal infection and dermatitis. I am thinking primarily of stasis dematitis here.

Stasis dermatitis presents as scaly and shiny patches of skin in the lower extremities due to decrease or insufficient blood flow from the veins to the heart.This is the reason why I am asking about any varicosities.

Psoriasis and lichen planus are more chronic disorders.At this point they are only differentials as they may also present with reddish and purplish lesions with some degree of itchiness and scaling.

Have a consult with dermatologist so your lesions may be assessed and properly managed.

[alone and scared]

Have you had a herpes test?