strange new skin issue

[LKNX1]

Well about 2 years ago I moved into a new house and I noticed that really little red (really red) bumps appeared on the front of both of my legs.  They were a little sore, no discharge, and itchy.  I was the only person in my house to get these bumps.  I didn't know if it were flea bites, bed bugs or what but I was the only person experiencing these symptoms.  I made an appointment to show my doctor but the appointment was kinda far off.  In the meantime the bumps would come and go and were really irritating when I wore form fitting jeans. I noticed that the bumps went away and thatmy skin was different, extremely dry.  I mean no amount of lotion, oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, or petroleum jelly seems to replenish the moisture that my legs once had.  They seem sort of scaly.  Nothing that I do seems to restore my legs smoothness back to what they once had.  When I went to the doctor she really didn't have a clear diagnosis at the time but did prescribe me mupirocin and/or locoid lipocream (can't remember if both were prescribed at the same time but pretty sure they were).  It really didn't do anything but since then I have lost my health insurance but I really want to find out if you have any suggestions about how I can fix this.  Thank you

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be contact dermatitis,insect bites or eczema. I would suggest a dermatologist’s examination to confirm the diagnosis.

In the meanwhile,wash the areas several times with fresh water. 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.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin. If still the symptoms do not improve then pls get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or in case you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.