winter itch staring already?

[mr.lucky66]

I've had this problem before but it disappeared the 2 years I lived in Florida or in the summer in Pa., where I moved back to recently. As soon as it gets even a little cold and some heat is used, I scratch my legs and ankels badly and get prickily heat pins and needles when I exercize and build up a sweat but NEVER in the summer. I use vasoline after swowering and think I might have got more relief from Cucumber and something? What are your experiences?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms that you are having can be due to milaria. Avoid using any lotions and creams for the meantime. 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 consult a dermatologist.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or in case you have any additional doubts.

[mr.lucky66]

It makes sense. I'll avoid the lotion and vaseline right? I use that cetphil and try dermcort if I can get it without a RX. thanks