Concentrated flakey rash

[anonymous1146]

I'm sorry if I don't follow proper protocol. This is my first time posting on this forum.

I have a very concentrated rash that's at my front lower leg. There is no real redness that I can tell and sometimes it stings intensely, other times it doesn't sting at all. The skin in that area is flakey but I am not sure if that is simply normal flakage. I have dandruff all along my leg... lol

I have had this rash for at least a month. I scratched it a lot in the beginning and it spread quite a bit. I stopped scratching and the spread went away but the area that was first itching still itches. On surface it looks quite normal. I am not sure if this is because a lot of hair is blocking it. When I wear pants I can feel it sometimes getting scratched and thus later inflamed.

Is this important enough to warrant going to see a dermatologist? Should I wait off, maybe put some tight cloth around it so that when I do wear pants it doesn't get scratched? Any suggestions are welcome.

Thank you

[anonymous1146]

Yes, I have looked a little into eczema but it's so broad that it's hard for me to verify. I will try what you suggest and see the results. I am afraid though that if I'm just treating the symptoms there will be no change. If it is due to an allergic reaction to something in my diet than I would have to change my diet. The thing is, I can't think of anything new at all in my diet. I see a common one is dairy products. Should I stop consuming dairy products for a while and see if the problem lies there? How long would I have to stop consumption and have the symptoms to be able to verify that it is not the cause?

Thanks a ton already for your suggestions, I know it sounds silly but I want to hold off on the drugs for the time being but I will find the lotion and moisturizers you recommend as well as only wash the area with water.

Thanks again

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

I cannot confirm without examination,but it can be due to eczema. Eczema is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash).Allergic reaction is one of the important causes of eczema.

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).Mild steroids like dermacort are available with the pharmacists.

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin.So 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.Kind regards.