Eczema Help!

[laceface111]

I am 15 and have had eczema my whole life, recently I have been able to get it under control but I still have these leathery patches on my ankles that wont go away! I don't itch there anymore but its still very scaly and doesn't even feel like normal skin (not soft at all) Will it ever go away? If so how can I speed up the process?

[laceface111]

Thank you sincerely this was helpful! Would it help you if I were to upload an image of the area on my ankle?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms they possibility of lichen simplex chronicus is there. Lichen Simplex Chronicus is seen in people with eczema.

It is treated like chronic eczema by decreasing water and soap contact, and applying emollients. Topical steroids are almost always needed to control the symptoms. You can use mild steroid cream like Dermacort and if the symptoms persist then high potency steroids and oral steroids may be needed.
My sincere advice would be to consult a dermatologist to get the diagnosis confirmed. 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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.