How can I get rid of these brown, blotchy, dry patches of skin?

[leopard_skin]

since I was about 12 I have had brown, dry as hell, blotchy, patches of skin in the crevice of my elbow joint, my stomach, a little on my lower back [mainly dry patches], and the worst of it is on the back of my neck and armpits. What is this? How do I get rid of it? I am really tired of being itchy and discolored.

I've heard it could be stress, or hair dye stains, but it's really really bad. If anyone can help... i'll try to take pictures if needed. I don't have health insurance, and when I did, the doctors never thought it was worth recommending to a dermatologist. Please help.

~ Leopard Skin

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Sorry, gave an answer of another post earlier.
Without examination it is very difficult confirming a diagnosis but two possibilities are there. It can be eczema or psoriasis. Psoriasis is a non-contagious autoimmune disease which can present as red, scaly patches. A biopsy of the skin will help in differentiating and ruling out the conditions. My sincere advice would be to get a biopsy done from a dermatologist.
Hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of molluscum contagiosum. Molluscum contagiosum is a common, benign, self limiting viral infection of the skin. It generally affects children and treatment  which is usually in severe cases includes physical destruction or manual extrusion of the lesions, cryotherapy, and curettage.
Hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.

[leopard_skin]

is it a form of psoriasis?