I am going crazy!!!

[rph03]

Hi Doctor!

I am going nuts about this skin problem.  I am sure you remember me - I have posted 2 questions about scabies.  I know you told me that it is not it.  If I had this rash on my feet in October, what are the odds that my husband and children would have gotten it by now?  My husband is black, can he still get scabies?  I have had these scattered red bumps on my arms and legs and hands on and off since then.  They itch sometimes, especially my feet.  They are on my arms up to my shoulders.  On the outsides of my hands and wrists.  None on my fingers or toes, although I have had them there.  Can you tell me about what scabies looks like?  Could this be it?  I think I am losing my mind over this!  Could I have scabies?  The bumps are like little red bites - sometimes they itch and sometimes not, and sometimes they are alone, and sometimes in groups.  A doctor told me this was atopic dermatitis, but don't the bumps occur in patches?  HELP!

[rph03]

but doesn't eczema come in patches, not scattered bumps?

[rph03]

I forgot to mention that the bumps go away if I don't scratch them.  Some do not even itch but I scratch them anyway because I have terrible anxiety about them.  I have none on my trunk, armpits or groin.  They are on my feet but more on the tops and ankles, not between the toes.  most prominent on my forearms.  Please help!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Yes, black people can get scabies.  But your husband and children would certainly have gotten it long since if you've had it since October.  Since they apparently haven't, that means you don't either.  You've seen a doctor, who told you you have eczema, not scabies.  What will it take to convince you?  

Please get the treatment you need for what you have, and the help you need to stop worrying over what you don't.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff