Ichy skin

[sarabara233]

I am a fairly young (24 years old) female who has had issues with itchy legs for almost six years now. The issue started around the time I started going to college. The itching usually occurs at night, sometimes during the day and I unconsciously itch and itch usually until my legs bleed and then scab. I have numerous scars and scabs from this and is very embarrassing. My boyfriend, whom I live with, wakes up every night from my constant itching. I have tried not shaving for a while, thinking it may be ingrown hairs, that is not the case. Now I cant shave anyways due to all the scabs that form on my legs and I don't want anymore scars than what I already have. I went to the doctor, they prescribed some cream, and it did not work at all. I haven't been back since because I feel like they will just tell me its all in my mind. I have also tried every over the counter anti-itch cream such as calamine lotion, Benadryl, Eucerine lotion, etc. nothing works! Could this be a symptom of another underlying issue, or does this sound like it could possibly be Eczema? What should I do...help! This is really distracting in my everyday life.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

You have mentioned of using a cream medication.What is this medication?

I suggest that you get a second opinion with regards to this.Check if there is redness that surrounds the base of the hairs on the legs.This will suggest that hair follicles are involved. This itchiness has persisted for years.You may need anihistamines for the itchiness.However, do not initiate any medications unless advised by your physician.A biopsy may help if the rash appears to be unresponsive to medical therapy.

[sarabara233]

I dont think they involve the hair folicles. Is there a way of telling? I dont seem to have anything elsewhere other than on my legs. I dont have a history of allergies either. I have never been alergic to anything.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

How would you characterize the lesions over your legs?

Do they involve the hair follicles?

Are there other similar lesiosn in other parts of the body?

Do you have any history of allergies?

This may sound like an eczema however, if you have been treating this as an eczema for the past 6 years and the symptoms persist , you may discuss with your dermatologist the possibility of doing a biopsy to ascertain the cause of this persistent itchiness. Also, is there any possible trigger at home or in school which could have caused this.

Allergy skin testing may also help.