Lower leg rash

[R1n90]

I have this lower leg rash for a while now.  I am over weight and losing weight drastically now.  But the rash doesn't itch, it is like brown specs on the shin and ankle of both legs.  Does anyone have any idea what this is and what I can do?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It seems like asteatotic eczema. This type of eczema appears mostly on the area just below your knee and is characterized by cracked, irregular and dry skin. 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 , whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid . Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If still the symptoms do not improve then please get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist. 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.

[R1n90]

Actually it looks like it is freckles right now.  But a heck of a lot of them :) as you can see.  But appreciate the feedback, thanks.

[Setaka]

Does the rash look like it's almost scorched skin?

What I'm thinking is that you might have fluid build up in your lower legs.  If that happens and the fluid isn't removed, or you don't start to wear Teddy support stockings, you can develop "stasis dermatitis" which is when you get what is described as "scalded skin".  It starts out with a rash, then you get cellulitis, then the skin gets scaley and hot.  Bumping it can create an ulcer that is very slow to heal.

You might show it to a dermatologist and ask for Teddy stockings.  

What they do is put you on an exam table with your legs elevated to get the fluid out of them.  Then the doctor takes several measurements of your leg when the fluid is out, and sends them to this company who makes special stockings to exactly fit your legs.  

With the fluid out and wearing the stockings, the rash will dissipate.

Do something NOW while it's still just a rash.  For your own good.

Just my thoughts...