Insanely itchy legs...for 2 months!

[heatherw26]

For the past two months my legs have been insanely itchy. It gets worse at night and there are mosquito like bumps on them. It's JUST my legs. Not my arms, stomach, back or anything else. Just my legs.

I was told bed bugs, but I've washed all the sheets, checked the mattress, box spring and bed frame...but there is nothing, not to mention my husband hasn't been affected.

I was told scabies, but I'm the only one who's affected. Neither of my boys and again my husband have any sort of mark or itch.

While doing some research I came across chronic hives. The symptoms are exactly what I have, except it's not red welts...just mosquito looking bumps. Calyadryl does help relieve the itch but once I wash it off or it wears off, the itch is back. It's been on going for about 2 months (it could be longer, I can't remember.)

Any ideas?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
If it is resembling welts, then it can be due to hives. Take antihistaminics like Benadryl or Zyrtec for the itching and apply some mild steroid cream on the rash. If the symptoms are worse then you may need oral steroids.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[heatherw26]

It's began spreading up my body and is now resembling welts as well as the smaller red bumps.

My doc did prescribe me permerthirn (spelling is probably really wrong) 5% and I washed EVERYTHING I have touched in hot water and dried on a high heat, it's done nothing to help. He also didn't do any testing. Just looked at the hives/rash and that was it.

I know I don't have lice or herpes. And nobody else in my family (I have a husband and 2 children) that have NOT been affected. At all.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

This itching can be due to any cause. It can be due to contact dermatitis, allergic reaction to the clothes, detergents, soaps etc, eczema skin or if there are some little bumps then it can be due to irritated hair follicles, scabies or lice or herpes sores if they are painful and itchy.

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. Also wear cotton clothes and use mild detergents.
If the symptoms persist then get it examined from 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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.