two types of problems

[amanda623]

I have this crazy itch on my legs and only legs. It mainly happens at night. I have now learned to rub them instead of scratch after ripping many pairs of jeans from doing so. I know that I am allergic to some detergents but been using one that doesn't bother me. I never had this problem before. It starting happening, the longest I'd say a year ago. At first I thought maybe it was where I had moved to, but why would whatever it could be in the house only affect my legs. I also have a rash like breakout that comes and goes on my stomach. The doctors couldn't determine whether it was psoriasis, but it doesn't have the same symptoms. It is like dry skin spots the size of a dime mostly. They often come and go. My sister has the same spots and itchy legs. I know that psoriasis is inherited and no one else in my family has ever had any of these problems besides me and her. The spots on my stomach never really itch, or flake off, or anything they are just like red spots, sometimes even just look similar to a bruise. My sisters appear a lot more than mine and seem to take a lot longer to disappear. And there is no spots or bumps or anything visible on my legs. I have tried many different lotions and ointments, nothing to seems to fix these problems. Please if you have any ideas let me know.

[amanda623]

anyone else have anything to add?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since there is itching of the legs without any rash so a few other possibilities that need to be ruled out are dermatitis, internal diseases like liver and kidney disorders,diabetes, iron deficiency anemia, irritation and allergic reactions to chemicals,wool,soaps,cosmetics and certain foods  can cause itchy skin.

You can apply an anti-itch cream or lotion to the affected area. Oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl can also be used. You should take a comfortably cool bath and wear smooth-textured cotton clothing.You should choose mild soaps without dyes or perfumes and use a mild, unscented laundry detergent when washing clothes, towels and bedding.

Pls take a second opinion from a dermatologist if the symptoms persist. He/She will start with the specific medications. If an internal disease is found, whether it's kidney disease, iron deficiency or a thyroid problem, treating that disease often relieves the itch.Lastly,Phototherapy can also be tried.

Secondly regarding the non itchy dry spots on the stomach,it can be due to pityriasis rosea. Pityriasis rosea is a common human skin disease which presents as numerous patches of pink or red oval rash. The rash may be accompanied by low-grade headache, fever, nausea and fatigue and sometimes by itching.

No treatment is usually required. In most patients, the condition lasts only a matter of weeks or months(upto six months).

Pls discuss all these possibilities with your dermatologist.

I hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[amanda623]

its not ringworm, doctors have already concluded that. i have tried many lotions.. the spots i have dont really itch or anything like that they just look like small bruises, almost like sun spots. and for the itchy legs no idea what that could be. have tried many lotions on that as well and didnt seem to help stop the itching. there are no marks or anything on my legs that shows a rash or even a bite. they dont get real dry either. but thanks for the help. let me know if you know anything else that could possibly be whats wrong.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it does sound like ringworm. Wash your skin daily and then dry thoroughly by pat drying, not rubbing.The damp skin is an ideal site for fungi to multiply. Also wear cotton clothes and do not share other people’s towels.

Most cases of ring worm respond to over-the-counter products, which contain any of several basic ingredients: miconazole, tolnaftate, terbinafine,ketaconazole and clotrimazole.You can consult a pharmacist and get any cream or lotion containing these ingredients. Some of them are Lamisil, Monistat derm, Mycelex, and Nizoral.

If the symptoms persist then pls get it evaluated from a dermatologist. It has to be differentiated from discoid eczema and contact dermatitis.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or in case you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.