Itching on arms, hands, legs and even below the belt

[adam26]

Ok so lately I have been very itchy in the arm, leg, groin area.  It seems that heat or warm water makes it worse. When I sweat it is almost unbearable in the groin and private areas. There is red spots and bumbs in my groin area and rear area, which are very itchy. There is actually even a few red spots on my privates, I have recently been applying neosporan to the privates and it seems to help with the redness. I doubt this is an std because I don't have sex that often, all though I did have a nude woman on top of me a few weeks ago about when this started to occur ( I cannot remember if this was before or after the symptoms) but there was no sex.  My hands are dry and peeling, which is also itchy. I dont think I am allegeric to anything.

This is so confusing, any idea what this could be?  or what is causing it? What should I do to fix this?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

From your symptoms,it looks like eczema or dermatitis. It is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash).Allergic reaction is one of the important causes of eczema. Allergic reaction can occur to strong soaps, Solvents, chemicals, certain foods, food additives, plants, metals, cosmetics, even urine and faeces of some animals (dust mites).

The groin itch that you are having can be due to jock itch or tinea cruris.It iis a fungal infection.Application of local antifungal cream(terbinafine, clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole) and oral antifungal drugs are the mainstay of treatment.

Other conditions cause itchy skin as well. Skin conditions like psoriasis,dermatitis,lice,scabies and hives, 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. Covering the affected area with bandages and dressings can help protect the skin and prevent scratching. 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.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted if you have any additional queries.

[adam26]

Also the sores don't have any fluid in them they are just red.