small blisters on legs.

[kainesmith25]

I am a male and do not shave my legs or belly but I keep getting small blisters almost like an ingrown hair or infected follicle on my upper legs and lower abdomen. Is that all it is or could it be something worse and how do I prevent it? I have psoriasis also if that helps with an answer.

[mkh9]

You are welcome. I know when I first heard it I had the same weird feeling. I haven't tried it because I have back injury and can't get in the bath tub. But my leg eczema has cleared up (for now). My hands though haven't and I should try it to see.  
take care,
mkh9

[BluCrystal]

Thank you for sharing this information!  

[mkh9]

You are welcome. Let me know if it works! Be sure to wash your hands after applying the Neosporin, and also use disinfectant wipes for the handles on the sink etc. because when you turn off the water after washing your hands turn the water off with a paper towel or toilet paper because the handles or knobs will be contaminated.  Then you will re-infect your hands. does that make sense?
mkh9

[kainesmith25]

Thanks I will try these things, then go to the doctor next week if it isn't cleared up. Thanks for the help.

[mkh9]

No problem we all make typos. So, as to allergy in this case I don't think so. If there is pus. You can see a doctor to see for sure it is folliculitis. Or,  try Neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment for a few days up to 5-7 days. and see if it starts to clear up. Wash the area gently with soap and water and don't scrub with anything. Wash your hands and then change the wash rag and towels anytime you use them or shower. I would use it for a week. if that doesn't clear it up then I would see a doctor. If you use a razor on your legs (some guys do for swimming or whatever) if it is disposable toss it. I would probably cover it lightly(make a tent) but put tape in the area of the sores or wear shorts (unless it is cold out) and let it air dry. I don't think it is good to let the pants hit it and they can re-contaminate it too. Different bacteria can cause folliculitis Staph, pseudomonas, and fungi and sometimes viruses. It can be cured at home but if it doesn't you really need to get into the doctor if the Neosporin doesn't work. Fungi don't get killed by antibiotics and neither do viruses. If the itching drives you nuts you can put a warm wet washcloths on it but don't rub just lay it on it for 5-10 mintues and put it in the laundry after. It really would be best to get diagnosed by a doctor so if you can afford it I would go in. They may give you both the topical and an oral antibiotic to expedite things. And, if it isn't folliculitis then you didn't waste your time.
mkh9

[kainesmith25]

No I haven't been in a hot tub recently. Yes they show a white head after about a day of being very red, then they become a white head and very red and sore around the white head, and the largest one I have is about half the size of a pencil eraser. The others are about the size of the tip of an ink pen not a cloths pin.

[kainesmith25]

Sorry I meant pus.

[mkh9]

So you can see a white head on them? if that is the case they could be folliculitis since you see hairs coming out of them. And, they could be from a Staph infection or another bacteria. Have you been in any hot tub or anything like that? That is a common source of getting folliculitis. Follicuitis is an infection of the hair follicule. If they are larger not a pin size and red around them it could be. If so you would need an antibiotic. Let me know what you see.
mkh9

[kainesmith25]

Thanks for the information, I think they would have puss if I were to pop them. They resemble a zit, I woke up with a couple of new ones today and they seem a little larger. I just recently changed laundry detergent could that possibly cause these? I have never seen staph infection in person but heard it looks like this? Is that a worst case possibility?

[mkh9]

I found this article on Mayo Clinic. Hope it is helpful to you.

Eczema bleach bath: Can it improve my symptoms?
By Mayo Clinic staff
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Original Article:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/eczema-bleach-bath/AN02003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

image.alt









photo of Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


















































Question

Eczema bleach bath: Can it improve my symptoms?

What is a bleach bath? Can it treat chronic eczema symptoms?

Answer

from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.

An eczema bleach bath — a bath with a small amount of bleach added to the water — may help lessen symptoms of chronic eczema (atopic dermatitis), an itchy skin condition.

A bacterial infection often accompanies eczema, worsening symptoms. An eczema bleach bath is thought to kill the bacteria on the skin, reducing itching, redness and scaling. This is most effective when combined with other eczema treatments, such as medication and moisturizers.

If properly diluted and used as directed, a bleach bath is safe for both children and adults. For best results:
•Add 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) of bleach to a 40-gallon (151-liter) bathtub filled with warm water (measures are for a U.S.-standard-sized tub filled to the overflow drainage holes).
•Soak the limbs and torso or just the affected areas of skin for five to 10 minutes. Do not submerge the head.
•Dry skin thoroughly, and generously apply moisturizer.
•Take a bleach bath no more than twice a week.

A bleach bath can cause skin dryness if too much bleach is used or if the bath is done too often. If your skin is cracked or extremely dry, any bath — including a bleach bath — may be painful. Talk to your doctor before trying an eczema bleach bath.



















References
•
•
•


AN02003  Aug. 18, 2011

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.






Eczema bleach bath: Can it improve my symptoms?
By Mayo Clinic staff
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Original Article:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/eczema-bleach-bath/AN02003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

image.alt









photo of Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


















































Question

Eczema bleach bath: Can it improve my symptoms?

What is a bleach bath? Can it treat chronic eczema symptoms?

Answer

from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.

An eczema bleach bath — a bath with a small amount of bleach added to the water — may help lessen symptoms of chronic eczema (atopic dermatitis), an itchy skin condition.

A bacterial infection often accompanies eczema, worsening symptoms. An eczema bleach bath is thought to kill the bacteria on the skin, reducing itching, redness and scaling. This is most effective when combined with other eczema treatments, such as medication and moisturizers.

If properly diluted and used as directed, a bleach bath is safe for both children and adults. For best results:
•Add 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) of bleach to a 40-gallon (151-liter) bathtub filled with warm water (measures are for a U.S.-standard-sized tub filled to the overflow drainage holes).
•Soak the limbs and torso or just the affected areas of skin for five to 10 minutes. Do not submerge the head.
•Dry skin thoroughly, and generously apply moisturizer.
•Take a bleach bath no more than twice a week.

A bleach bath can cause skin dryness if too much bleach is used or if the bath is done too often. If your skin is cracked or extremely dry, any bath — including a bleach bath — may be painful. Talk to your doctor before trying an eczema bleach bath.



















References
•
•
•


AN02003  Aug. 18, 2011

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.


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[mkh9]

So, I looked up folliculitis and you don' t have any pus do you? Otherwise it doesn't look at all what you describe. It does sound a lot like eczema. But it is hard to tell with so many types of skin conditions. Have you been in a hot tube lately? BTW, "with all due respect to BluCrystal" I wouldn't tell you to use a couple of drops (teaspoon) of bleach in a whole bath tub of water if I thought it was dangerous. I was told by a licensed RN to use this. I am also a licensed and certified clinical microbiologist who has had 4 years of chemistry. The amount of bleach in that much water is negligible. The pH will be neutralized.  It is actually a treatment they do use for eczema. But, since you have psoriasis you should probably ask you doc first. You truly won't get a "chemical burn " from it, LOL. Anyway, I hope this helps.
mkh9

[BluCrystal]

With all due respect to mkh9, please don't use bleach.  Even very very diluted, bleach is a chemical not meant for skin contact, and especially when you have a skin problem, you run the risk of further irritation or even chemical burn.

[mkh9]

It is possible that they are eczema or since the hair is coming out of them it might be folliculitis. I have eczema and it looks like that but it itches a lot. But they can start out like you said as a red dot then become a blister if you scratch them they usually spread or can go away. But I would have to look up folliculitis. The main thing is you don't want to scratch because you don't want to get an infection. I either leave them alone and they go away. But  I shower and then pat dry and use Cetaphil restoraderm. That seems to work great on my legs. My hands still break out a lot even with the Cetaphil restoraderm or using Eucerin Plus products for hands. I have used everything (bag balm etc.). It is caused by an allergy, or by over dry skin. They say to not use to hot water on your skin and not let it get too dry. Always keep it hydrated with a coating of one of these products. I also use a topical steroid on my hands. But it is best if you don't get started down that road if you can. There is a specialist at USC that says that you sweat glands get clogged and sitting in the sun is better than using a steroid and it will get the sweat glands working again. I don't do this because I'm fair completed and don't want to get skin cancer. So, I do use the steroid. It is Triamcinolone 0.1% by prescription. But I would see a dermatologist. It may interfere with your psoriasis. Anyway, this is my take on it all. Oh and if it is eczema, I also hear that taking a bath with a few drops of bleach works. I don't know why and it is counterintuitive but the nurse next door said this should work. I haven't tried it. I would find out for sure what it is. I have to see what folliculitis looks like.
mkh9

[kainesmith25]

They will itch in an irritated kind of way but not in a bug bite kind of way if that makes since.  They will start out as a red sore about the size of the tip of an ink pen (not very big) and then blister a day or two later. I don't pop them being afraid they will spread some how but they do go away after a few days and I've noticed a hair is usually sticking out of it and they are very sensitive to touch.

[mkh9]

Do they itch a whole lot?

[BluCrystal]

I would suggest something to help, but I hesitate to do that since you also have psoriasis, and would hate to suggest something that makes it flare up.  So, I recommend you see a dermatologist as soon as you can.  Blessings - Blu