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Reddish Itchy Bumps Spreading On Ankles, Forearms, Hip And Penis. Suggestion?

Posted on Tue, 11 Sep 2012

Question: Red itchy bumps on ankles, forearms, hips and tip of penis and started 2 days ago on my ankles. It seems to be spreading slowly. What could it be?

Answered by Dr. Sudarshan (2 hours later)

Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
As I believe that more information can help a physician arrive at an accurate diagnosis, I would request you to answer the following questions:
•     Did you have a similar problem in the past?
•     Does the lesion itch? If yes, how severe is it?
•     Do you have any similar lesions on any other part of the body like face, neck, groin?
•     Do you have any other known allergies/food/drug sensitivity?
•     Do you have fever /sore throat /joint pain /any systemic symptoms?
•     Does any family member have similar lesions?
•     Have you taken any new food stuff like sea foods/beans? Have you used any new clothing /shoes or indulged in any outdoor activity?
•     Were you alright 2 days back?

My first impression is allergic contact dermatitis.
However, there can be many other conditions with similar presentation. I would suggest that you visit your general practitioner or a dermatologist so that the lesion can be examined and appropriate therapy can be prescribed.

Meanwhile, you can apply a soothing lotion like calamine and take antihistaminic drugs like fexofenadine. You can take Tablet Zyrtec 10 mg once a day. Fexofenadine is a prescription drug and you would need to see your physician for that.

It would be great if you could upload more pictures of the skin lesions (a close-up and distant view) of penile and ankle region using the “Upload your reports” section on the right. Alternatively, you can email them to me at YYYY@YYYY with the following subject ATTN to Dr Sudarshan.

Awaiting your response.
Dr Sudarshan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli

Follow up: Dr. Sudarshan (1 hour later)

Hi Dr XXXXXXX

Thanks very much for your reply and suggestions. I have uploaded some more images.

To answer your questions:

Did you have a similar problem in the past?
No

Does the lesion itch? If yes, how severe is it?
Yes but it's mostly tolerable. At times(especially at night) my ankles get extremely itchy but I avoid scratching.

Do you have any similar lesions on any other part of the body like face, neck, groin?
I have on my ankles, forearms, hips and tip of penis. I first noticed it on my ankles 2 days ago and then it spread to other parts.

Do you have any other known allergies/food/drug sensitivity?
No

Do you have fever /sore throat /joint pain /any systemic symptoms?
No

Does any family member have similar lesions?
No

Have you taken any new food stuff like sea foods/beans? Have you used any new clothing /shoes or indulged in any outdoor activity?
Went on a 2 week skiing trip in the alps from 24 Dec - 7th XXXXXXX
I injured my knee and applied some Voltaren(anti inflammatory) for a few days to my knee only. I didn't notice any skin problems.

Were you alright 2 days back?
Perfectly fine 2 days ago except I had a slight itch on my forearms(started 1 week ago) but I thought it was just dry skin. No lesions or anything.

Let me know if you have any further queries.

Kind regards
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Sudarshan (20 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for the images. I was able to view them.

“Allergic contact dermatitis” is a close possibility that I can think of after reviewing the images.
However, there are few other conditions can have similar symptoms. I wish you to suggest that you visit a competent dermatologist for focal examination of the lesions.

You could also try using over the counter antihistaminic like Cetrizine/levocetirizine and applying topical agents like calamine, if you haven’t tried them yet. They might relieve your symptoms.
If the symptoms are not relieved, you may need topical and or oral steroids which are a prescription drug and can be taken after consultation with your doctor.

I hope I have answered your query and will be available for follow up should you have any. Please accept this answer if you do not have any further queries.

Wish you speedy recovery.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Sudarshan (26 hours later)

Hello Doctor,

Thanks again. I went to see my home doctor and she gave me some Trimovate which I've been using since Friday. At first it looked like it might be working but it got worse now and spread to my upper legs. The foreskin on my penis is now heavily swollen too.

Would appreciate any further help.

Regards

Answered by Dr. Sudarshan (6 hours later)

Hello XXXXXXX,

Trimovate is a topical corticosteroid which is correct you keep applying it.

You might as well need systemic (oral)steroid for the skin lesions.

You might consider revisiting your doctor again.

Wishing you speedy recovery.

Dr Sudarshan.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T