HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Dry And White Flaky Skin On Leg?

default
Posted on Tue, 15 Sep 2015
Question: hi. i have what I am pretty sure lymphedema on my leg. the skin is kinda weird there. what is it? what is the white flaky stuff, is that just dry skin? it doesn't itch or hurt. please look at all 5 pictures. i tried to get all views. please let me know what you think! thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (57 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Seems to be lymphedema. Underlying cause needs to be assessed.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have checked the attached images and indeed it could be lymphedema. It is not merely dry skin. There could be fungal infection associated. I would not be able to clinically examine you within the scope of this online discussion and so you should visit a doctor and get it examined. The treatment will depend upon the evaluation of the underlying cause.

Let me know if I could be of any further help.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (7 minutes later)
does lymphedema just keep growing and growing?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, it does

Detailed Answer:
Yes, lymphedema may continue to grow as the underlying drainage system might be jammed due to infection by certain parasites like filaria.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (5 minutes later)
you say it MAY continue to grow does that mean there is a chance it wont? will losing weight help?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The underlying cause needs treatment. Clinical assessment needed.

Detailed Answer:
I understand your concerns. You need to visit a doctor and get yourself evaluated. If there are microfilariae, they need to be treated. Without treatment the condition can continue to worsen. It is no use looking for hope for it not to worsen if there is no treatment. Losing weight would not relieve you from the present problem.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (12 minutes later)
ok...I don't mean to be rude. the whole thing just seems very scary and am concerned there will not be any treatment for me or something like that. my apologies for being rude. thank you for your help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Treatment is available

Detailed Answer:
Let me assure you that you are not being rude and that I understand your concerns. There is indeed treatment available. But without clinical confirmation I would not be able to take diethylcarbamazine. Please do not panic. Please visit a doctor.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (3 days later)
ok..is there ever a time where hospitalization is necessary for antibiotics only if lymphedema is infected with sores? do you know... it is possible to have lymphedema and not have to be hospitalized right? just cause someone has lymphedema doesn't mean they must in hospital right? this will be my last question. i am very VERY grateful for you being so nice & caring about my questions.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Treatment is required. Hospitalization is required only in serious cases

Detailed Answer:
Lymphedema is the build up of lymph fluids. Unless treated early it can become so serious that it could require admission to a hospital although just having lymphedema does not necessarily mean that the person needs to be in hospital. Nevertheless, you should seek medical care on priority basis. Antifilarial medications might be required. Antibiotics might be requried if secondary bacterial infections are suspected.
Its good to know that you found my answer to be helpful. If so, I would be glad if you leave a positive review and a 5 star rating for the answer.
Regards
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1954

Answered : 4467 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Dry And White Flaky Skin On Leg?

Brief Answer: Seems to be lymphedema. Underlying cause needs to be assessed. Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have checked the attached images and indeed it could be lymphedema. It is not merely dry skin. There could be fungal infection associated. I would not be able to clinically examine you within the scope of this online discussion and so you should visit a doctor and get it examined. The treatment will depend upon the evaluation of the underlying cause. Let me know if I could be of any further help. Regards