What Causes Dry Skin On Back Part Of The Leg?

Posted on Mon, 12 May 2014

Question: I have dry skin/rash on back part of leg by ankle for past three days. Left side just started to itch today after rubbing. Im on accutane so i figured it was dry skin but not sure. I have steroid cream and ointment at home for psoriasis; can i use one?

Answered by Dr. Charu Bansal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Ichthyosis vulgaris is the most likely possibility Detailed Answer: Hello dear, Welcome to healthcaremagic. I have read your query and understood your concern. I have seen the attached pics also. Thanks for the same. The most likely possibility is drug induced ichthyosis due to accutane that is dryness of skin due to medication . Accutane causes atrophy of sebaceous glands that are otherwise keeps the skin moist by their secretions. So those who are on the drug feels dryness of skin including lips also. For this dryness, I usually advice my patients to take plenty of water and apply lots of moisturisers over body preferably over semi wet body. But to be sure of the diagnosis, I would like to know the following details : 1) what is the dose and for how long you are on accutane ? 2) Do you feel dryness over other skin parts? I will advice you to avoid steroid cream application. As of now, put good amount of moisturisers and take tablet fexofenadine/ levocetrizine for symptomatic relief. Good luck.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Charu Bansal (14 hours later)

I am on 40mg and just started into my 4th month (2 months to go) It's hard for me to know if this area on back of ankle/shin is dry skin. It doesn't appear to be. There are red raised lines/bumps that appear to be inflamed, but only on the left side (i think it might be due to me accidentally scratching/irritating it last night). I have had dryness on other parts of me, but nothing like this. Just normal dryness. My lips have been the worst, but we have addressed and treated that. My arms have had some normal dryness and my face hasn't had much at all. Now this. I have an appointment with my dermatologist tomorrow at 1:30. Anything I can do to get relief in the meantime would be great. Unless you think its harmful and I should I go beforehand to urgent care of something? Thanks XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Charu Bansal (41 hours later)

Brief Answer: topical antibiotic cream like mupirocin 2 percent Detailed Answer: Hello dear, Welcome again. I guess you must have visited your dermatologist by now. I couldn't connect with you due to technical problems , I apologise for the same. if you are getting inflammed bumps limited to one leg only, it might be due to bacterial infection. Those who are on high doses of oral retinoids for long may get gram negative bacterial of skin . Although it is very uncommon. For that, youcan apply topical antibiotic cream over the inflammed part like mupirocin 2 percent cream. You may require oral antibiotics also in case it doesnt respond to topical medications. Preferably avoid topical steroids application. For symptomatic relief, you can take tab levocetrizine or fexofenadine night time. You may discuss this with your treating doctor, I hope he will also agree with my opinion. Good luck.

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. Vinay Bhardwaj