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What Causes Itching Sensation On The Forearms And Lower Legs?
Question: Hi,
Im a 24 yr old male and 2 nights ago I started to itch quite badly on my forearms and lower legs. The itching is accompanied by small bumps that appear after scratching that appear to have an open sore about the size of a pin head on some. The itching on my legs is quite bad but I can't see any red rash, just small open sores.
I was wondering if this sounds like scabies or something less severe? Ive had a history of sensitive dry skin but this seems different.
Thanks for your help.
Im a 24 yr old male and 2 nights ago I started to itch quite badly on my forearms and lower legs. The itching is accompanied by small bumps that appear after scratching that appear to have an open sore about the size of a pin head on some. The itching on my legs is quite bad but I can't see any red rash, just small open sores.
I was wondering if this sounds like scabies or something less severe? Ive had a history of sensitive dry skin but this seems different.
Thanks for your help.
Brief Answer:
Pictures requested
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for posting on HCM.
I can understand your concern regarding the skin lesions but its difficult to point specific diagnosis in absence of clinical examination. From your description I can think of differential diagnosis of scabies, urticaria, contact/allergic dermatitis.
Therefore, I insist you to post good clinical pictures to me so that I can help you in a better way.
You can mail pictures to YYYY@YYYY
with subject titled ' ATTN Dr Hardik Pitroda'.
Once I review them I will get back to you with the best treatment possible.
Thanks
Dr Hardik Pitroda
Pictures requested
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for posting on HCM.
I can understand your concern regarding the skin lesions but its difficult to point specific diagnosis in absence of clinical examination. From your description I can think of differential diagnosis of scabies, urticaria, contact/allergic dermatitis.
Therefore, I insist you to post good clinical pictures to me so that I can help you in a better way.
You can mail pictures to YYYY@YYYY
with subject titled ' ATTN Dr Hardik Pitroda'.
Once I review them I will get back to you with the best treatment possible.
Thanks
Dr Hardik Pitroda
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Hi here are the photos as requested. They're not too bad at the moment but the red spots on my arms and legs are caused by the scratching as well as the larger marks left behind my knee. I can take more photos of them tomorrow morning if its flares up like it has been the past few mornings. Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Oral ivermectin, topical permethrin
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for posting the pictures.
It seems you are having scabies. Its a kind of parasitic infestation caused by a mite.
In my practise, I would prescribe you oral drugs like ivermectin 12mg once.a week for 3 weeks to effectively kill all the mites. Also, apply a cream containing 5% permethrin , below neck onwards to cover whole bod followed by bath in warm water after 8 hours. Do not repeat the same cream unless advised.
Ideally, everyone in the family should be examined and treated in similar way to prevent recurrence.
After application of permethrin, you can apply corticosteroid and antibiotic cream (betamethasone and fusidic acid combination cream) twice a day over lesions for faster healing.
Take antihistaminics like Benadryl twice a day to relieve itching.
Launder clothes and beddings in warm water.
Maintain proper hygiene.
Hope this will take care of your issue.
Let me know if you have any doubts pertaining to this or any other problem.
Thank you
Dr Hardik Pitroda
Oral ivermectin, topical permethrin
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for posting the pictures.
It seems you are having scabies. Its a kind of parasitic infestation caused by a mite.
In my practise, I would prescribe you oral drugs like ivermectin 12mg once.a week for 3 weeks to effectively kill all the mites. Also, apply a cream containing 5% permethrin , below neck onwards to cover whole bod followed by bath in warm water after 8 hours. Do not repeat the same cream unless advised.
Ideally, everyone in the family should be examined and treated in similar way to prevent recurrence.
After application of permethrin, you can apply corticosteroid and antibiotic cream (betamethasone and fusidic acid combination cream) twice a day over lesions for faster healing.
Take antihistaminics like Benadryl twice a day to relieve itching.
Launder clothes and beddings in warm water.
Maintain proper hygiene.
Hope this will take care of your issue.
Let me know if you have any doubts pertaining to this or any other problem.
Thank you
Dr Hardik Pitroda
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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