Hello Doctor I Have An Issue That Whenever I Scratch

Posted on Mon, 17 Feb 2020

Question: hello doctor i have an issue that whenever i scratch in my hands and legs for dry skin, or mosquiti, it leaves a mark and these become like small wound marks which stays for months. ALso i see that sometimes i feel itchy and get onto scratch when i wear watch(image attached is happened from watch if full metal band). its not allergy as it does not happen always. its only when i have my skin very dry. i drink enough water, take fruits also. this issue is there only in hands and legs which is quite embarassing at work. I am worried as some of them told it can be an inflammation in my body. is my immune getting compromised? how will i know this and what i should be doing to improve, if this is an inflammation problem. Sometime back i had this issue where i used to get small dots or rash after scratching which would reduce when i apply cold hand kerchief at such areas like arms, neck. any pressure on skin would get me this. but its reduced now but i have it when i touch anything like new wood parts, or dusty places. not sure what moisturizernis good for this? or is.it smething i need to take care by food. kindly advise

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding itching, dry skin and possible contact allergic dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have gone through your query and noted your concern.

You seem to be having dry skin. Dry skin is usually itchy and you could also be having sensitivity to nickel which is commonly present in metallic items like watches.. I suggest you to use a bland moisturizer e.g paraffin based or petrolatum based. In addition to that you may also take an oral antihistamine e.g cetirizine 10mg tablet once a day for a few days for symptomatic relief from itching. If you develop localized itching at sites in contact with potential allergens like nickel e.g in wrist watch or belly buttons, you may use a moderately potent topical steroid e.g either fluticasone propionate cream or triamcinolone acetonide cream, twice daily. These are prescription drugs.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 hours later)

Thanks doctor. will these creams also help me to get rid of the existing marks. ? or it would just see that there is no further itching there? Again, allergies in anyway tell us about my immune system. sorry for this repetetive question. As both my parents have gone through cancer(lymphoma -dad and ovarian-mom), i have this question bothering me. Are allergies like this inflammation in the body?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding atopy

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Marks should fade over time gradually. My advice is to prevent further itching and scratching. You seem to have a dry skin which is one of the manifestatioms of underlying atopy or allergy. There is no link whatsoever to increased incidence to any malignancy with atopy.
Take care.

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. Vaishalee Punj