For the last four years I have had a problem with my legs itching. When it started it was only an occasional problem but it has developed into an everyday occurance. When my legs itch it is usually my lower legs but my upper legs will itch too. There is never any sign of a rash or any kind of irritation on my skin - it just itches like crazy. Sometimes it feels more like a "pins and needles" feeling like when your hand or foot falls asleep. It almost feels like every little hair on my legs are poking me. I've tried switching detergents soaps not using fabric softener or bleach I've used anti-itch lotions from my dermatologist but nothing helps. It gets so severe at times that it brings me to tears. Sometimes it will get so bad it will wake me up in the middle of the night. It can last only a few minutes or it can last days. Usually it seems to be aggravated by something the most common causes being nylons water (taking a shower or swimming) humidity and shaving. But sometimes it doesn't seem to be caused by anything at all. I have been to several doctors trying to solve this - and all I've been able to determine so far is that I am not having an allergic reaction to anything. I will do anything to make this stop it has been going on for so long now. Not to mention that I'm getting married in a few months and I would hate for my itchy legs to ruin my wedding day and my honeymoon! I have already had two doctors tell me "I don't know what else you can do" so any suggestions on what this is or how I can treat it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
2014-12-09 03:35:41
As the dermatologist said Lotrisone has a stronger steroid than triamcinolone. Whilie it is in theory true that thriamcinolone can thin the skin 1) 6 times over 3 months wouldn't do it and 2) atrophy is reversible.
It seems that the dermatologist is interpreting some whiteness as atrophy while the urologist is interpreting it just as color change. Abrasions can happen on any thickness of skin; atrophy would result in skin breakdown which you say is not happening.
Lots of people use triamcinolone or the equivalent on the penis and nothing happens to them.
There is in any case nothing to be done for atrophy but wait even if you have atrophy which I believe you do not. If you need added reassurance show the white patch to another dermatologist.
But my advice is to keep the skin lubricated to avoid or minimize abrasions and just leave it alone otherwise. You'll be fine if you give yourself a chance.
Best.
15:32:05
olive 2014/12/9 15:32:05
Hello
Thanks for posting your query.
I can understand your concern for your daughter’s symptoms. I have checked the photographs in the profile and the symptoms are suggestive of a scar after some insect or spider bite.
In general the blood under the skin which causes the discoloration of bruising should be totally reabsorbed by the body in three weeks or less. In your daughter’s case as the symptoms are persisting for more than 4 weeks so it may be due to formation of hematoma because of blood trapped in tissues. This blood may need to be drained. You should get this possibility evaluated from her doctor because your daughter is also complaining of feeling fluid under the scar. This happens when after an injury or bite blood collects and pools under the skin (hematoma) giving the skin a spongy rubbery lumpy feel.
Other than that any deep seated infection should also be ruled out. I agree with the treating doctor that an x-ray of the foot is needed to rule out any fracture of the toe which may also be causing the purple discoloration of the toe. This may occur after an accidental trauma to the toe.
Hematomas of the skin and soft tissues are often treated with RICE (rest ice compression elevation). So if a hematoma is confirmed then these can be tried. If there is any deep seated hematoma then it may need drainage.
Hope that this information helps and hope that your daughter will get better soon.
Wishing her good health.
15:36:04
olive 2014/12/9 15:36:04
Allergic reactions will not cause itching symmetrically on both legs. Likewise there are no skin ir internal diseases of which I am aware which cause symptoms of the type you describe. Therefore I don't think any tests are called for.
When people itch without a rash in my experience stress is often a factor. At times it's the itch itself which induces the stress--in other words the more you itch the more you scratch and so on. And the more you worry about whether you're going to itch the more you will.
What I usually advise itchy people to use is a topical anesthetic as often as needed (even every few minutes.) This can help break the itch-scratch cycle.
Over-the-counter anesthetics include: Benadryl Lanacane Sarna and pramoxine.
Presc
2014-12-09 03:39:06
