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Having Itchy, Sores Popping Up On Legs. Looking Like Ringworm. Treated For Impetigo And Staph. Any Suggestion?
Question: My daughter is 19 and has had sores popping up on her legs for the past 2 months. They start out as a small red bump then turn into what looks like a ringworm then a solid sore with pus in the middle. They itch continuously through each phase. First Dr. (GP) said empetigo, treated for that-did nothing. Dermatologist said staph-tested neg but treated her with steroid cream-did nothing. Next trip to dermotologist (same one) said still thought it was staph and it did test pos (she tested from one that was obviously infected and had turned black in the middle). Been on Augmentin for 4-5 days and it is still not looking good. She still has new ones popping up and the oldest ones are leaving bad scars down her legs. She has a few on arms and torso but really concentrated on legs-upper and lower. We have also tried antifungals and campho-phenique (old wifes tale remedy). We are about to run out of options-any suggestions would be much appreciated!!
Hi XXXXXXX
Thank you for your query.
If the lesions aren't staphylococcus infection either a papular urticaria (insect bite allergy) or a hair folliculitis needs to be ruled out.
Insect bite allergy can be caused due to any insect even from a mosquito or from garden or from field. They may get infected during the course and result in lesions similar to your daughters. The best way to solve this is to get rid of the insects first. If you are not able to get rid of the same then she has to cover her legs always even during sleep. Clothes exposing her legs should be avoided.
An infected hair follicle can be identified by physical examination. Treatment consists of antibiotics along with antihistamines. The treatment can be prolonged for few months or it would have relapses.
Discuss about these possibilities.
Hope this answers your query. I will be available to answer any other follow-ups that you might have.
Wish her a speedy recovery.
Regards
Dr S.Murugan
Thank you for your query.
If the lesions aren't staphylococcus infection either a papular urticaria (insect bite allergy) or a hair folliculitis needs to be ruled out.
Insect bite allergy can be caused due to any insect even from a mosquito or from garden or from field. They may get infected during the course and result in lesions similar to your daughters. The best way to solve this is to get rid of the insects first. If you are not able to get rid of the same then she has to cover her legs always even during sleep. Clothes exposing her legs should be avoided.
An infected hair follicle can be identified by physical examination. Treatment consists of antibiotics along with antihistamines. The treatment can be prolonged for few months or it would have relapses.
Discuss about these possibilities.
Hope this answers your query. I will be available to answer any other follow-ups that you might have.
Wish her a speedy recovery.
Regards
Dr S.Murugan
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. Prasad
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