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What Causes A Itchy Rash On The Leg?

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Posted on Fri, 29 Apr 2016
Question: What should I do about an itchy lesion on my leg that I've had now for four days that keeps itching and wont go away?
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (42 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Upload picture?

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Sorry you are having this persistent problem. It could be caused by a number of things. Can you try to upload a picture of it to us? There is a tab/button on the right side of the page where you wrote your question originally, I think it says something to the effect of "upload reports". That would help me to see the size, shape, etc. Also please provide any description such as whether it is red, round raised, scaly, blistered.

In general, itchy lesions can be made less itchy with corticosteroid cream that you can buy at a pharmacy or drug store such as hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid). This will decrease the inflammation and itchiness.

The hydrocortisone will help for something like, say, a spider bite. But it will not help if the problem is a skin fungal infection. For that you would need an antifungal. These are usually slightly scaly, ring shaped areas.

If the hydrocortisone does not help after 7 days of use, and if you are unable to send a picture, then do go in to see your doctor to have a look in person.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (46 hours later)
Your description of, "slightly scaly and raised" is a very spot-on description of my situation. YOU SUGGESTED USE OF AN ANTIFUNGAL. Can you suggest one that I can purchase?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Lamisil

Detailed Answer:
A common antifungal is terbinafine (Lamisil) which you can get at any drug store and use according to the manufacturer's instructions. Usually use for 7-14 days. This would be treatment for tinea corporis (Ring Worm) which is pinkish red and over time makes a ring shape with the center lighter in color. It has an outer border that is deeper pink/red and over time extends outward in a ring shape. What I wrote was lightly scaly ring shaped rather than raised, but it can be very slightly raised - not much though. If it is raised noticeably, it may be something else.

You can try the antifungal but if it doesn't help, it's time for the lesion to be looked at to make sure it isn't something else. Actinic keratosis can also be slightly scaly and is a pre-malignant lesion that should be treated by a doctor.

I hope this helps.

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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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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What Causes A Itchy Rash On The Leg?

Brief Answer: Upload picture? Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, Sorry you are having this persistent problem. It could be caused by a number of things. Can you try to upload a picture of it to us? There is a tab/button on the right side of the page where you wrote your question originally, I think it says something to the effect of "upload reports". That would help me to see the size, shape, etc. Also please provide any description such as whether it is red, round raised, scaly, blistered. In general, itchy lesions can be made less itchy with corticosteroid cream that you can buy at a pharmacy or drug store such as hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid). This will decrease the inflammation and itchiness. The hydrocortisone will help for something like, say, a spider bite. But it will not help if the problem is a skin fungal infection. For that you would need an antifungal. These are usually slightly scaly, ring shaped areas. If the hydrocortisone does not help after 7 days of use, and if you are unable to send a picture, then do go in to see your doctor to have a look in person.