What Causes A Red, Scaly And Itchy Lesion On Leg?

Posted on Thu, 21 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 22 Jan 2016 Answered on

Wed, 2 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a skin problem in two places on my leg. It seems to be an eruption about the size of a quarter, red and scaly, it weeps a little and is quite itchy at times. I doesn't respond to any antiseptic used for cuts and cortisone crème seems to make it worse. Any thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Fungal infection

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

I am sorry to hear that you have a lesion on your leg that is not responding to usual home treatments. The fact the lesion worsens with steroids is a sign that this could be a fungal infection also known as ringworm. I would recommend using a topical anti fungal like lamisil. If this does not help then you should see a medical provider preferably a dermatologist as this could be something totally different even possible a skin cancer

In summary
1. Ringworm or fungal skin infection
2. Try Lamisil or other anti-fungal cream
3. If not responding then see medical provider or dermatologist

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar