What Causes Hard Skin Around Ankles, Open Sores On Legs And Arms?

Posted on Wed, 10 Dec 2014

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

Tue, 9 Dec 2014 Answered on

Fri, 9 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a chronic skin condition and have been to 5 dermatologists and two allergists and no one knows what I have or how to treat it. Both my legs itch and my arms. Skin gets hardened around my ankles and bumpy on my arms. All the creams and lotions do not help. I have open sores on both legs and arms. The only thing that clears it all up is steroids and we know I can be on that for too long. I am female, 67 years old and have had this condition for almost 30 years. HELP! Is there somewhere I can go where I can get help.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (-1 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Investigations may be needed

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

A skin condition persistent since almost 30 years cant be due to infection or simple allergy. I suspect it to be a inherent or inherited condition. You may need to get some tests done to rule out most common condition which presents this way, Atopic dermatitis.

I suggest you to get Atopic patch test and estimation of IgE, bot these tests provide very useful insight into the cause. DO get these tests and get back to me, we shall discuss on treatment based on the results of the tests.

Wishing you good health.

Regards,

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (15 hours later)

Thank you and I will suggest these tests to my allergist.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (34 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for using this service.

Wish you good health.

regards,

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (7 days later)

Dr. XXXXXXX I did ask my allergist to do an atopic patch test and all she would do is some allergy tests on my back and arms. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary. She called it normal. I had blood work done for lgE. I did not see the report but got a phone call that it was normal. My dr. prescribed:
cyproheptadine - 4 mg to stop the itch. I have taken it for about 4 days and the itching is still there.
Also prescribed Desoximetasone ointment - .25% This helps to take away the
the pain. I have been diagnosed with anxiety disorder. Would my nerves cause a condition like this. Now it is on my back, thighs and arms.
I would appreciate any help or advice you can give me. Thank you for your time. XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not the anxiety

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

I do not think anxiety is the reason for your problems.

Both IgE and patch test may not be needed to be positive to confirm the diagnosis, any one of them positive is enough.

Anyway, I see the treatment provided could be promising. Continue the same treatment for another week, if no relief take a second opinion from another dermatologist.

regards,

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