What Causes Severe Leg Rash?

Posted on Sun, 14 Sep 2014

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

Mon, 15 Sep 2014 Answered on

Sat, 4 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a severe leg rash that started on my chins about 6 months ago, and as spread about 3 times the original area to the back of my leg and up to my knee. It is itchy especially after I take a shower, and when I rub the itchy part with my towel, some of the top skin tears and I get a little pin prick scratches, like when you scrap your skin slightly. I have started to use Tea Tree cream, that stops the skin tears, but it continues to spread. I got a full panel of blood tests, the only thing that came back out of the normal range was my Vitamin D level. It is 23. Am I better off using just Tea Tree oil, or what are some alternatives?

I just uploaded my Sept. 5th Lab report.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Eczematous dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic

I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query query and i have also looked at the images.

After going through the images I think this rash is related to underlying dryness/xerosis of the skin.

I would suggest you to use an Intensive moisturiser cream twice daily (vaseline would do) mixed with an equal proportion of a potent topical steroid e.g Clobetasol propionate cream 0.05% / Betamethasone valerate 0.1%cream, twice daily

An OTC oral antihistamine e.g cetrizine would provide you symptomatic relief from itching.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (14 hours later)

Thank you!
I have a follow-up question, I uploaded a picture of what my torn skin looks like after I shower and towel dry. Can I put the moisturizer cream on right after or should I wait for the torn part of the skin to dry for a while? What types of soap would help with the healing process... should I use a soap that cleans real well, and then use moisturizer. For example, I could use a mild abrasive soap to remove some of the dead skin without tearing it, would that help the healing process? I assume I do not want to tear my skin during washing or drying. And I should never scratch. I currently use soap with Tea Tree oil.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Eczematous dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I have reviewed the photograph. Yes you can use a moisturiser, preferably a bland one e.g Vaseline or liquid paraffin, mix it with an equal proportion of a potent topical steroid e.g Clobetasol propionate cream 0.05% / Betamethasone valerate 0.1%cream, and apply it twice daily

Use a gentle cleanser rather than a soap. Soaps would exacerbate it further. Avoid repeated washing and Never scrub!! Scrubbing would irritate your skin further.

Use an OTC oral antihistamine e,g cetrizine, it would help you with the itch, till the rash heals.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (25 hours later)

My local Pharmacy told me Clobetasol propionate cream 0.05% / Betamethasone valerate 0.1%cream is not sold over the counter in California. Do I need a perscription? If so, can I get one online or do I need to have my doctor write it?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Topical steroids

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

These are prescription steroids. You should get a prescription from a doctor.
Topical steroids would help you immensely.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj