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What Does An Itchy Rash On Lower Legs And Arms Indicate?

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Posted on Fri, 11 Jul 2014
Question: I have had a itchy rash on my lower legs and both arms for a month. I went through 2 treatments of predisone.
It cleared up the itching and most of the rash. After 4 days....everything is starting again. I have itchy bumps on my left leg by my varicose veins and some rash on the right leg. It seems to be traveling to my thighs. The heat does bother me...I walk very early in the am...6am. Can you help? I stay away from any weeds. I have a pretty clean home environment. I don't use chemicals in my home. I'm healthy, except for this rash.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
? Stasis dermatitis, ? Asteatotic eczema

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.

I understand from your query that you are having itchy rashes on your legs as well as on your arms. You have also mentioned that you have varicose veins.

From your age, history and description, I would consider the possibilities of Asteatotic eczema and Stasis dermatitis.

Asteatotic eczema is an eczema which occurs in elderly individuals due to the decrease in the lipid (fat) content of the skin. It usually occurs on the legs, but can involve the arms and back as well.

Stasis dermatitis is a type of allergy which occurs in individuals having varicose veins. It usually starts around the ankles and if it becomes worse, could spread to the upper part of the legs as well. It could disseminate to other parts of the body if it becomes infected.

You have a feature to upload the images by yourself at the right side of the query page, please utilize that so that I can answer your query better. You can also send the image as attachment to YYYY@YYYY , with the subject as 'Attn: Dr. Johny Chacko'.

Please revert back.

Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Johny Chacko (50 minutes later)
What treatments are available for Stasis Dermatitis ? I will continue to walk 3 miles a day and I will start taking a PILATES CLASS, along with Jazzercise. I do take 1/2 tablet of Atenolol 25mg. Works well for me. I do elevate my legs...have for several yrs. Is there a cream I can use when the itching starts that is not a prescription?? I do acupuncture to help inflammation. I really feel and look great for my age. I just can't wear shorts....I wear capris or long pants. My ankles no longer swell, so I'm happy with that.
Thank you for any help you can offer.What treatment is available for Stasis Dermatitis? I elevate my legs, will start a pilates class. I do jazzercise and walk 4-5 miles a week. Really love walking. I can also start riding a stationary bike. I do take 1/2 tablet of Atenolol 25mg. This dosage works well. I feel and look good for my age. Can you help??
doctor
Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Stasis dermatitis management

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Greetings!

It is nice to know that you are leading an active and healthy lifestyle.

1. You could use a cream containing 1% Hydrocortisone. This is not a prescription drug. Apply it twice a day on the itchy rashes for 10-15 days. This will give you relief from itching.

2. Use a good moisturizer preferably containing colloidal oatmeal ( e.g- Aveeno) on a daily basis. Apply generously on the entire lower limbs as well as upper limbs. Always apply within 3 minutes of bath so as to trap the moisture. Reapply whenever you feel itchy and dry.

3. You could also take an antihistamine like Benadryl at bedtime for a few days (5-7 days) to get relief from itching.

4. Use lukewarm water for showering. Hot water could strip the skin off its oil content.

5. Use a mild cleanser like Cetaphil cleanser to bathe.

6. Continue elevating the legs while at rest. This will prevent worsening of the stasis and thus worsening of the dermatitis.

Hope this helps you.

Wishing you good health,
Dr. Johny Chacko
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Johny Chacko

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 1916 Questions

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What Does An Itchy Rash On Lower Legs And Arms Indicate?

Brief Answer: ? Stasis dermatitis, ? Asteatotic eczema Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to healthcare magic. I understand from your query that you are having itchy rashes on your legs as well as on your arms. You have also mentioned that you have varicose veins. From your age, history and description, I would consider the possibilities of Asteatotic eczema and Stasis dermatitis. Asteatotic eczema is an eczema which occurs in elderly individuals due to the decrease in the lipid (fat) content of the skin. It usually occurs on the legs, but can involve the arms and back as well. Stasis dermatitis is a type of allergy which occurs in individuals having varicose veins. It usually starts around the ankles and if it becomes worse, could spread to the upper part of the legs as well. It could disseminate to other parts of the body if it becomes infected. You have a feature to upload the images by yourself at the right side of the query page, please utilize that so that I can answer your query better. You can also send the image as attachment to YYYY@YYYY , with the subject as 'Attn: Dr. Johny Chacko'. Please revert back. Regards, Dr. Johny Chacko