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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Had Cellulities In My Leg. Now Itching, Scratch Till It Bleeds. Sore And Red. Vaseline Is Not Helping. Suggestions?

Hi, I have had cellulities in my leg. I got a clean bill of health from my Dr. and Extra Mural Nurse. It is now two months later and the itching is driving me nuts, I can't help but scratch it till it bleeds. It is quite sore and red. When I went to my Dr. and ask her what can I do she just said to keep vaseline on it. Not helping. I am usually not a complainer and I don't run to the Dr. over every little thing but this is driving me nuts. Can you help me please. Thank you
Tue, 9 Jul 2013
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic,

As per your query you had cellulitis problem and presently have severe itching over the affected area.

It appears from your problem that you have developed the condition of "Lichen simplex chronicus". It is common skin condition where after any injury or trauma there is continuous urge to scratch the skin. This leads to the cycle of "Itch- scratch and Itch" phenomenon.
For the betterment kindly follow the below:
- Do not scratch any skin lesion or even try to touch unnecessarily. This is the most important part in your treatment.
-Apply over the counter calamine lotion 3-4 times a day.
-You can do cold water compresses to reduce the intensity of itching.
-stay away from hot and humid climate.
-You can take oral anti histamine like loratadine or levocetrizine round the clock under medial advise.
- You can apply Fluticasone or mometasone cream under dermatological guidance.

Despite above measures if the things are not better then it is better to consult a dermatologist for the best guidance.

Hope to have provided the helpful informations regarding your problem.
With good health wishes"
Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia
MD (Dermatology & STD/Venereology)
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Had Cellulities In My Leg. Now Itching, Scratch Till It Bleeds. Sore And Red. Vaseline Is Not Helping. Suggestions?

Hi, Welcome to Healthcare Magic, As per your query you had cellulitis problem and presently have severe itching over the affected area. It appears from your problem that you have developed the condition of Lichen simplex chronicus . It is common skin condition where after any injury or trauma there is continuous urge to scratch the skin. This leads to the cycle of Itch- scratch and Itch phenomenon. For the betterment kindly follow the below: - Do not scratch any skin lesion or even try to touch unnecessarily. This is the most important part in your treatment. -Apply over the counter calamine lotion 3-4 times a day. -You can do cold water compresses to reduce the intensity of itching. -stay away from hot and humid climate. -You can take oral anti histamine like loratadine or levocetrizine round the clock under medial advise. - You can apply Fluticasone or mometasone cream under dermatological guidance. Despite above measures if the things are not better then it is better to consult a dermatologist for the best guidance. Hope to have provided the helpful informations regarding your problem. With good health wishes Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia MD (Dermatology & STD/Venereology)