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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Red Itchy Rashes On Lower Legs And Ankles?

I am 69 years old and in generally very good health. (weight is 139....need to loose some of that) I eat healthy & drink lots of water regularly. I have a doctor appointment this afternoon for extreme itching, reddish irritating rash mostly all over my lower legs & ankles - some on upper legs. This rash started excruciatingly last night. I could hardly sleep because of the symptoms. I have tried Gold Bond powder, calamine lotion, and medicated lotions which seem to be only a temporary fix. I have eczema on my hands (use Fluocinonide cream .05% for it which sort of works ) so am wondering if the rash on my legs is an extension of same possibly caused by hot water in showers, or ??? I have been getting some rashes off and on for about a month but nothing like this. It feels like poison oak but I know it is not. I have had that several times. We live in the Sierra Mountain foothills of Gardnerville, Nevada where right now it is very cold and dry. I keep our home very clean but we do not have a vaporizer or air purifier. Recently we got our water softener hooked up and running so maybe it s caused from something in the water??? What is your professional opinion?
posted on Tue, 9 Feb 2016
Twitter Wed, 16 Mar 2016 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 17 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi Dear,

Welcome to HCM.

Understanding your concern. As per your query you have symptoms of red itchy rashes on lower legs and ankles . Well there can be many reasons for symptoms you mention in query like dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, heat rash or sweat dermatitis or uncomfortable footwear. Need not to worry. Apply ice pack to reduce redness and itchiness .It is important to wear lose comfortable footwear and socks ,maintain good personal hygiene. Use a powder to avoid sweat collection and apply calamine lotion at the sites of the lesion. If condition doesn't get well then consult dermatologist for proper examination . Doctor may prescribe antibiotics like clindamycin , oral anti fungal or anti bacterial depending upon the diagnosis .

Hope your concern has been resolved.

Get Well Soon.

Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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What Causes Red Itchy Rashes On Lower Legs And Ankles?

Hi Dear, Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. As per your query you have symptoms of red itchy rashes on lower legs and ankles . Well there can be many reasons for symptoms you mention in query like dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, heat rash or sweat dermatitis or uncomfortable footwear. Need not to worry. Apply ice pack to reduce redness and itchiness .It is important to wear lose comfortable footwear and socks ,maintain good personal hygiene. Use a powder to avoid sweat collection and apply calamine lotion at the sites of the lesion. If condition doesn t get well then consult dermatologist for proper examination . Doctor may prescribe antibiotics like clindamycin , oral anti fungal or anti bacterial depending upon the diagnosis . Hope your concern has been resolved. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari