OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Help for Persistent Skin Issues

I find myself in a rather frustrating and convoluted situation regarding my skin health. Unfortunately, the medical professionals in my vicinity seem to lack the necessary expertise in dermatology, and I am unable to consult a specialist. Therefore, any guidance or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. (Just a heads-up, I'm new to this community, so please bear with me! 😭) I'm a 21-year-old female, weighing 73 kg, standing 5'6”, and I do not smoke. I recently started taking a mini pill; besides this, I'm not on any other medications and I'm situated in Ireland. In late 2019, I contracted scabies, which I suspect I may have acquired from my dog, who was dealing with mange at the time. My entire family was affected for several months, resulting in an incredibly difficult experience. I scratched so much that I frequently drew blood, suffered from insomnia, and relied heavily on extremely potent antihistamines that proved ineffective. We were subjected to repeated scabies treatments involving lotion—never oral medication—and followed an extensive cleaning regimen, which we had to repeat multiple times until we successfully stopped the cycle of reinfection. However, since that ordeal, I have encountered persistent and distressing skin issues characterized by rashes and relentless itching that I struggle to control. Initially, these symptoms predominantly affected my hands, occasionally extending to my arms, manifesting as small clusters of itchy, skin-colored bumps that would redden when inflamed. Over the past year or two, the locations of my rashes have shifted. They've become less common on my hands and are now more prevalent on my legs. I frequently experience severely itchy, bumpy patches on my thighs and reoccurring irritations on my elbows, particularly on the inner side of my left elbow, as well as some spots on my feet. The rashes do not remain in one spot; they fluctuate and can disappear for weeks at a time, only to reappear in familiar areas such as the back of my left elbow, my hands, and the backs of my knees. Currently, the most troublesome region is the back of my knees, where the rash constantly changes in shape—sometimes appearing as red dots, at other times as purple bruised areas or large red patches. This area has become intensely itchy, and scratching only exacerbates the discomfort. Since 2020, I've been relying on steroid creams, specifically the orange Betnovate, consistently for about four years. Whenever I sought help from a general practitioner regarding my skin condition over the past five years, they suggested I repeat the scabies treatment. The GPs have admitted they are unsure of the underlying cause and have refused to refer me to a dermatologist. Just to clarify, I am NOT contagious. I'm baffled by the persistence of my symptoms, which feel reminiscent of scabies, yet distinctly different. Interestingly, my brother has also developed small itchy rashes on his leg after his encounter with scabies, although his symptoms are not nearly as severe as mine. Additional details: I wash with Dove soap and baby wash. While I do apply Silcock's base to the affected areas for moisturizing, I admit I do not do this as frequently as I should. I've noticed that my rashes and itchiness tend to worsen during both winter and summer months. My body struggles to regulate temperature effectively, leading to increased skin heat during seasonal changes—while I often feel cold—triggering the itchiness. I recently returned from a hot trip to Italy, which, being accustomed to Irish weather, significantly aggravated the rash on my legs. I am eager to find a solution that will alleviate my condition for good, longing for a return to normalcy. My symptoms were somewhat manageable at one point, but they have escalated lately, to the point where I fear they might become unmanageable. While I have photos documenting my skin condition, I'm not sure how to share them. Thank you sincerely for taking the time to read my post. 🙏

Answers (1)

6/15/2025, 4:31:06 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're dealing with a very frustrating and persistent skin issue, likely rooted in past scabies treatment or sensitivities that have developed over time. Your symptoms suggest a possible chronic condition that could be eczema or dermatitis, but without a specialist's input, it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact cause. Let's focus on managing your symptoms and improving your skin health.

Key Points:

1. Persistent Skin Issues: Your history of scabies and ongoing rashes and itching are significant concerns.
2. Management Strategies: Regular moisturizing and identifying triggers are essential steps for relief.
3. Seeking Help: Important to document symptoms and maintain communication with medical professionals.

Explanation:

Your experience with intense itching, skin changes, and reliance on steroid creams raises the possibility of a type of dermatitis or eczema. Given the duration and worsening of your symptoms, it's crucial to approach this with a structured skincare routine.

Next Steps to Consider:

1. Regular Moisturization:

   • Action: Moisturize your skin at least twice daily using a thick emollient (like a fragrance-free cream or ointment). Focus on areas that are prone to dryness and irritation.
   • Tip: Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in moisture.

2. Gentle Cleansing:

   • Action: Continue using mild soaps like Dove, but ensure you rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Limit baths and showers to 10-15 minutes, and use lukewarm water.
   • Tip: Avoid scrubbing your skin, as this can irritate it further.

3. Identify Triggers:

   • Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they worsen, and try to identify potential triggers (like certain activities, weather changes, or stress).
   • Action: Consider whether dietary changes, environmental factors, or stress levels correlate with flare-ups.

4. Reduce Scratching:

   • Use cold compresses on itchy areas to reduce the urge to scratch and minimize inflammation. Wearing loose, breathable clothing can also help.
   • Tip: If you find that you scratch at night, consider using gloves to protect your skin while you sleep.

5. Consider Over-the-Counter Options:

   • Look into OTC antihistamines to help control itching if it's particularly bothersome, and discuss the potential for using a low-potency hydrocortisone cream on affected areas (consult with pharmacy staff if unsure).

6. Monitor Your Condition:

   • Keep track of any changes or new symptoms. If things worsen or do not improve in a few weeks with these adjustments, you might need to explore telemedicine options for dermatology or look for private dermatology services in your area.

Emotional Support:

It's understandable to feel frustrated and anxious about your condition. Make sure you're taking care of your mental well-being as well; consider mindfulness practices or gentle exercises to alleviate stress, which can impact skin health.

Always remember that solutions take time, and being patient with your skin while you implement these changes is essential. Please keep me updated on your progress or if you have any further questions!