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Suggest Treatment For Bruised Ankles With Blisters

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Posted on Fri, 17 Jul 2015
Question: Hello,

I worked at a retail store 4 years ago in maintenance. I was pouring out a bucket of hot water, bleach and another red liquid chemical for mopping the floors into the maintenance sink. I missed some and it landed on my right ankle. It's been over a year of itching, hydrocortisone intense healing cream, bandages, Neosporin and nothing helps. I constantly scratch the heck out of it (about 2 - 3 inch diameter). It's been scabbing the past few weeks since I started using calamine lotion on it and it seems to really help. At first during Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training 8 - 9 months ago, I scratched it really bad to where it looked like a gigantic blister (it was pretty nasty).

Then again, I was drinking heavily for over a year and smoking cigarettes so I know my immune system was junked. I'm a lot healthier now and could use some advice. I'm not privy to a doctor visit because I know what's helping me and what's not since I've been trying things for quite some time now. Calamine seems to be the way to go as well as, avoiding hot showers or prolonged exposure to water that's not cool or XXXXXXX warm (pool or ocean is a bad idea for awhile). Any ideas? If you have questions, let me know because I have a feeling that I've missed some details.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Certain topical immunomodulators and immunosuppresants can help

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have carefully gone through the details and understand your concerns. The spillage of the materials on your ankle has caused an allergic contact dermatitis over the area. Calamine lotion has a soothing effect and is likely to be helpful. It is good to know that you are finding it useful. You may try applying betamethasone cream (Betnovate) and see if it helps. It is similar to hydrocortisone cream and can help in reducing the local reaction and should provide relief.
Pimecrolimus (Elidel cream) or Tacrolimus (Protopic 0.1% ointment) are topical immunomodulators which should be helpful in your case. But please discuss with your dermatologist before opting for such medicines. Depending on the chronicity of the case, he may also decide to go for immunosuppressive agents, such as azathioprine (Imuran), mycophenolate (CellCept), or cyclosporine (Neoral). But I would not insist you to self medicate.
About what and what not to avoid, you can be your own judge. You need to avoid anything that aggravates your situation.
Hope that helps.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (23 minutes later)
Hello,

This does help. I will go with mycophenolate (CellCept), Pimecrolimus (Elidel cream). Probably apply each on alternating days or simply twice a week while continuously applying calamine lotion.

During Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training, do you think it wise to have it covered with a bandage and waterproof tape as to not aggravate it while sweating and moving?

Thanks,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Glad to be of help

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.
Rather than using both alternating with one another, I would suggest use of only one. During your training, you may cover it with waterproof tape if that can avert sweat trickling down on the affected area. Otherwise it is not needed.
If you found my answer to be helpful, I would request you to close the thread with a positive review and a 5 star rating.
Regards
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
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Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1954

Answered : 4467 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Bruised Ankles With Blisters

Brief Answer: Certain topical immunomodulators and immunosuppresants can help Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have carefully gone through the details and understand your concerns. The spillage of the materials on your ankle has caused an allergic contact dermatitis over the area. Calamine lotion has a soothing effect and is likely to be helpful. It is good to know that you are finding it useful. You may try applying betamethasone cream (Betnovate) and see if it helps. It is similar to hydrocortisone cream and can help in reducing the local reaction and should provide relief. Pimecrolimus (Elidel cream) or Tacrolimus (Protopic 0.1% ointment) are topical immunomodulators which should be helpful in your case. But please discuss with your dermatologist before opting for such medicines. Depending on the chronicity of the case, he may also decide to go for immunosuppressive agents, such as azathioprine (Imuran), mycophenolate (CellCept), or cyclosporine (Neoral). But I would not insist you to self medicate. About what and what not to avoid, you can be your own judge. You need to avoid anything that aggravates your situation. Hope that helps. Regards