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What Causes Small Itchy Pea Sized Lumps In Legs?

Posted on Mon, 16 May 2016

Question: I have small itchy pea sized lumps under skin on my legs. There a couple and not noticed previously. What is this?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Fungal infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query.
It can be a subcutaneous fungal infection.
I would like to know whether the skin over these lumps is normal or there is a rash ?
Please answer the above and if possible upload a photograph of the involved area.
Waiting for your response.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (8 hours later)

Thank you Dr. There is no rash or change in skin over these lumps. The lumps are under skin - about 3 or 4 of them in different places on my leg. Sometimes itchy and sometime sore and tender. You only know they are there by touching them - about a small pea size. If it is fungal infection what would be the cause of that and how would it be treated?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Try antifungals

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query.
I can see there is slight redness and exfoliation of skin.
It appears to be fungal.
Fungus enters in subcutaneous space through breach in skin created by scratching.
These infections are quiet common.
I treat such cases with a combination of topical
and oral antifungals.
Ointment clotrimazole twice a day and oral fluconazole works well.
You can try this in consultation with your doctor.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (17 hours later)

Thank you Dr. Just to confirm I have 2 lumps on top of my leg and 2 on side of my leg under the skin. They are quite itchy and sometimes sore but have developed very quickly out of nowhere. Would the fungal infection cause the lumps too and will the ointment disperse these or would they need surgery to be removed ? Presumably they cannot spread further and they wouldn't be cancerous right? I have had elevated liver function blood test results last week so presume this fungal infection wouldn't contribute to that? I am a very clean person so surprised if it is fungal.

Would you recommend going straight to a dermatologist for treatment or can the General Practioner deal with this? Presumably this ointment is available in the uk too? How long should it be taken for and how quickly would you see an improvement? Also I forgot to mention I have a small lump near my groin which itchy or sore. I will take a picture for you to advise. If you can confirm all of the above that will be great and put my mind at rest. In meantime I will book spot with doctor. I have no uploaded 2 pictures of the leg lumps again abs a picture of the lump by my groin as per above email for you to respond to my questions. Apologies the other picture was deleted in error so hopefully you can see these 3. Look forward to your response.Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Meet dermatologist

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the follow up and photographs.
The lump in your groin is sebaceous cyst.
It needs to be removed with minor surgery.
The other rashes are fungal.
Fungal infection can happen even in clean people.
You book an appointment with dermatologist.
There is no need to go to General practitioner.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.

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. Naveen Kumar