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Suggest Treatment For Dry And Itchy Skin All Over Body

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Posted on Mon, 7 Sep 2015
Question: Hi,
I am a resident from XXXXXXX From past couple of days I have developed an itchy skin, almost all over the body. The skin seems to be dry. The worry some part is that on one of the fingers I have got some kind of patch which has some kind of pain sensation when touched. Also I have itching sensation predominantly in the fingers nail bed area and the ankles. I try to avoid itching but finally ends up with heavy scratching leading to torn skin. I am planning to use baby bath soaps because of rich moisture contents and being less harsh to skin. Moisturizers aren't helping much but I am using them.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Charu Bansal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
atopic dermatitis is most likely possibility

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Welcome to Healthcaremagic.com.
I have read your query. I have seen the attached photograph also.
I understand your concern.
As per details, it seems that you are having a condition of skin called as ATOPIC DERMATITIS. It is an allergic condiyion of skin characterised by generalised dryness of skin associated with itch. Such people experience recurrent rashes over skin.
The condition worsens in rainy day and winter season in most cases .
Atopics usually have personal or family history of recurrent cold and cough or asthma.
The rash on hands is most likely Dry Discoid Eczema. It is an itchy condition but pain may be experienced in case it gets secondarily infected or eroded due to scratching.
I would strongly recommend you to not scratch the skin as scratching worsens the condition of the skin. This in turn further aggravates itch.
For itch, you may take antihistaminics like levocetrizine for symptomatic relief.
In such patients, I prefer to advise a good quality moisturiser like Venusia XXXXXXX lotion to be applied over whole body preferably semi wet body 2-3 times a day. In non responding cases, consideration is given to start topical steroids like hydrocortisone/Betamethasone.
You should wear cotton clothes preferably.
Yes you may use baby soaps for bathing. They are best for skin.
I hope it helps.
If you have any further query, you may ask me.
Stay healthy.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Charu Bansal (1 hour later)
Thank you for detailed answer. Now I can relate why do I get itchy skin during the mentioned season. Since now the reason has been identified is there something that i can take care at my end to avoid such kind of allergy in future? Also is this contagious? The reason I ask so is because I have a kid 3 years old. Also you talk about having family history, is this something I should be worried about like being indications for any other disease or medical condition.I have seen on some forums that such conditions are generally related to diabetes or similar.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Charu Bansal (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
put moisturiser, it is not contagious, asthma is association

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Welcome back.
Its my pleasure to help you here.
The most important treatment and preventive measure in atopic dermatitis is application of moisturiser as I mentioned in my previous post.
Such people have very sensitive skin so should avoid synthetic clothes, perfumes, cosmetics , dust as much as possible.
These are likely allergens responsible for eliciting allergic reactions.
At times, asthma is found in Atopics. So in case you have family history like in your parents or grandparents, it supports the diagnosis. It is not a contagious condition. Nor it is related to Diabetes Mellitus.
Asthma is the most common associated condition with atopic dermatitis .
I hope it helps.
Take care.
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. Neel Kudchadkar
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Answered by
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Dr. Charu Bansal

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 773 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Dry And Itchy Skin All Over Body

Brief Answer: atopic dermatitis is most likely possibility Detailed Answer: Hello. Welcome to Healthcaremagic.com. I have read your query. I have seen the attached photograph also. I understand your concern. As per details, it seems that you are having a condition of skin called as ATOPIC DERMATITIS. It is an allergic condiyion of skin characterised by generalised dryness of skin associated with itch. Such people experience recurrent rashes over skin. The condition worsens in rainy day and winter season in most cases . Atopics usually have personal or family history of recurrent cold and cough or asthma. The rash on hands is most likely Dry Discoid Eczema. It is an itchy condition but pain may be experienced in case it gets secondarily infected or eroded due to scratching. I would strongly recommend you to not scratch the skin as scratching worsens the condition of the skin. This in turn further aggravates itch. For itch, you may take antihistaminics like levocetrizine for symptomatic relief. In such patients, I prefer to advise a good quality moisturiser like Venusia XXXXXXX lotion to be applied over whole body preferably semi wet body 2-3 times a day. In non responding cases, consideration is given to start topical steroids like hydrocortisone/Betamethasone. You should wear cotton clothes preferably. Yes you may use baby soaps for bathing. They are best for skin. I hope it helps. If you have any further query, you may ask me. Stay healthy.