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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Cause Of A Flaky Skin?

I am sixteen years old and on my ankles I have these awkward, white, flaky skin that has been with me on both ankles. It doesn t hurt and is hardly noticeable, but has had me worried. I have been told by my parents that it might be a diabetic ulcer. Kinda scary.
Mon, 23 May 2022
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

You have flaky skin on both your ankles. It doesn't hurt but is a cause of your worry. Several factors can cause the skin on your legs to dry, ranging from allergens, environment, or medical conditions, etc. Dry skin occurs when you are dehydrated. Our skin utilizes our body’s natural oil as a barrier to lock in moisture so use gentle soaps and cleansers to avoid stripping the natural oils from your skin, preserving the skin’s moisture. Age also causes drying of the skin on our legs, use a herbal body lotion.

Several medical conditions can cause or increase dry legs or ankles on your skin like thyroid issues, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, lymphoma, etc. You can apply hydrocortisone cream on the area affected and avoid touching, scratching or popping. Take oral antihistamines to minimize itching, such as Benadryl or Zyrtec. Light therapy is also effective. Take care of your hygiene, get clinically examined by a dermatologist you may need antibiotics. Stay away from anything that causes you allergy. Be cautious of what you eat. Stay away from addictions if any.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
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What Is The Cause Of A Flaky Skin?

Hello, You have flaky skin on both your ankles. It doesn t hurt but is a cause of your worry. Several factors can cause the skin on your legs to dry, ranging from allergens, environment, or medical conditions, etc. Dry skin occurs when you are dehydrated. Our skin utilizes our body’s natural oil as a barrier to lock in moisture so use gentle soaps and cleansers to avoid stripping the natural oils from your skin, preserving the skin’s moisture. Age also causes drying of the skin on our legs, use a herbal body lotion. Several medical conditions can cause or increase dry legs or ankles on your skin like thyroid issues, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, lymphoma, etc. You can apply hydrocortisone cream on the area affected and avoid touching, scratching or popping. Take oral antihistamines to minimize itching, such as Benadryl or Zyrtec. Light therapy is also effective. Take care of your hygiene, get clinically examined by a dermatologist you may need antibiotics. Stay away from anything that causes you allergy. Be cautious of what you eat. Stay away from addictions if any. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician