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my legs are so itchy it keeps me up at night

Sent to Health Experts October 10 2006 at 1:42 AM
   

it is a deep itch and my legs are covered with bruises from scratching. anti-itch cream doesn't help

 

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 38

Already Tried:
cortizone cream

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $8
Info Request
October 10 2006 at 1:49 AM (6 minutes and 47 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
Hello

Thank you for your question

Do you itch anywhere else?
Are the symptoms only at night?

Other than the bruises is there anything else unusual on your legs?

Are you in good health otherwise?

AI
Scottish DOC -- Doctor (MD) -- 97% Positive Feedback on 1126 Health Accepts
MBchB (commended),FRCA, MRCGP(with merit) I qualified in 1990 and work full-time in family medicine.
Reply
October 10 2006 at 1:54 AM (4 minutes and 58 seconds later)
         
Reply to Alexander Irvine's Post: it is only my legs. I am in excellent health. There is nothing unusual other than bruises plus long red lines (look like stretch marks) that I am sure are from scratching
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Info Request
October 10 2006 at 2:01 AM (6 minutes and 45 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
Imteresting.

I take it the hydrocortisone is not helpful.

Pruritis (itch) is a difficult symptom to treat.

If due to a skin condition such as sczema then treating the condition will help the itch.

If your skin is intact then it becomes more difficult - although there are a few conditions associated with pruritis.

Did the bruises appear at the same time as the itch? Are your legs tender/painfull?

AI
Scottish DOC -- Doctor (MD) -- 97% Positive Feedback on 1126 Health Accepts
MBchB (commended),FRCA, MRCGP(with merit) I qualified in 1990 and work full-time in family medicine.
Reply
October 10 2006 at 2:05 AM (4 minutes and 26 seconds later)
         
Reply to Alexander Irvine's Post: I have had excema before on my hands and it is not that. Yes, my legs are tender and painful but I think because I have scratched them so much. I tend to bruise easily but the bruises have been much worse since I started scratching. Almost all on my thighs.
I just returned from a trip to Europe with my husband and we stayed in alot of hotels. I thought maybe I picked up a bug, but my husband is unaffected? (my hands have started to itch some too just within the last hour)

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on October 10 2006 at 2:07 AM
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 10 2006 at 2:13 AM (8 minutes and 2 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Hi

There is a condition called erythema nodosum that causes tender bruise like lesions on the shins.

Take a look at the link and tell me if your legs look similar.

AI

http://www.dermnet.org.nz/vascular/erythema-nodosum.html
Scottish DOC -- Doctor (MD) -- 97% Positive Feedback on 1126 Health Accepts
MBchB (commended),FRCA, MRCGP(with merit) I qualified in 1990 and work full-time in family medicine.
Reply
October 10 2006 at 2:22 AM (8 minutes and 44 seconds later)
         
Reply to Alexander Irvine's Post: My shins are red but my thighs are 99% of the bruised. I guess it could be? Any other suggestions?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 10 2006 at 2:28 AM (6 minutes and 12 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
Hi

The bruising you describe sounds quite extensive/unusual.

I'd want to check your platlet count.

From the itch point of view it'd be worth checking your liver function ( can also cause bruising), kidney function and a test to exclude diabetes.

AI

Thankyou if I have answered your question please click accept. Feedback/Bonus is appreciated.Please feel free to ask if anything is not clear.
Scottish DOC -- Doctor (MD) -- 97% Positive Feedback on 1126 Health Accepts
MBchB (commended),FRCA, MRCGP(with merit) I qualified in 1990 and work full-time in family medicine.
Reply
October 10 2006 at 2:31 AM (3 minutes and 3 seconds later)
         
Reply to Alexander Irvine's Post: thanks for your help
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Info Request
October 10 2006 at 2:32 AM (1 minute and 21 seconds later)
         
You're very welcome.

AI
Scottish DOC -- Doctor (MD) -- 97% Positive Feedback on 1126 Health Accepts
MBchB (commended),FRCA, MRCGP(with merit) I qualified in 1990 and work full-time in family medicine.
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