really itchy legs

[james87]

Hey 👋 so I have Raynauds and Inflammatory Arthritis and I’m the last 18 months I’ve been loosing hair on my calves badly. Now on one of the calves I have an oblong red patch which is incredibly itchy. I can literally scratch it until it bleeds. I was thinking eczema but am not sure. The patch can be shiny and flakey. Any ideas would be appreciated

[Bkart]

Hi, you really need to see a dermatologist, I have Psoriasis, thankfully only mild, it sounds a little like this but only your GP and a Dermatologist can diagnose exactly what this is. Hard I know but try not to scratch the plaque as you can introduce infection. Good luck.

[LadyTrundle]

sounds a bit like my dads urticaria. But yes, see a dermatologist and in the mean time use the best dermatological wash and moisturiser you can get hold of - ask the pharmacist.

[Otto11]

Hi I’ve had Excema most of my life which is terribly itchy at times. I find a really good moisturiser like Doublebase Cream from most Pharmacies helps a lot. I also have Dermovate steroid cream on prescriptions. But the Doublebase may help initially. It may of course be something else like Psoriasis both auto immune as is your arthritis. I also have RA & Raynauds. Regarding hair loss it could be low zinc levels or low Ferritin. Ideally your Ferritin should be over 100. It might be worth getting vitamins checked. If your GP won’t oblige you can do a private finger prick test for vitamin levels. Ferritin Folate Vit D & B12. Medichecks & Blue horizon do them amongst others. The current wait got Dermatology appointments everywhere is months currently unless your Rheumatologist can refer. It would be better to have a definite diagnosis. Another thought is a new drug reaction? Hope that helps. Try Doublebase first it can’t harm.