Why do my elbows and legs itch despite applying an ointment?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been suffering from itching in the elbows and lower part of both legs for the last two to three weeks. I have been applying Clonate ointment (Clobetasol 0.05%), but it is spreading to other areas.

Please suggest an ointment and an antibiotic for quick relief. In the past, I have used Clonate ointment for injury and skin infection in a finger. I am currently using Boroline cream.

Kindly assist.

Answered by Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It could be a fungal infection. Steroids are never used in fungal infection. Avoid self-medications as it may worsen the lesion. Kindly attach a clinical picture so that I can assess the infection and arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply. I am having itching in both elbows and near ankles. I have patches and continuous, severe burning sensations with itching.

Please help me out.

Answered by Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

According to your picture (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), it is eczematous dermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus). I suggest the following treatment.

Apply liquid paraffin lotion in the daytime for 20 days. Apply Venusia Max cream, Cetaphil moisturizing cream, or Lactocalamine lotion immediately after a bath.
Use lotion or cream two to three times daily for 20 days.
Use Ointment Topisal 6% (Clobetasol 0.05% and Salicylic acid 6%) at night for 15 days.
Use Azac soap (Azelaic acid) to bathe for one month. Take Tablet Teczine 5 mg (Levocetirizine 5 mg) once at night after food for seven days.

I suggest you take care of the following. Avoid scratching and rubbing of lesions. Maintain proper hygiene. Avoid occlusion or friction with the infection.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

One week has passed, but my itching is still there in my elbows and ankles.

Patches are there; however, they are almost dry. Can you please let me know if I should continue the tablets and Venusia Max cream?

Kindly assist.

Answered by Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have read your query.

I suggest you apply Liquid paraffin lotion in the daytime for 15 days and use Cetaphil cream. Also, continue to moisturize skin immediately after a bath. Please update me on what medications you used for one week.

Is it only tablet Teczine M and Venusia Max cream?
Have you not taken the other drugs I suggested?

Revert if you have any other doubts.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the reply,

I have taken tablet Teczine M 5 mg and applied Venusia Max cream.

Can you suggest an additional tablet for providing fast relief from itching and quick removal of my patches?

Regards.

Answered by Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I suggest the following. Take Tablet Loratadine 10 mg after breakfast for ten days. Use Azac soap to bathe for one month. Apply Cetaphil cream two to three times daily for ten days. Apply Mupirocin ointment during the daytime for ten days. Apply Miconazole cream at night for ten days. Avoid scratching and rubbing the lesion.