How can I manage my severe itching?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been experiencing this problem, which I initially believed to be eczema due to its similar characteristics. The itching is quite severe, and when I sweat, it becomes very thick, drying out and causing intense itching. The affected areas include my arms, hands, elbows, and face. However, after viewing images of jock itch, I am fairly certain that this is what I have. Please tell me,

Is Clotrimazole safe to apply for this condition?
Is it possible to develop this condition on the scalp?
Is there anything else I could use?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Based on your given history and the attached picture of your arm (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity), the amount of scale it has is either chronic eczema or psoriasis rather than jock itch (fungal infection).

Yes, it is safe to take Clotrimazole (an anti-fungal drug) for you, but it will not improve this condition if it is eczema or psoriasis. Many people keep using antifungals when the issue is actually chronic eczema or psoriasis, which then becomes thicker and itchier, as is your case.

Sweat irritates inflamed skin and causes more burning or itching in eczema, psoriasis, and even seborrheic dermatitis.

Regarding your question on whether it can involve the scalp, the answer is yes, psoriasis involves conditions that can affect both the body and the scalp. Fungal infections like jock itch are less common in adults and more common in children, and usually never this thick.

For me to give you an exact diagnosis, I want you to send me a clear picture of your scalp from the front in which your hairline is showing to give you an exact diagnosis.

Meanwhile, I would suggest some treatment options to manage it at home

Apply thick emollients two to three times on the affected area along with moisturizing cream.
Avoid using antibacterial soaps.
Take Cetirizine (an antihistamine) 10 milligrams at night to reduce itching.
Use Ketoconazole (an antifungal)shampoo if just dandruff and mild scaling are present.
You need to apply Betamethasone (a potent corticosteroid) or stronger steroids to the affected area of the body to completely control this condition.

This is not contagious, and this treatment will work for both eczema and psoriasis. For more tailored and precise treatment, please feel free to share your scalp pictures.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.