How do I manage chronic itching and rashes all over my body?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 25-year-old male. I have had skin rashes all over my body for the past eight years. I have tried many treatments but got no relief. The rashes are sometimes itchy, red, and shed like dandruff.

I am applying Seclia (liquid paraffin + white soft paraffin) lotion after bathing. Please suggest a suitable treatment. I am enclosing photos of the rashes. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

Thank you very much for sharing your concern. I completely understand how difficult this must be for you.

Based on your long history of eight years of widespread, red, itchy, and scaly rashes that shed like dandruff, several conditions are possible. The most likely causes include chronic plaque psoriasis, chronic eczema (atopic dermatitis), or seborrheic dermatitis. However, an exact diagnosis cannot be made without a proper clinical examination. When a skin condition is long-standing and does not improve with multiple treatments, confirming the diagnosis is very important instead of continuing to use random creams.

Since you are currently using Seclia (liquid paraffin + white soft paraffin) lotion, which is a moisturizer, it may help with dryness, but it will not control inflammation if the condition is psoriasis or chronic eczema.

If the lesions appear as well-defined red plaques with thick white scales, especially on the elbows, knees, scalp, or back, psoriasis is more likely. If the rashes are poorly defined, very itchy, and worsen with stress, soaps, or irritants, eczema becomes more likely. If scaling is prominent on the scalp, chest, or face with greasy flakes, seborrheic dermatitis may be considered.

General care is essential. Regular use of thick emollients, preferably ceramide-based moisturizers applied twice daily, can help restore the skin barrier. Avoid harsh soaps, hot showers, strong fragrances, and excessive scratching. As you work in the fragrance industry, exposure to irritants may aggravate eczema-type conditions, so protective clothing and minimizing direct contact with irritants may help.

Since the condition is chronic and widespread, systemic treatment may sometimes be required, but this depends on the confirmed diagnosis.

Please share clear photographs of the affected areas, including both close-up and distant views, so a more specific opinion can be provided.

Kindly revert if there are any queries.

Thank you.