Noticed red dry itchy patches on skin. What is it exactly?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am worried for my little sister. She is 14 years old and I only recently noticed some red dry itchy patches on her skin (shoulders, arms, and nipples). What is it exactly? Is it some derma disease, is it caused by allergies? Or it is caused by anxiety? Because she worries too much about homework and exams. Also, it is about a year she had them. We took her to the doctors and they prescribed her some medicine to apply directly on the patches but it does not help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Well, these red spots are not due to anxiety but stress really aggravate it (not a direct causative factor). Yes, it is a skin disease and may be caused by allergies to various chemicals, nickel, gold, artificial jewelry, soaps, detergents, cosmetic, dettol, and antiseptics. A patch test is done to find the cause. A biopsy may also be done. At present, the clinical picture is little modified either because of treatment or picture is not very clear.

Keep it well moisturized by applying petroleum jelly two to three times a day. Use Clobetasol propionate ointment. Mix in equal parts of petroleum jelly and apply in morning and at night. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and start taking the medicines with their consent.