Tippy St Clair
Aug 14, 2008, 10:11 AM
Hello.
I have a problem with leg ulcers for the past six years. It began when I was living and working in Bangkok. My desk was in an office next to a wall. There were workmen working in the next room. They were hammering, removing flooring and wall board. I went home one night and I was scratching my legs and pubic area so much I thought I was going mad. I took a hot shower with plenty of good soap, but the itching didn't stop. A few days later my legs, abdomen and arms began to break out with open sores that oozed pus and wept. I went to a dermatologist and she gave me some foul-smelling ointment and told me that I had been attacked by wood mites.
The ointment didn't work, and since 2002 I have seen several dermatologists. I have been treated with every ointment known to man, plus I was prescribed steroids. I have changed from soap to antibacterial hand wash to baby bath. Biological detergents, chili and chocolate seem to exacerbate the problem, though I have never been allergic to anything in my life. I have hundreds of scars on my legs and arms from this problem. My upper thighs, mainly the outside half, have sores that still will not heal. Also, the back of my calves develop these ulcers now and again. They itch constatly and are painful. They take months and years to heal. I have a few of these sores that also seem to travel around my scalp. I keep myself, my home, my clothing and my bedding clean and I eat a healthy diet. I no longer live in Bangkok and have moved to a cooler climate, as was suggested by one doctor. I do not use any lotions or powders on my skin.
I have yet to meet a doctor who knows what is wrong with me or what to do. It is also psychologically debilitating as well. I used to have perfect skin. Can anyone help me or point me in the right direction? Thank you. This is causing me severe depression.
I have a problem with leg ulcers for the past six years. It began when I was living and working in Bangkok. My desk was in an office next to a wall. There were workmen working in the next room. They were hammering, removing flooring and wall board. I went home one night and I was scratching my legs and pubic area so much I thought I was going mad. I took a hot shower with plenty of good soap, but the itching didn't stop. A few days later my legs, abdomen and arms began to break out with open sores that oozed pus and wept. I went to a dermatologist and she gave me some foul-smelling ointment and told me that I had been attacked by wood mites.
The ointment didn't work, and since 2002 I have seen several dermatologists. I have been treated with every ointment known to man, plus I was prescribed steroids. I have changed from soap to antibacterial hand wash to baby bath. Biological detergents, chili and chocolate seem to exacerbate the problem, though I have never been allergic to anything in my life. I have hundreds of scars on my legs and arms from this problem. My upper thighs, mainly the outside half, have sores that still will not heal. Also, the back of my calves develop these ulcers now and again. They itch constatly and are painful. They take months and years to heal. I have a few of these sores that also seem to travel around my scalp. I keep myself, my home, my clothing and my bedding clean and I eat a healthy diet. I no longer live in Bangkok and have moved to a cooler climate, as was suggested by one doctor. I do not use any lotions or powders on my skin.
I have yet to meet a doctor who knows what is wrong with me or what to do. It is also psychologically debilitating as well. I used to have perfect skin. Can anyone help me or point me in the right direction? Thank you. This is causing me severe depression.