My brother claims to have had chicken pox for 6 weeks now.

[Lawks]

Very itchy. Itchy enough to stop him sleeping.

Bumpy rash.
Individual spots too.
Like mozzie bites. No head. Then dry up and linger.

Worst in armpits and groin. Spots also on trunk, legs, arms, head and neck.

Ovbiously not chicken pox. He won't go to the doctor .

Any ideas?

Could it be a washing powder thing?

Molluscum?

flea bites?

Molluscum not usually itchy according to NHS.com.

Flea bites possible... but wouldn't they be mostly on his ankles. And his flatmate should have some too.

Not some kind of infestation?

Has he started some new kind of medicine. Can take up to 6-8 weeks to develop a rash from some medicines.

I mean, bed bugs, possibly, or - can't even write it - the 's' word!

Infestation like fleas?

No medication.

What is the s word?

Urgh - scabies?

Itchy

Pick on symptoms page.

Scarlet Fever?

He needs to go to the GP.

Dur - meant click on symptoms page for a picture.

depends whether fleas are in the bed or the carpets!!!!!!!!!

We had fleas in our bed - our fault for not headlining the cat!

But urgh scabies!

Scarlet fever is worse inthe folds of skin but rash typically only lasts 5 days or so. Goosebumpy rather than mozzie bite like.

Oh thanks someone said it for me!

Bedbugs would be found in the edges of his mattress, flatmate would prob have them too but not necessarily...poor bloke!

I think some of these suggestions are enough to get him to the doctor.

He won't go partly because it is really difficult for him with work, but also because he is convinced they will give him a cursory glance and tell him to come back in 2 weeks if it's still bad. I don't think they will.

I would take a guess at scapies. Groin and armpits are lovely warm, hairy places where they would love to live.

scabies obviously!

I've just been nagging chatting to him on MSN and we think scabies is a winner. He's going to the doc tomorrow.

Thank you all! I'm sure if my bro knew I was discussing his itchy groin with a load of women on the internet he'd thank you too .

yup - scabies...

Well done.

He'll need to wash everything really well, might have to chuck his mattress - figure out where he got it from so he can avoid that situation again, etc etc.

His flatmate might want to treat as well, as it can take up to 6 weeks for it to start itching so might already have it.

My sister had it once, from a boyfriend who cheated on her in Outer mongolia. (you couldn't make it up!)

sounds like scabies