Weird Itchy Shin Spot Type Thing

[ItsAllaBitNoisy]

For the last couple of years I have been getting these. Once I get one it lasts for about a month - and is INCREDIBLY itchy.

It starts with a hot feeling on my the skin of my shin (it's hot to the touch) and with inadvertant scratching a little spot arrives, which after a few weeks is a huge - 5 inches in diameter - raw itchy hot sore.

I can feel one starting on each shin now, I've only ever had one at a time, the thoughts of two over Christmas is making me weep.

I've seen my GP twice with them, and she just gives anti-biotics which I don't think make any difference. The sores just start to heal themselves eventually.

I've used every anti itching/calming lotion available in my chemist. I end up putting ice on them to stop the heat. I can leave the ice on it till it melts - it doesn't hurt thats how hot it is.

Once they heal they leave the skin shiney, like it's thinner.

I just wish I knew what they were, and would anyone have any idea on suggestions to stop the itching which drives me absolutly crazy.

I can't sleep with anything touching it, I can't wear boots, if I wear trousers I'm like a bear because it is being irritated and I just want to lie on the floor and scratch the living daylights out of it.

Anyone got any ideas? Please.

If you can afford it go to see a private dermatogolgist with BUPA or demand from your gp a referral to an nhs dermatologist. You should not have to put up with this and your gp obviously does not know what it is.

I have been to a private dermatologist where I live (not in UK unfortunately) and it cost me approx £70 for the consulation and treatment. You can always ask for the cost of the initial consultation. With your sort of symtoms I should imagine they would be able to diagnose it pretty much immediately so the cost should not be too excessive. Treatment would only be creams/antibiotics etc which would not break the bank.

Good luck

Could it be this?

www.patient.co.uk/health/Erythema-Nodosum.htm

Either way, I'd go back to your GP and ask for a referral. It sounds very painful (understatement?!). I hope you get some help for it soon.

Thank you so much, both of you, for replying.

SpottyMuldoon, that looks exactly like what I get, in the second picture, not so much the first though.

I'll print out that link and bring it to my GP (she'll love that!) and ask for a referral if she can't test for it.

Light at the end of tunnel, I hope. Thank you.