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Folliculitis - itchy lower legs and decolletage area

6 replies

passwordnotsecure · 05/04/2025 10:16

Just this - anyone experienced this in peri? I keep coming up in hive like rashes on my neckline, sometimes with small blistery spots. Whats even worse is this happens on my lower legs and gets incredibly sore, itchy and inflamed. I saw the Gp about the neck thing which came first, was prescibed antihistamines for 2 weeks which did nothing and got through a whole tube of calmmine cream.

'Google lensed' the rash on my legs and found it to be folliculitis. Haven't changed the way I shave my legs and as it's still tights weather, don't shave every day. Doesn't necessarily happen straight after shaving either. Moisturiser seems to trap the itching and keep it red. Metanium nappy rash cream did take the fire out of it when it got really bad but I can't keep covering my legs in yellow cream!

On a recent call to GP about something else he said I had to make appointment to go and see him face to face, even though I had a photo. I'm going away for a few days so can't do that yet.

Has anyone experienced this and did you find anything that helped? Thank you.

OP posts:
JinglingSpringbells · 05/04/2025 11:07

I know someone who had this and they went to a dermatologist, privately. They took a swab and prescribed the right antibiotics and creams.
Folliculitis if it becomes infected can be serious and lead to a systemic infection.

I think if you can you should treat this as urgent and see someone if you can.

GinghamSkirt · 05/04/2025 11:10

Agree that you might need antibiotics - I had them prescribed once for folliculitis on my legs caused by using an old razor blade.

usersldjfksdoi · 05/04/2025 11:47

, sometimes with small blistery spots.

have you googled Dyshidrotic eczema or pompholyx and compared pictures if you are getting little blisters?

This to check would be changes in anything in contact with your skin - especially soaps, body wash, lotion, washing powder or liquid. make sure your clothes are properly rinsed in the machine as well and not using too much. even if you haven't changed brands, sometimes they have a 'new formulation or new smell that you may not have notice. or you can just develop a new allergy.

beyond that, check your iron levels are good and consider an iron supplement and make sure you are drinking enough water (keep a record of waht you drink each day) as being very hydrated will help your skin.

marmaladeandpeanutbutter · 05/04/2025 12:15

I had it after going to a dodgy spa and it was resolved with Dermol lotion. Hibiscrub also works, but is rather strong.

JinglingSpringbells · 05/04/2025 13:36

usersldjfksdoi · 05/04/2025 11:47

, sometimes with small blistery spots.

have you googled Dyshidrotic eczema or pompholyx and compared pictures if you are getting little blisters?

This to check would be changes in anything in contact with your skin - especially soaps, body wash, lotion, washing powder or liquid. make sure your clothes are properly rinsed in the machine as well and not using too much. even if you haven't changed brands, sometimes they have a 'new formulation or new smell that you may not have notice. or you can just develop a new allergy.

beyond that, check your iron levels are good and consider an iron supplement and make sure you are drinking enough water (keep a record of waht you drink each day) as being very hydrated will help your skin.

Folliculitis is an infection.
It can spread and be very serious.
If it doesn't clear in 7 days you need to see a dr and have a swab taken.

user148984678942 · 12/04/2025 17:55

What tests/swabs should be done to ensure proper treatment? I've had it for 2 years now. Took me 18months to get a referral from the GP. I finally got to see the dermatologist. They gave me antibiotics to take for 3 months. It was completely gone whilst I was taking the antibiotics but came back within 4 weeks of completing the course of antibiotics.

I went back and they told me there is nothing else they can do. It will never go away and I just need to be taking a course of 3 months antibiotics every now and again.

The way I see it, the treatment hasn't worked. It also killed my stomach so I want to challenge the feedback but not sure what else I can request/ask for.

Also is it true that once you have it, it can't be completely cured?

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