Are itchy lesions on the knee of a child due to skin irritation?
Patient: My 7 year old has random lesions on her knee, back of knee, inside of left arm near elbow (one above and one below elbow), one on her butt cheek, and one below her lip. they are between a dime size and a quarter size. We keep them covered, with calamine lotion. They don t seem to be getting worse, but not necessarily getting better. At what point should I take her to the doctor? Note: no other symptoms. Just itchy. Eating and sleeping fine. No fever. Also, I have two concerns. 1. She boogered up her knee at camp three weeks ago, and then played in the lake with the open wound. The lesions look similar tot the wound on her knee (which is healing slowly). 2. A week ago Saturday she played all day in a friends wooded back yard, and came home with a tummy rash that looked like a grass irritation. Benedryl, and it went away. Not sure if any of this is related. Doctor: Hi,She probably has atopic dermatitis (eczema). It's a chronic skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to variable triggers such as climate, food, physical, chemical, emotional factors. Main sign is itching leading to thickened leathery skin (lichenification). Lesion are dry and scaly, affects mostly flexural areas (back of the knee, etc) in children but any part of the body may get involved.  Patients with atopic dermatitis usually have other types of allergic conditions. Her tummy grass irritation was possibly contact dermatitis which responded to Benadril (antihistamin). Atopic dermatitis is treated with skin moisturizers (dry skin worsens the condition). Patients should avoid frequent bathing, using washcloths or brush during bathing. Also, should avoid known allergens. Cool compress and antihistamins used to control itchiness.  I is advised to wear loose fitting cotton clothes. In severe disease topical or systemic corticosteroids  may be prescribed. Patients with atopic dermatitis are increased risk of secondary skin infections. Signs of secondary skin infections are swelling, redness, pain or fever.  In such a cases patients should see a doctor. If you have further questions I am happy to help.Thank you.