I Have A Patch Of Dry Discoloured (dark)dry Skin On My Arm It Itches. It Has Now Spread To Other Areas Of Both Arms. I Also Now Have Small Coloured Round Dark Patches (round Like) On Bottom Of Both Legs. Please Help! Any Idea What It Could Be? Ta.

It sounds as though you may be suffering from eczema. There's no need to panic though because it not a serious health disorder, however it is a painful and irritating skin condition. The symptoms you described are very similar to those associated with eczema which is dry and itchy skin, with the appearance of a reddish brown colour. You may also be experiencing a lot of itchiness during the night which could cause your skin to crack and eventually develop blisters. You should keep in mind that it could get infected which will result in the skin thickening and feeling raw to touch.

The causes for eczema can include a magnesium deficiency, which can passively induce the symptoms of eczema. Magnesium is vital in the human body to help biochemical reactions take place, and if a person is not receiving enough magnesium intake then eczema symptoms may appear. In addition, experiencing sweating or allergic reactions can also cause the skin disorder. In addition, you may contract this skin disorder by being exposed to certain drugs or bacteria as well as particular chemicals.

You can purchase a range of dermatological creams to treat eczema and you could always ask a pharmacist, nurse or doctor what they would recommend. However, you can also create your own mixture to help combat the skin condition. You will need to mix together honey and cinnamon powder which will create a type of paste which you should apply to the affected areas. In order to stop it from dripping you could place tissue over the top and leave the mixture there for around 15 to 30 minutes. Wash off with water and repeat the process every other day for seven days. This should remove the pain and irritation and hopefully prevent the skin disorder from returning.

It seems to me that it could be an outbreak of HERPES. Please tell your doctor to have you check for herpes simplex, I, II, Zoster. If you have it do not be alarmed, just consume a couple of L-LYSINE 1000mg every day and everything will clear in a few days.

You really need to see a Dermatologist.  There are many skin conditions.  It could be an outbreak of psoriasis, but you need a specialist for a correct diagnosis.

You know something, I have developed the same exact symptoms and I thought maybe eczema as well, but I'm too afraid to find out.  This is ridiculous...I am so tired of always having to wonder what's wrong with me.  If you find out before I do, let me know.

What a waste of booze!

But yeah, I have the same thing, I was told by someone that it is psoriasis

I haven't been to a doc either or even tried to treat it, I've had it for years and it was once on my arm but that just disappeared over the past 2 years

I have had a similar condition to what you are describing for 20+ years. It started as a darker, slightly flaky patch on my chest. It has now spread to the warm areas of my body. I have tried every cream, dandruff shampoo, etc to no avail. On the areas of my body where my pigmentation is darker due to being in the sun, it's actually light to white. If anyone knows what this is, please let me know.

Dry skin can be caused by factors as diverse as extreme hot or cold weather and autoimmune system disorders. Frequently, dry skin responds to lifestyle changes and plenty of moisture, but in those with brown skin it can leave areas of hyperpigmentation. Patches of dark dry skin that do not improve with added moisture may need to be examined by a dermatologist.

Scratching the dry patches can cause the skin to thicken and cause painful cracking. The hands and feet are more susceptible to this complication. The thickened skin appears leathery, rough and scared. Atopic dermatitis can develop causing the skin to become red, cracked and inflamed, possibly allowing a bacterial infection to develop. Cellulitis is a severe bacterial infection that can develop beneath the skin and is often accompanied by yellow crusts or pus seeping from the cracked areas.

How you can treat to Parched Patches

Avoid hot water and harsh soaps when bathing. Bathe in warm water, using moisturizing soaps and keeping it to no more than 10 minutes. Pat dry with a towel and apply a moisturizers to the skin within three minutes of taking a shower or bath, paying particular attention to hands, arms and legs. Apply over-the-counter topical cortisone creams to dry itchy patches. Place cool compresses on the itchy areas to help relieve the discomfort caused by dry skin. Try different types of moisturizers for dry skin areas, such as ointments, oils, creams or lotions.

I have the same sort of symptoms but mine are just on both my arms.... I have tried everything, and I've noticed that rubbing alcohol on it has been helping. You should try it maybe it'll help you.