1. Community
  2. Skin and nails
  3. Dermatology

Scratch-like marks appearing on skin What is causing this? [picture inside]

Posted , 61 users are following.

greg68997
greg68997

Hi, recently I've been getting these marks like this on my skin. Earlier today a line like this appeared on my skin seemingly out of nothing. I didn't feel anything when it happened. What can be causing this? Picture: http://postimg.org/image/97pzxschf/ I *definitely* did not scratch myself. They look like straight scratches but I did some research and they may be burrow marks of some kind. I have also been feeling itchy at night though I do not know what the cause of it is or whether it is related to this.

I have been getting large ones like this and also much smaller ones on my hands and arms and occasionally other places. A few hours later after I took this photo another large scratch-like mark appeared nearby on the same area in plain sight and I was really astonished and miffed about it. I suspect it is from a bug of some kind. What could this be? Thank you.

 

3 likes, 136 replies

136 Replies

Prev Next
  • shirley66215
    shirley66215 greg68997

    Posted

    The yeast theory is interesting although I’m unsure of how a two year old could get it so badly. I stopped breastfeeding in July so it can’t be from me. We neither itch nor feel any pain. I’m starting to believe it is something in our environment but I don’t know why it is drawn to us. The only insect I have found on us is a springtail and entomologists have assured me that they cannot do this. 
    • lorraine97794
      lorraine97794 shirley66215

      Posted

      I am hopeful that we can expand this thread so more and more people an share experiences so that we can detect patterns. I find that pay d'arco helps to keep these outbreaks at bay. Scientists have identified two active chemicals in pau d’arco called naphthoquinones; they are lapachol and beta-lapachone. These chemicals have the power to kill bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. They have also shown anti-inflammatory properties, which are important in treating health conditions such as osteoarthritis. And no, I have no commercial interests in PauD'arco at all. So my testimony is genuine and hopeful as this ailment is despairing and sometimes so frustratingly mysterious. 

    • shirley66215
      shirley66215 lorraine97794

      Posted

      I have been eating garlic cloves since this summer but not it’s hard to get a two year old on board. I don’t know that I could give him pau’darco. 
    • Jen680
      Jen680 lorraine97794

      Posted

      Hi Lorraine,

      I am experiencing the same rash.  Have been to several doctors and had extensive bloodwork and a skin biopsy.  The only thing they came up with was that I have a uticaria gene, which is a fancy term for hives.  I have always had seemingly random hives, but they were in typical form, small raised bumps.  In September of 2016, I started noticing what I call the "cat scratch" rash. I do not have a cat and tested negative for actual cat scratch disease.  One thing worth mentioning: i was treated for Lyme Disease in late 2013.  I have a tendency to blame all of my medical problems on Lyme.  This started 3 years later, but I have no idea what else could be a factor and unfortunately, my doctors don't either...  Here are some photos.  I'm curious to see if others have the same rash as me...

       Looking forward to some advice/insight from others.

      Thanks,

      Jen

    • sky23
      sky23 Jen680

      Posted

      Hi Jen. I have a problem with Lyme as well. Thing is one of the co infections was rickettsia typhus. Although I am treated this very borderline infection changes from negative to positive on bloodworm. I wonder if this coincides with my scratch marks appearing..

    • Jen680
      Jen680 sky23

      Posted

      Hi Sky,

      I would need to be further tested for coinfections.  Maybe that's an idea... to try testing for different bloodwork...  Thanks for your input.  I have asked several doctors about this rash.  It's a mystery, but I am determined to figure it out...

    • sky23
      sky23 Jen680

      Posted

      OK.. I have anaplasma and Rocky mountain spotted all borderline.. As I said the typhus goes negative after antibiotics but after a month or so goes positive but still low...doctors seem to try to avoid rickettsia screening.

      Hope this helps your search.. Xx

    • kathy82420
      kathy82420 shirley66215

      Posted

      fiberglass particles could be from anything hole in the ceiling vintage curtains etc

  • luckypallu
    luckypallu greg68997

    Posted

    Hi all, I have same condition. Started with the new year and now I must second time in 2 months. The scratch marks and some inflammatory rashes occur suddenly and subside in about 8 hrs. No itching or pain or anything. But it is scary. Someone said there could be a parasite residing inside and moving around!

    I tried reading few of the posts but there does not seem to be any detection of cause and hence any remedy. sad

    • luckypallu
      luckypallu

      Posted

      Also is this appearing only on hands closer to the wrist??
    • shirley66215
      shirley66215

      Posted

       Or do you have any moisture problems in your home?
  • nathan39343
    nathan39343 greg68997

    Posted

    I've had this since I was a child. Found out a few days ago that it's a sign of Lyme Disease and a co-infection called Bartonella.

    I would definitely look up some of the many additional symptoms and get checked out by Lyme Disease specialist. If it is this, it can be a very debilitating illness if left unchecked.

    • nathan39343
      nathan39343

      Posted

      You will also notice that these scratches appear in batches. Then usually there is a period of nothing.

      Some additional symptoms I experienced -

      Marks similar to stretch marks on my body that are now permanent. Development of moles or growths. Brain fog. Fatigue. Shin bone pain. Skin crawling. Itchiness. Depression. Anxiety. Feelings of doom spontaneously.

      Most of the psychological elements are so slow developing that it feels like nothing's changed until one day you realize how grey everything feels.

    • mandie97232
      mandie97232 nathan39343

      Posted

      If you are feeling sudden bouts of impending doom, I am hopeful that you have an epi pen and keep it with you. 

      Please make sure that you get one right away if you do not have one. 

      The sudden feeling of doom is the first sign of anaphylaxis and you could die. If you feel that way, somebody needs to hit you with the epi pen right away. Most cases of death from anaphylaxis are because of that feeling any not reacting quickly enough. 

    • mandie97232
      mandie97232 shirley66215

      Posted

      It’s a fact. Any doctor will tell you that and it’s something that many people do not know. 

      Isn’t this entire discussion people looking for medical advice? An answer as to why they’re having these issues. 

      Maybe I misunderstood in the hours I spent reading all of the posts and looking up random things people have said and asked

Back to top
Prev Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.