Why can legs itch so much

Why can legs itch so much
Why can legs itch so much

Most often, itching of the legs is due to standard causes. Fungal infections are treated with special antifungal agents. Allergy symptoms are eliminated by antihistamines.

Thinking about why the legs itch can occur to anyone. Allergic reactions, diseases, stress - all this can cause discomfort. To solve this problem, you need to determine what it is a consequence of. This is the only way to eliminate the itch forever, and not for a while.

allergic rash

Quite often, itching in the limbs occurs as a result of allergic exposure. There may be a reaction to:

  • products;
  • detergents;
  • medications;
  • cosmetics;
  • dust;
  • fabric and more.

If for this reason the legs itch, then the manifestations are expressed in the form of urticaria, dermatitis, eczema. In the latter case, bubbles appear on the skin of the legs, which subsequently crack. With dermatitis, swollen areas appear on the legs, which are covered by a rash that causes itching.

Allergens can be identified by taking samples from the appropriate specialist. Other signs of allergy include: peeling, coughing, reddish spots. In this case, not only the legs can itch.

Sometimes allergies occur due to the cold, and not only in winter, but also in summer. For example, after a long swim in a cold pond. In this case, itching occurs in other parts of the body. Also, the signs include: aching joints, rash, blisters, fever.

For the treatment of allergies, oral antihistamines and external ointments are prescribed. Also, therapy must necessarily include the identification and elimination of the allergen that caused the reaction.

Skin diseases

Many people have itchy feet precisely because of the development of diseases of the skin. A similar symptom occurs almost always with psoriasis, atypical dermatitis. Severe itching on the ankles or feet almost certainly indicates the presence of fungal infections.

In addition to such a reaction, the disease is also accompanied by specific damage to the nail plates, manifested by hyperemia and burning. Unbearable itching occurs, accompanied by the appearance of blisters, wounds and abrasions.

Another reason why the legs itch is a disease such as lichen. This disease is manifested by various symptoms, depending on the type of pathology. But always the skin is covered with spots. Quite often, there is such a sign as peeling and flaking of the epidermis, redness in the affected area.

Varicose disease

Phlebologists say that itching of the skin of the feet and legs in 70% of cases is caused by an incipient disease of the vascular system. This symptom is caused by pathology in the tissues and a violation of the venous outflow. As a rule, middle-aged and elderly people are predisposed to varicose veins.

At an early stage of the development of the disease, itching is quite tolerable, but in the future, the manifestations become more pronounced. The veins under the skin swell and acquire a blue tint, in these places the legs are very itchy. There is also swelling and heaviness in the legs. These signs are aggravated in the evening after a long walk, exercise.

Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is manifested by various symptoms and is accompanied by unpleasant sensations. This may include itching and pain in the extremities. Such signs are noted with a prolonged course of the disease, which is difficult to treat. In addition, various spots may appear on the skin, accompanied by vascular pathologies. There may also be complaints of poorly healing ulcers, swelling of the feet.

Diseases of the internal organs

Itching in the limbs can be caused by dysfunction of the internal organs. The skin can itch in diseases of the liver, accompanied by stagnation of bile. Most often, this symptom appears with hepatitis, cirrhosis, cholelithiasis. In addition to itching, patients have a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, heaviness in the liver, and malaise.

Legs also itch due to kidney failure, when salts, due to low excretory ability, exit through the mucous membranes and skin. Other signs of this disease are dry skin, pallor, swelling.

Other reasons

Sometimes the cause of itching can be an imbalance in the mediators of the nerve endings of the skin. Such a violation occurs as a result of a long state of anxiety, depression and stress. There may be irritation of the skin of the extremities and due to improperly selected clothing, shoes. For example, due to exposure to synthetic materials. Quite often, women pay attention that their legs itch after wearing nylon tights.

To fix the problem, you need to contact a dermatologist who will determine the exact cause of the disease. It is worth noting that the treatment of itching in the legs should be comprehensive. Particular attention is paid to strengthening the immune system, since when it is weakened, the body becomes more vulnerable to many diseases. The chosen method of treatment must necessarily take into account the underlying disease, since the complete disappearance of discomfort is possible only when the root cause is eliminated.

The most common are the following methods:

  • drug treatment;
  • psychotherapy;
  • physiotherapy.

The therapeutic program is appointed by a specialist on an individual basis after examining the patient.

  1. To relieve itching and burning sensation, it is necessary to apply a cold compress to the affected area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin, but only if the rashes are not the result of an allergy to cold.
  2. Before recovery, it is advisable for the patient to give preference to loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics.
  3. To prevent drying of the skin in the affected area, you need to take a warm shower, and then apply a moisturizer to the skin of the legs.
  4. Fungal infections are treated with special ointments, creams, gels with an antifungal effect.
  5. Signs of seasonal allergies are eliminated by taking antihistamines. To treat itching caused by cold allergy, sedative drugs are prescribed to improve the body's ability to adapt.

Conclusion

When there is an unpleasant itchy sensation in the legs, it is first of all important to find out what caused this condition. Feet can itch not only because of skin diseases and reactions to allergens. This can be facilitated by the development of a serious pathology of internal organs. Therefore, in order for a qualified doctor to be able to prescribe an effective course of treatment, it is necessary to undergo a thorough examination.