12 Causes of Itchy Legs
871. Poor Hygiene
Dried sweat and dust, broken down by skin bacteria, may irritate nerve endings in the skin thus causing itch. Heat and irritation by trousers aggravate itch.
Prevention is in regular showering. Lukewarm water and mild soaps should be used to prevent removal of protective fats from the skin.
2. Dry Skin
Dry skin causing leg itch may be due to:
- genetic predisposition
- frequent showering and excessive soap use
- old age (senile xerosis)
- dehydration
- diseases like hypothyroidism or Sjögren syndrome
- poor nutrition with lack of essential fatty acids
Prevention is in:
- drinking enough fluid (excreting at least 200 ml of clear urine in the morning can be considered as a sign of good hydration).
- avoiding direct wind and sun exposure
- applying moisturizing creams right after the shower
- anti-itch creams safe and effective in pregnancy
3. Chicken Skin (Goose Bumps)
Some people have constantly thickened hair follicles on thighs, upper arms, or elsewhere on the skin. Condition (medically known as keratosis pilaris) is hereditary, and appears as goose bumps that are skin-colored, red, or brown.
Bumps, when irritated may itch.
Bumps can be removed by several methods, but they almost always reappear. Condition improves with age.
4. Acne
In acne, red bumps with occasional white-heads and black-heads may appear on thighs or buttocks. Acne may itch or not.
5. Folliculitis
Folliculitis is infection of hair follicles, usually caused by bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (staph infection). Red itchy or painful bumps with occasional pus-filled centers, appear on thighs or buttocks. It often appears in athletes wearing tight sportswear, or in people sharing trousers...With proper hygiene bumps should heal on its own in several days (while acne may persist for months or years).
Treatment:
- If rash persists, over-the-counter anti-bacterial soaps or ointment (containing mupirocin) can be used
- in widespread infection, antibiotics by mouth may be needed
6. Leg Itch in Unfit Runners
Running after prolonged periods of inactivity may cause intense feeling of leg itch. This is due to inappropriate opening of muscle arteries what irritates adjacent nerves. "Condition" should improve with training.
7. Cholinergic Urticaria
Cholinergic urticaria is bumpy hives appearing on thighs (or upper trunk, or arms) few minutes after starting running or shortly after the hot shower. Intense leg itch lasts from 30 minutes to 1-2 hours. Some of the affected persons are allergic to their own sweat.
Prevention:
- avoiding running in hot weather
- stop running when itch appear
- if possible, DO NOT scratch; scratching aggravates itching
- antihistamine by mouth at least 30 minutes prior to shower or exercise may prevent itching
Cholinergic urticaria should be distinguished from rare but dangerous exercise induced anaphylaxis. A person allergic to certain food or medicine experience intense leg itch when starting exercising up to 24 hours after ingestion of the culprit food or medication. Breathing difficulty and faintness may follow. Rarely shock and even death may occur. Running alone or ingesting food/medicine alone doesn't trigger reaction.
8. Leg Itch After the Shower
Possible causes of leg itch after the shower:
- frequent use of hot showers and soaps that dry the skin
- cholinergic urticaria (see above)
- polycythemia vera (a rare blood malignancy)
- psychic reasons
9. Itchy Pants Syndrome
This fancy term describes leg itch after wearing new unwashed pants/trousers. The cause may be irritant substances in unwashed fabric.
10. Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)
Jock itch is fungal infection of the skin on inner thighs, genitals or buttocks, often occurring in athletes or those who often have moist skin in the groin.
Extensive red or brown itchy rash appears in the groin area. Treatment is with antifungal medications. Prevention is in keeping groin dry.
11. Stasis Eczema
Stasis (gravitational) eczema appears as rough reddish, purplish, swollen, itchy skin on lower legs in persons with varricose veins, vein thrombosis or other vessel related disorders. Corticosteroids and treating underlying condition should help.
12. Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome is a constant urge to move legs that become itchy or tingling during rest. The cause is not known. Life style changes (avoiding caffeine, alcohol and other triggers of itch etc), and some medications may ease the symptoms.
Pictures and Treatment of Itchy Legs Conditions
Poll
How do You Deal with Running Related Leg Itch (Hives)?
See results without votingvote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (21)
- Funny (6)
- Awesome (8)
- Beautiful (12)
- Interesting (16)
CommentsLoading...
Naomi,
it's possible you have allergic response to cold, to sweat, to heat, to physical stress or a combination of these. sometimes pinkish bumpy rash (urticaria) appear and may last for some hours. Allergy to sweat can be confirmed by skin test by allergologist. Antihistamine pill takne before the walk/run would help in all these cases.
Jan
i have an itchy legs , i just got back from overseas and i am always wearing shorts , my legs and upper thighs be itching in the morning and i went to the doctor he gave me a steroids shots and anti-biotics shots i felt better for one day and the next day it starts itching , i went back to him he gave me the same shots and increased my medicine dosage then i dont feel good , i feel like its itching me but i dont want to itch , can u please help ,, i be glad to hear from u .
Hi,
The bottom part of my legs have been really itchy lately and I have no idea why. I've looked up everything from eczema to bed bugs(ick!) and none of these seem to match with my symptoms. I have noticed sevral bumps on my legs but the itching seems to be all over my legs, not just in one location. If anyone could give me an idea of what might be causing this it would be much appriciated! I don't think it's anything to do with a soap or detergent since I haven't changed any latley. Thanks.
-Nicole
Nicole, do red bumps have white centres - at least some of them? If yes, it may be folliculitis.
If they are only red bumps, it may be a heat rash.
i have had itchy legs at night for years now, doctors don't know why.i scratch with a nail brush , it helps without ripping skin
i have this itchy legs when i walk especially in the mornings or after trekking a long distance or when i wear any foot wear i am not used to/that is tight or even when i wash clothes i feel the itch in my hands, feels like its a nerve thing, my mum and her sister experience same, what do u think it is and what do i do .another annoying thing is that when it starts everywhere around me irritates me and worsens the itch
To success.
This sounds as "cholinergic urticaria" to me. It is an allergic response to various phisical stimuli or heat. Antihistamine pills (Benadryl) usually help. The cause is not entirely clear, but some people have reported that they have learned to control it by will...
Read about cholinergic urticaria here: http://www.healthhype.com/itchy-legs-causes-and-tr Another posibility is an allergic reaction to your own sweat. This would need skin tests..
yeah thanks, but urticaria usually comes with rashes which i dont have. do i take the benadryl everyday? any treatment for dandruff? have been having that problem for as long as i can remember with my scalp itching all the time. thank you
Have you ever checked your sugar levels. I'm a type 2 diabetic and when my sugars are high I get very itchy lower legs. Also my legs can twitch uncontrollably.
I have had a dry, itchy scalp for a long time. I decided to try plain baking soda and scrubbed my scalp with it. It worked! I used to use it on my kids' heads when they were babies (to treat cradle cap)and it gently exfoliates the skin off the scalp. I can get away with using it about 50% of the time.
I think itchy legs have to do with cold countries. I live in London, but I never get itchy legs when I travel to India. However, I get a lot of it in the UK, where you have to have heating on much of the time. Also we use showers which are powerful and hot. Warm water is useless in cold weather. I deal with it by applying E45 cream after shower.
I have had the itchy leg problem for a long time. When I mention it to a MD, they just kind of look at me like I'm crazy. I am from Texas, and now live in NC. I noticed it worse when I was living in Texas. It seems it has something to do with the humidity and temperature. It only happens while I'm walking/running & It's miserable. Like others have described, it feels like this uncontrollable itch. I am beginning to think it may be a nerve problem as well. Creams do not help and antihistamines put me to sleep fast. I know it's not stress. I know I have very sensitive skin. Maybe I am allergic to my own sweat. I notice this a lot more in cold weather. When its' warm, but just a little coolness to the air and humidity is when it's the worst. I am so frustrated because once it starts I am completely miserable for about 20-30 after I stop. Anyone have a solution?
Robeth,
your condition sounds either like cholinergic urticaria or exrcise induced anaphylaxis (under 7. above in the article).
Allergy to your own sweet would be also possible; allergy testing would confirm this.
Some OTC antihistamines that do not cause sleepiness are available.
I personally don't think it's nerve related. Nerve problems cause tingling or numbness, r burning or pain, but not likely itch. Symptoms in restless leg syndrome appear at rest.
i itch every night when i go to bed in the night.. but i change sheets, covers and still same.. wt shall i do???
shefali,
you would need to say, do you itch every night, when did itch start, do you also itch in hot weather or other occasions during the day, is there any rash (maybe only temporarly), do you sweat excessively, how old are you, do you have any underlying disease or take any medicatiions.
I have lower itchy legs. I thought it was an allergic reaction to some food, soap, detergent, water, etc. It is deblitating. I just had a reaction. I probably just ripped out all my internal stiches from a surgery I just had running around trying to get it to stop. Almost hyper ventilated. I felt like I'd rather rip out the stiches than feel the incredbly pain from the itch. Please someone help us!
I want to explain more. This started in my preteens. I am female. I thought it was due to water first because that seemed the common denominator. It didn't matter if it was a shower, ocean, lake, orswimmming pool.I also thought it might bee due to not shaving but if I was cleanly shaven, I had it.
The itching I feel like no one understands. It's not a typical itch. It's almost as if there are needles in my skin but not quite.
My heart races, I become a baby sort of calling out things like "please someone help me." I can't talk to anyone or do anyting until the itching stops. It scares me.
I try topical lotions, benedryl cream, oatmeal lotion, etc. etc. Nothing works.
The only thing that does work has been an antihistime like benedryl. That's what I tried and trange immediately after I take it, it works. As soon as I put it in my mouth today the feeling went away. I know it doesn't work that quickly.
I haven't had this feeling for about 7 years and I thought it was gone. It's not.
I am happy to hear I'm not alone. I never heard anyone tell me they had similar symptoms and some people think they have it. but I can tell they really don't know what I'm talking about. Mine seems so much more extreme.
I plan my life around this or did i the past. Taking an antihistimine before my shower and allowing a half an hour for the crazy episode of leg itching.
PLease if anyone has any information on this, please help us who SUFFER from this!
Also, there are no visible signs of rash or bumps. I am in my 40's now and it started in my preteen. I just had a hysteretomy (didn't lose my ovaries or fallopian tubes) but it just occured to me since my hormones might be off right now, maybe that has something to do with it.
I'm so scaredt his will be back for awhile. I thought it was gone.
Kris,
if Benadryl has helped, it means it was likely a strong allergic reaction, resulting in itching/tingling, blood pressure drop (and reflexive increase in heart rate and hyperventilation). One possible condtition you suffer from is a "cholinergic urticaria" or "physical urticaria", where certain physical factors, heat, water touching your body ca trigger an allergic reaction.
It could be also a panic attack, since all symptoms fit....Benadryl needs about 20-30 minutes to start to work...If yu think it's an allergy, an allergologist can make appropriate tests.
I am a welder/fabricator in Australia. Every now and then I get a severe case of itchy legs - last night I woke up scratching at my legs. I have scratch marks that now burn and itch in the shower. This is not the first time. We have just had a cold, dry windy spell - I think it could be this... or the dust I work in... or maybe the fumes I breathe... sometimes I get it in summer and think it could be heat rash... I changed my socks to circulation socks to stop the banding some tight elastics can cause.... I bought insoles for my boots...
I tried anti-hytamine and anti-allergy tablets...
I don't think it is any of these things. It is always intense and starts near my ankles and as I scratch it's like it moves up my legs to below the knee - the relief of scratching moves up my leg from the initial place it started. It hangs around for a few days and then goes. After the first scratching episode I can't scratch it again, it burns and is red and the skin is sometimes broken. I have had times where I thought it must be gone, but inevitably comes back and I realise I have had this for a long time.
I bought some oil in a pump pack when in Scotland that is a moisturiser and have started spraying my legs with it. It burns and stings intensely to start with, but seems to offer some relief after that subsides. But certainly no cure.
I had itching after any type of shower (hot or cold, did not matter), starting in college. SHortly after I went the doctor the first time, he said maybe I had "neurodermititis", itchiness caused by stress and other factors. He put me on ZYRTEC and it helped for about 7 years! Now I am experiencing the itching again, especially in the morning, but I still take the Zyrtec and the itching is not as bad. I also pat dry gently after showering and do not use any shower gels or detergents with a perfume.
i am 81 years old and have had itchy legs at night when im in bed i cant sleep i feel like screaming ive tried all sorts of creams and tablets but nothing seams to help .
i am 38 years old. i have itchy legs and it has been this way for several years. it starts down around my ankle and goes up to my knee. it is so agrivating when it itches. i went to dr. and they told me to put itch cream and lotion. that doesnt help.
MWV,
is there any redness before you start to scratch?
mary,
do you have any visible rash? Is the itch related to heat? I mean, if you remove some sheet, does it help?
sheba,
relief after some antihistamine pill would speak for an allergy...
Kris & Novak
The two of you seem to have the same symptoms as my daughter. She is 17 and for the past 3 years has had severe itching after a shower. It usually occurs in the fall and is much worse if she showers in the morning rather than the evening. Pools, lakes and oceans also have the same affect, but much more rare. This past summer we went to Yosemite mountains in CA and she had a reaction when she went in the pool. She does not have any red bumps. At first I thought it could have something to do with stress (ie starting new school year) but now I am not so sure. She has had stress at other times of the year without the same problem. She was prescribed an antihistamine that helps to some degree. I am taking her to an allergist next Monday. I'll pass along any info I get. Good luck to you. Believe me I understand your pain and do not think you are crazy. I have seem my daughter suffer and I know it is a terrible thing.
God Bless.
I get intense itching at times when I run. It is worse when the weather is cold, and when I am out of shape. It itches where I have excess fat. I believe it has something to do with the shaking of the fat.
i have iching at night too only benadryl would help.if each 1 of us try to tell how is your living and all the tree around your house and what we eating a most ,we can find what make us get iching at night,that only way can help us to study and find out. what happen, all of them doctor they dont help.they just know how to make monney from us they not have time to study what make us get iching,if eacj one of us have same tree that growing around our house or we eating about same food that maybe cause us get itching,
my legs are itchy, mostly at night, and on the calves of my legs only underneath, i get little ranom bumps, not a lot, and they are really any color except the color of my skin, i have tried using all sorts of lotions, but nothing helps, except if i put hydrocortizone, that usually helps a lot?? any suggestions or thought?
hannah,
when you don't use any cream for how long does the rash persist? If it's only for few hours, it could be hives (urticaria) due to an allergic reaction to something, maybe food.
Hello
Let's me tell you this Story
Long time ago in my Country ,where i Growing up it was a man who found out some kind of Plant that can make people get sick,
many place in people body get hurt and grow up some bump and lumpy, and he know the cure for it,and he been go around and put in people food
and make people get sick, so they went to him for cure,every few day people get that sick ,went to him for that cure and cost alot,if you dont have money you got to work for him.like we call that Witch doctor.
For me i think this happen samething to us ,if you look on the Benadryl box you see these pill not make in USA,make from Japan ,i think some 1 do this to get us Hook on the pill so they can make money this way,if each 1 of us tell our doctor or find some 1 that can take action or do something about this make these company pay for it,many sickness in this world just like a drugs if happen 1 of us get stuck on it.we have to use something to cure it.just like other people get hook on drug they got to have drugs to fix their problem.
Yeh I get really itchy legs. But recently I've been trying to stop.
Because I've been getting a lot of scarring and its healing up a bit now. I scratch so bad that i usually draw blood.
I have this itch on my right leg directly to the outer side of my knee & when I scratch it, it burns so bad. It feels like someone has applied a hot metal wire to my skin but when you look at the area, there is no physical sign of a rash, skin irritation or anything. It looks as if nothing is there. Please help! What could this be & what should I do to get rid of it?
i have lost lower leg hair and my legs itch bad help me
I have the same problem with lower leg itching but benadryl doesnt help it just makes me sleep and then I wake up with the same itching again and lotions dont help either. I have something that I use that really helps if you can get it. I use a product called fungicure first and then use a product called mineral bath(purple liquid found at CVS). The fungicure helps if its candida or bacteria related and the mineral bath is mostly magnesium which helps also with the dry skin and mineral deficiency if you have it you can put it straight on the legs or in bath water. All in all I dont know which causes it but this combination of the two products give alot of relief everytime. Try it and see if it helps.
Well I started itching about 6 months ago. Its strange because my itch almost feels like its an internal thing..not just skin deep. I scratch and scratch and it still itches. I have no idea what it is.
I have had the same type of itching in my ankles,and lower legs for several years. No rashes or bumps.just a
deep itch that itches even more when I scratch. The only
relief I have found is to put a hot (heated in the microwave for 30 sec)wet wash cloth directly on the areas
that are itching. My legs do not each during the day. only at bedtime. I do have restless leg syndrome but I don't know if it is related to the itching.
hi this is melaku tm 24 i have been itching legs daily and bloody
My boyfriend has a rash on his ankles which comes and goes, it looks like poison ivy, but his skin is getting really dry and turning white. He says he can pull a few hairs from his legs without it hurting. He has used many types of poison ivy treatment creams/sprays but it does not clear up all the way. Is there a shot to stop it? He is going crazy not being able to sit on anything with cloth and he showers a lot and is really clean so I do not know what could be causing this. :[ Any ideas or comments?
What about all of the chemicals we are exposed to. I had very itchy legs for a while and it is miserable. Eventually, through experimentation the cause and a solution was found. The cause was chemical irritation from soaps and shampoo. The solution was to prevent them from contacting the skin on my lower legs by wrapping plastic around them and allowing NO chemicals to touch them. Preventing the chemical contact eliminated the problem once and for all.
My husband has itchy calves at night, has no rash is fairly active, early 30's he scratches when he is sleeping and doesn't realise he does it.
I jogged last Saturday around 5am in the morning, it was cold...and after a few minutes i started to feel the itchiness on my legs. When i looked at my legs, its already red. I just continued jogging, after few hours, the itchiness and redness disappeared. this article is very helpful in understanding the reason behind it.
i am 18 right now. three years before, i started developing itching all over my body. it happened at any time and any body part.i neglected it for a few weeks thinking it must be due to humid climate and sweating. but later i realised its something abnormal. i consulted a dermalotologist and she told i have urticaria. the medicines relived me a lot. it lasted for two years and then eventualy finished. a gap of happy one year. now, the same itching is not back but i started a problem of itching legs when i go for a morning walk(i just started the morning walk because now i can do it as i have finishd off my school). the itching is same as i had one year ago. that burning kind of sensation.....
making a net search about this problem relates it with my past. what shall i do now? consult my past dermatologist, start the whole of treatment once again........... or simply stop the damn morning walk ?
I have the same problem as MWV has, since i delivered a baby i am facing with the same problem.
my daughter had itchy legs for years and went to a specialist who said she was shaving her legs against the follicles which caused infection under the skin that caused her to scratch, had to go on 3 months antibicotics but does not scratch now
i have had itchy legs for a while now but they just started to get worse. i have like these patches of white dry skin on my legs. the itch is almost like a bunch of needles but not quite. it itches at all times of the day and nothing ever stops it.
I suffer from hot and itchy legs in the area around the ankles and in the lower calf. The heat is intense at times and sometimes the whole of my foot gos numb.I am 88 years of age and have suffered from body itching for six years. My octor had prescribed ATARAX which initially helped but the intense itching returned.I sometimes scratch so much that I draw blood mostly at night.I am desperate for some help and if possible cure.
Out of the no where, both bottom leg and both thighs on in inner part where legs touch, have been itchy. BAdly!
my legs have been itching really bad in the mornings i cant stand it. ive actually thought about cutting them off.
Wow I canrt believe how common this is. Unfortunately it sounds as if there is not a good solution to fix this problem. A few weeks ago I started to get bumps on my leg and they itch intensely at times. I am amazed that they have not been healing. They seem a lot like mosquito bites. I also saw that a family member has something similar. Any suggestions or comments. I have looked up all of the suggestions above regarding diagnosis, but none of them seem to fit. The only comments that have me wondering are about exercise and also dry skin as I work out daily and always have dry skin no matter what I do. I am open to thoughts commons and concerns.
food grade H2O2 and DMSO medical 99% pure got rid of my
lower leg itch in 2 treatments. never came back. i mixed
1 1/2% H2O2 solution 50 50 with the dmso and applied to the affected area. call my cell phone if you like, i'll tell you what i did.817/437/3116
i have itchy leg for almost 2 weeks now, one on my right knee and another on the left leg and now another little red spot on the calf. they all starts with small red spot, if i touch it i can feel like there's little goose bump on that red area. it's swollen now a bit and spreading slowly (maybe cause i'm scratching it). been itching almost non stop, disturbing my sleep at night too. this happens to me twice now. had it last time, was a year ago but gone, and now it come back. i have no idea whats the cause, and i'm now getting worried. my skin is dry but never have skin issues, and not allergic to any food so far. i've been trying the local medicine to decrease the itch-ness, but only helps me for few hours then the itch comes again. oh, and if i applied some cool stuff like wash it with cool water it helps me a bit, or lotion, and some oil. any idea what actually happen to me and how to cure this? thankyou
I suffered from itchy legs for a few months and went to the doctors and they kept giving me medications that didn't work. I looked up my symptoms myself and found out I had scabbies. It is more common then you think. Itching occurs on your ankles, behind the knees, inner thighs and right under your butt. Please look it up if this is the type of itching you have and they have creams to get rid of them. I never want to have itchy legs like that again it was the worst thing I have ever been through.
ive had really itchy legs for years now and there driving me mad ive been to the doctor but hes useless and just ignores everything i have a constant rash on my legs and because of the itching im left with scars on my legs i try so hard not to scratch but i cant help me i also do it in my sleep and my partner has to hold my hands to stop me ive tried moisturising but nothing seems to work please help its so embarrasing and i really want to be able to go swimming with my daughter without worrying about how awfull my legs look
donna,
the appearance of the rash may help you to find a cause. In allergies, red, slightly raised bumps or patches apear and may persists for some minutes or hours, disappear and appear again.
It is a dermatologist who can recognize the type of the rash.
I have had itchy legs for years. It almost always happend when I am walking, running, and sometimes exercising. It may start at my ankles and work it way up. It can spread to my bask-side and even torso. The itchy area (mostly legs) will then feel cold to the touch yet look red. I noticed during aerobic exercises, my tongue will even start to itch and I get tired and weak quickly, with cramping sometimes. I am a very healthy young woman, age 28, and can remember the itching since at least pre-teen years. It is the worst, most intense burning itch that comes form the inside...and if I try to scratch, it will definitely worsen.I asked my doctor and he just sisid I may be allergic to extreme temperature changes in my body. The thing is the temperature outside doesnt have to be extreme for me to experience the itch. I have noticed that cooler weather triggers it quicker, but it has happened in warm and hot weather as well. What I wear, can trigger the itch quicker too...I prefer cotton..if something is tight, I itch more. If I have on a purse, the friction of it bumping against my leg when I walk will sometimes trigger the itch too. I use 100% shea butter and other thick lotions or creams to insulate my legs, which helps to reduce the onset of the itch. I work with holistic medical professionals and the doctor here said that he thinks these are all symptoms related to the adrenal gland being over active and that I should try vitamin b complex to balance my body's adrenal functions. Certain horomones are released and can vasoconstriction of the blood vessels in the body, particularly the lower extremeties, which means the arteries or veins are narrowing or closing, which reduces blood supply to that area and cools it too,which can cause itching. The blood is sent to protect the internal organs. The adrenal gland is responsible for the horomones that are released during certain allergic reactions. I will try the vitamins and keep you posted on my status. I know this is a horribly miserable condition and was relieved to see Im not the only one who goes through this.
My legs starts to itch quite badly at night when I'm sleeping and I realised this happens only during the period from November to February when it is cooler and windy, I live in Singapore. I tried to apply aloe Vera as moisturiser on my whole leg and it seems to work at first, however now it starts to become itchy again. After scratching it, it starts to become reddish at first, then it becomes dry and turns purple but it will also have a tinge of blackish brown to it and it takes a long time I heal. What should I do?
i have an itchy legs at night particularly on my both side of my knees.it has red bumps with white on the center. it looks like chicken skin. please help me.
Having the same problem, my forearms also itch like mad sometimes, and my head when I wear a hat.
I think its the barium/aluminum they are spraying ( chemtrails).
Ie accessible points to skin with the added rub of clothes.
^^^^^
In more detail, when out and about, you kick up mater around your legs etc, clothes rub and you then have the fine scratches of barium:/aluminum and what not .
when you get in the shower , the water floride and other nasty additives do there worst
^^^^^
You then get in bed, combine the heat/ sweat and open minute scratches/open skin.... we have lift off.... open your eyes ; )
I have had itchy legs, arms, wrists, feet, and back for the past week and a half i can not figure out what is wrong i dont have atheletes foot however the only thing that works is gold bond medicated foot cream..i have tiny little bruises on my thighs but i dont know if that is related its brought on at night time however i start itching before i even step foot in my room or get in my bed showers dont alleviate it no matter how hot or cold i take them please help
I have a question about my legs, some time they itch they that place turn red, after two days or more that spot turn dark red. why? and it there any thing can be done. in there any cure.
thank you
I have little flesh colored bumps on my inner thighs and buttocks. They always seem to itch at night and not during the day. Above in the article I see it says if you haven't worked out in a long time and do suddenly you can have the type of reaction I'm having. It also says wearing tight pants while working out? My skin is very irritated I am always moist in these areas in other words sweaty. But now that these little bumps have appeared my skin is dry. The itch at night is in controllable. I'm 18 I live in Colorado but I'm in Saudi Arabia for a month. Hope this is all enough info. Please tell me what you would recommend so I can get rid of this. Thank you
I am 22 and have had extremely itchy legs at night for years now. Recently they have been particularly bad! I am scratching them so much that I am drawing blood and I have a small patch of dry skin appearing near my ankle. They do not affect me during the day, just late evening. I have not been to the doctors about it yet but am considering it. I am going to try drinking lots of water as I tend to accidentally dehydrate myself and I have seen that this may be a cause, I am also going to try applying E45 cream. Hopefully this will work/help the problem as it is driving me insane!
I have ichy legs..mosty in my tighs and on the back of my knee.see i have bumps on my legs they are not pimples,more like a rash. Everytime that I scratch my legs they burn.
Ama, I am relieved to read your story b/c I have the same exact things for years whenever I walk or run. I am 32 years old and have been having this for about 10 years. It is the most intense itching/burning sensation and it starts at my ankles and works it's way up to my thighs, torso, and backside. If I don't stop as soon as it starts to escalate I become almost nauseous and very irritable. I can't talk to anyone and I usually have to press a cool compress to my legs. I have told family, friends, and countless doctors. No one has ever given me and answer but they all say it sounds like an allergic reaction to something. If you, or anyone else on here ever gets a straight answer or ideas on how to treat this condition, I would LOVE to know!
Its not a rash or even ichy, I don't know what it is. At fist I thought they were in grown hairs so I knew to leave them alone, but I've had them for years. They are little bumps that start at my knees and go all around my thighs, I even have them on my lower butt. They seem like in grown hairs, but they aren't ichy or hurt, just rough and make my skin not soft.
hi. i have this small bums, like rashes on my bottom.they are skine colored, amybe a bit reder. they are a bit itchy, but nothing speical. any ideas? thank u
About 2 months ago I was just sitting here and my left shin started to itch. When I itched it, it turned to this watery clear liquid that scabbed over quickly and hasn't left. I have about 6 more dime size ones and a few small ones. They turn to these patches of scabs that seem to be flaky layers. When I itch omg I swear it feels great to scratch and make it stop but it starts in a new area and it just continues to spread. They only itch at night and I have done everything from apply topicals to lay clearasil pads over them which seems to dry them up more. Seems everyone is breaking out on there legs with this similar rash what the H is going on with us? Help!!
Also it has moved to both legs but hasnt gone past my knees or my ankles. This rash seems to stay within my sides and fronts of my shins.
Hey steph, you need to get that looked at. It could be nothing, but it could cause an infection. They can give you antibiotics and maybe a cream or lotion to stop the dermatitis from spreading and heal. DON'T SCRATCH!
Hi. A dermatologist can tell if you have developed some sort of skin disorder or allergy. The obvious trigger in your case is dry skin.
Hi, Krystel.
If the white center is obvious, like in infected acne, it can be staphylococcal folliculitis. There are over-the-counter antibiotics (mupirocin) available for that, but I can't say if you have folliculitis or not. Your personal doctor may give you a diagnosis.
Peyton,
if bruising is not caused by scratching, I recommend you to see a doctor: GP or a dermatologist.
Mary,
I don't know. Allergy (hives) or a local problem with circulation came on my mind. A doctor can tell more.
Hanna,
if bumps themselves are persistent (night and day), it's less likely from running or any acute alergic reaction.
Acne, staphylococcal folliculitis, contact dermatitis or chicken skin (hyperkeratosis) may be possible - a dermatologist can say.
Laura,
being well hydrated is fine, but drinking large amounts of water (that would make you urinating every couple of hours) may not be necessary. At winter, dry skin is a common cause of itching; other than that: see a doctor.
Poppin,
contact dermatitis came on my mind, but - see a dermatologist.
Kelly,
it sounds as an "exercise-induced anaphylaxis" or "cholinergic urticaria" even if you don't have any rash. Sometimes the reaction occurs when you eat certain food (fish, nuts, alcohol...) and then start to exercise within few hours after eating. An allergologist can tell more.
Jessica,
it may be chicken skin (keratosis pilaris). It can be removed (by a dermatologist), but it often appear again.
jannet,
maybe it is chicken skin (keratosis pilaris) - see above in the article.
Steph,
I can't say is it hives or some sort of dermatitis, such as nummular dermatitis, but, I guess, a dermatologist can say.
Did any one notice when you bathe you raley scrub your ankles and calves and when you do they start to itch cause that happens to me all the time
Hi im 21 for a few years ive been really itchy after bath/shower within this time ive moved 3times ad happened everywhere I get a red bumpy itchy rash I think its the water has I cant drink it from tap without tummy upset but if its boiled first im fine well this episode im having the rash has stayed for a week Dr give me allergy tablets it stopped the itching but the rash is still there I only have to touch it ad it start itching again rash even on my scalp :(
Emma,
it seems that you may have either "cholinergic urticaria" (after hot bath) or allergy to a certain substance in water. Allergologist can perform appropriate tests.
Try driving for a few days without the car heater turned on, no matter how cold it is.The heater particularly when it is directed on the feet and legs sends heated dust particles onto legs and ankles.Rub a good quality moisturising cream into the legs. It solved my problem.
I have burning hot,itchy,swollen legs,I've tried,hydrocortizone,benadyrle,aveeno,ice bags,and nothing works all the time,they'll work for alittle while,then my legs start itching like the devil,once I itch them they stop itching!!!!for a day,then start again,I can't let them get warm or it makes them worse,I have type 2 diabetis which runs high...creams don't help either,makes it worse...I also have high blood pressure,which is controled by meds,I don't use salt.I'm over weight,age 57,I clean my legs twice a day with cool water only...what to do?
I'm 18 and i have a very similar problem, for as long as i can remember whenever i go to bed at night my legs start itching really bad, mostly my lower thigh and behind my calves, it gets really bad, and nothing stops the itch, i know is not the bed, because we bought a whole new bed set, covers, matresses and everything, and nothing sems to work. :( the only way it stops is when i finally kind stay up any longer and end up falling asleep cause of how tired i am from staying up all night scratching :( after a while of scratching i start to get little red bums and dots on my legs
Lunafs, if your legs are realy swollen, you should see a doctor. Think, when did you notice your symptoms for the first time. Was it after starting using a certain medication? Have you identified some triggers or relievers of the symptoms?
Amy,
one possible trigger of your itch is increase of temperature of your legs. You can try to sleep in a colder room or have your legs less covered. It's possible you suffer from "cholinergic urticaria," (I recommend some online research) in which symptoms are triggered by change in skin temperature and sweating. You can also try to change your diet intuitively and think if you can do something about eventual stress. Cholinergic urticaria may go away but you need to identify and remove the triggers.
I can relate to the gal that said that her itching was so bad, that she had even thought of cutting off her legs. I have multiple sclorosis, & my feet tingle full time, & that is how I felt,but just when you think its as bad as it can get, it gets worse, because now I have the severe itching from my ankles to my knees! HELP
Hi, iv just got back off holiday, been on long dose of antibiotics and my legs get the occasional itch and slight burn, also when i get out the shower i notice under my skin on my thighs it looks as tho i have a slight purple and yellow effect, my skin in general all over my body is alot redder, iv also been suffering with ocasional stomach pains, diahrrea and thrush in my mouth, could it just be my antiobiotics i took 3 weeks ago?
Will, yes they can be side effects of antibiotics. I suggest you to see your doctor as soon as possible.
have very itchy legs in which when i itchy them then go red in which then my legs become bursed i have allergis to wheatplease help
I have itchy legs all the time most likely because all the hot showers and baths I take. I have leg hair that grows fast and have to. Shave my lower leg at least once or twice a day. Any advice how to stop the itchyness and also not have to shave everyday?
About a year ago I started feeling itching and burning and the appearance of red blotches anywhere on my body the more I itched the worse it got!! It feels like fire burning from the inside out on your skin. I didn't know what the heck was going on? This came out of no-where. I was told I have Dermagraphism. It is the absolute worst! It happens when pressure is applied to ones sking in one form or another such as towel drying, dog jumping, putting on clothes etc... It can happen at anytime on the scalp to the tip of my toes. I feel for anybody that has to go through this. I was told it could last up to 10 years but usually goes away on it's own. :(
My itchy legs are all over and at random times.. even after I shower, wake up, have clothes on or take off. I have changed my body wash for this, went through all lotions for sensitive skin and now using body oil. Not sure what it can be. I heard it could be stress related, any thoughts about that?
I have had lower leg itch for 2 1/2 years now. I live in Texas. I'm 43 years old. It started right around Christmas time. My Dr gave me Rx pills for antifungal, it didn't work, then he gave me Rx ointment, didn't work either. I have no bumps or marks. Haven't changed the way I shave, shower or anthing. My husband thinks its in my head but its not. The only relief I get is if I rub hydrocortizone cream morning and night--if I do that every day then the symptoms go away. If I skip even 1 day the symptoms are back. Ive basically been putting the hydrocortizone cream on for over a year now. I've not put it on several times just to see if the itch would come back and it always does. I wish there was a permanent cure for this. Its so frustrating. Good thing hydrocortizone cream is cheap. Benadryl, vaseline, any other cream I tried did not work. Only the hydrocortizone cream does. Maybe this will help some of you get relief. Good luck.
I have the itchy legs after a shower. I try to rise off in the coldest water I can stand before I get out and that helps a little. I was recently diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera, ( I have too much blood) It usually hits men over 50 years of age. Well, it hit me at 55 and my daughter has had it for about 10 years and she's only 35. Nothing helps and it does feel like an eternal itch. I just know one thing. It drives me absolutely crazy! I take an allergy pill every day for nasal reasons. Nothing helps,pills, creams, lotions, just waiting it out.
I've solved my itchy leg problem!
I'm 65 and fortunate to have very good health apart from agonising itching on my lower legs for the last few years, mostly at night but occasionally during the day too, and I'd HAVE to scratch my legs raw, even though it hurt, otherwise I'd never sleep. I've eaten healthily and avoided chemicals as much as possible for a long time, but assumed I had some sort of allergy so carefully monitored my diet etc. I could sometimes go for quite long periods without itching, without really knowing why. Then a few months ago when it returned with a vengeance I realised it was a winter thing, which made me wonder if I was deficient in vitamin D. I started taking 500iu of D3 and noticed a huge improvement, so I knew I was on the right track.
Hooray for the Internet! I did lots of research on vitamin D3 from both sunshine and supplements and discovered that there is an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency, causing large numbers of diseases, including allergies, and that it is safe to take large doses if it cannot be obtained naturally from sunshine. (Sunscreen blocks the beneficial rays that produce vitamin D on our skin, and for much of the year, depending on where you live, the sun is loo low for those good rays to reach us anyway.) It is highly recommended to get your D3 levels tested to see if you are deficient.
I increased the supplement for a few weeks, and added vitamin K, and am thrilled to report that I am completely itch-free and my previously scabby and scarred legs have healed. It's a very wet Spring here in the UK and I can't wait to get my D3 naturally from the sunshine. But I will definitely be taking supplements again next winter.
I really hope this helps others who are suffering like I did, but please do your own research on the benefits and dangers of sunbathing and supplementing with vitamin D. There's masses of information out there. Good luck!
I've noticed that my legs have recently started itching at night really bad. Once when I was half asleep/half awake I was scratching my legs so hard I woke up with some scratches! I'm not sure what's wrong but my legs have aches and pains that has been going on for years. But the itching just recently started and it's driving me crazy. I'm 22 and work in a place that requires me to stand for long periods at a time. I've only been working there for one year and the itching recently started. I'm not active as I should be, and I also don't eat healthy food enough. Oh also, when i put lotion on my legs it helps just a little. Please help.. Thank you!!
Geraldine,
are you on a wheat-free diet?
Terri,
have you tried to shave your legs for some days?
Li Girl,
I suggest you to read more about dermographism and "cholinergic urticaria." It's true that this condition can go away on its own after some time and there are things you can do to help go it away (diet as you feel it's right for you, coping with stress...)
a.patka.s,
yes, it can be stress. Just try to change something and do what is right in your life intuitively and see if it helps.
Kristin,
just a warning: long-term use of hydrocortisone cream may permanently thin the skin.
Marilyn,
itching in Polycythemia vera is a known issue. Please contact your doctor (specialist) for an advice.
Leigha,
is it better on Saturdays or Sundays or during vacations when you don't need to stand for many hours?
My legs will have that achy feeling even when I'm off work for awhile. I've had that feeling for years but only had the job, that requires me to stand all day, for a year. I appreciate your reply!! :)
For the past month or so I have had itchy legs (tshe shins and on and behind my knees and on my ankles also, especially in the middle of the night and after showers. I can't believe so many of y'all have this problem. I began searching the net with low expectation of finding an answer. I didn't even think I'd runacross anyone else with this odd problem. I mean no rash or anything just intense itching lol and occurring mainly in the middle of the night of all times!Completely drives me mad! Well anyway...
I read on and and seen this post from hannnah:
"my legs are itchy, mostly at night, and on the calves of my legs only underneath, i get little ranom bumps, not a lot, and they are really any color except the color of my skin, i have tried using all sorts of lotions, but nothing helps, except if i put hydrocortizone, that usually helps a lot?? any suggestions or thought?"
So I used her suggestion and the itching stopped immediately but not sure how often I will have to do this or for how long but its something for now. A bit of relief :) Thanks Hannah for the suggestion. From Debbie
Leigha,
one sign that speaks that the itch is connected with with prolonged standing is that the itch is milder after vacations or few days without working.
LeahNaomi79 2 years ago
I have itchy legs when I walk or run. The only way to stop this is to bind my legs in extremely tight and soft panty hose - usually two pairs in order to make it tight enough. In the winter it is the worst, however it's becoming bad even in the summer. I have been to the dermatologist and she gave me some medicated creams that did not work. I'm beginning to think it's a nerve problem. Anyone else have this problem?