A very common kind of disturbing condition related to itching of body parts is Itchy legs. This results due to various reasons and even though not much medical help is needed in most cases, it sometimes becomes too serious a condition to ignore. The daily routine and in general the concentration of the infected person gets disturbed.
The itching in legs can develop as a result of various conditions ranging from exercise, perspiration allergy and running. At times even donning new clothes can lead to itchy rash on legs. In some cases, the legs turn so itchy that the infected person stops while walking. Some other signs noticed along with the itching in legs include development of rashes and acne, swelling of legs and heavy sweating.
Causes of Itchy Legs
In most cases of itchy legs, an inflammation is observed on the skin’s upper layers which happen in two different ways – contact dermatitis and chronic dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis
This results due to any kind of direct contact with objects or subjects such as body lotions, gels, new fabrics, sweat, perfumes, deodorants etc. A contact dermatitis itching usually starts immediately following a suspicious contact and can last for about 1 or 2 weeks.
Chronic dermatitis
This is a condition where the infection occurs due to factors like food allergies, hay fever, asthma and various other similar reasons. The legs are swollen and redness is observed. Itchy bumps on legs are observed and the severe itching problem can last for much longer time like several months or even years.
Some common known causes of itchy legs and the various conditions associated with these are as follows:
Poor Hygiene
Dried sweat and dust results in irritating itchy legs if left unclean for a longer period. Heat due to certain fabrics also aggravates the itchy feeling.
Treatment and Prevention:
Following hygienic habits like regular showers can help in reducing the itching due to sweat and dust. Use of mild soaps and lukewarm water for cleaning helps in getting rid of the itchy bumps on legs.
Dry Skin
A dry skin can lead to itching in the legs due to various reasons like dehydration, genetic predisposition and lack of essential fatty acids.
Prevention:
This can be easily rectified by avoiding direct sun and wind exposure, increasing fluid intake and using moisturizing creams.
Acne
Itchy red bumps on legs are noticed due to acne. Sometimes, white or black heads are seen on the legs too which are not necessarily itchy. Acne develops on the legs due to thickening of the hair follicles.
These bumps are not usually harmful but the itching sensation can be quite disturbing. These can be unpleasant to look at and the tendency for recurrence is another problem linked with acne.
This condition is also known as Keratosis Pilaris or Chicken skin. It results in itching also due to heat or air-blockage due to certain types of clothes.
Cholinergic Urticaria (Heat Rash, Physical Urticaria)
A rise in the average body temperature leads to itching, swelling and development of small hives. An itchy leg after shower is a commonly seen condition as the hot water increases the body temperature resulting in an itch that lasts for 30-120 minutes.
Some people even experience itchy legs while running only for a short while. Though very rare, cases have been reported where cholinergic urticaria leads to very low levels of blood pressure which can prove to be fatal in certain allergic reactions.
Some persons develop allergy to their own perspiration. This too leads to the cholinergic urticaria condition.
Prevention:
This condition can be prevented by taking certain steps such as not running on a hot day, stopping the exercise or running as soon as the itching starts and also orally taking antihistamine before a hot shower or exercise.
Picture 1 : Cholinergic (physical) urticaria on lower leg
Image source: Flickr.com
Jock Itch
Also known as tinea cruris, it is a type of fungal infection affecting the genitals and inner thighs. A severe rash either brown or red is noticed in the groin area.
Prevention and Treatment:
Antifungal medications are used for treating such a condition in addition to keeping the groin area dry.
Picture 2 : Jock itch (Tinea cruris) on the thigh (inner side)
Image source: atlasdermatologico.com.br
Folliculitis
It is a hair follicle infection caused due the Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) bacteria. Painful red itchy bumps are noticed on thigh or buttocks with pus at the centers.
This condition is usually seen in athletes who wear tight sportswear and also in persons sharing clothes.
These bumps usually disappear in a few days by themselves if proper hygienic habits are followed. However, an acne may persist for a months at a stretch.
Treatment
Anti-bacterial soaps and mupirocin containing ointments are suggested apart from the oral antibiotics that are used in widespread infection.
Picture 3 : Staphylococcal Folliculitis (red bumps with white centers (occationally)
Image source: atlasdermatologico.com.br
Itchy Legs While Running
If a person tries running after a long period of inactivity, an intense itching feeling is felt in the leg as the muscle arteries are not sufficiently open and this irritates the adjacent nerves. However, some constant training will help in getting rid of this condition easily.
Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis (EIA)
It is a rare but life-threatening severe allergic reaction commonly noticed in persons who workout after consuming specific foods or drugs to which they are allergic.
Some of the common foods that lead to this allergy include wheat, shellfish, grapes and hazelnuts. Some medications like ibuprofen, antibiotics, herbal supplements and cold medications also cause Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis.
Some of the other symptoms noticed as a result of this allergy are tiredness, itching, warmth, rashes and hives on skin and unconsciousness. The signs can also involve breathing problems, nausea, throat swelling and vomiting.
Prevention:
Avoiding the suspected food or drug prior to exercise helps prevent exercise induced anaphylaxis. Some persons who experience recurring anaphylaxis learn the method to use an epinephrine kit that can be self-injected and carry the kit with them at most times.
Itchy Pants Syndrome (Pants Paresthesia Syndrome)
Pants paresthesia syndrome or itchy pants syndrome is a condition due to some particular trousers lead to itchy legs due to the presence of formaldehyde in the cloth. The legs turn itchy, stinging and irritating around the thighs.
Some people experience itchy legs after shaving too while some experience it when wearing clothes that are not 100%.
Treatment:
Topical anti-itch medications available over-the-counter are helpful in treating itching pants syndrome. Preferring cotton jeans or pre-washed fabrics keeps the legs off the itching sensation.
Gravitational Eczema (Venous Eczema, Stasis Eczema)
Also known as stasis eczema or venous eczema, gravitational eczema is said to have infected a person when the varicose veins, vein thrombosis or various vessel disorders take place. This leads to the appearance of rough reddish/purplish itchy lower legs.
Treatment:
Corticosteroids are helpful in treating gravitational eczema.
Picture 3 : Stasis (gravitational) eczema on lower leg (lateral side)
Image source: atlasdermatologico.com.br
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
A constant urge to keep the legs moving can lead to a tingling and itchy sensation. The restless leg syndrome can be reduced by making some changes in the lifestyle and also by specific medications easily available over-the-counter.
Itchy legs during pregnancy is commonly seen due to this restless leg syndrome as the anxiety increases in pregnant women along with the various hormonal changes.
Some other causes of itchy legs include various disorders like senile pruritis, xerotic eczema, obstructive biliary disease, atopic dermatitis, malignancy, neurodermatitis, peripheral nerve damage and parasites. Certain conditions like diabetes and psychological disorders have been reported to be leading to itchy legs at night.
Treatment and Prevention:
Itchy legs can be avoided by following simple steps like drinking excess amounts of fluids especially water and following good hygienic habits. Eating the right diet which includes avoiding any over-indulgence in foods that lead to allergic reactions also helps in preventing the condition of itchy legs. For recurring reactions, oral medications and tropical creams can be used accordingly.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itchy_legs
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
No related posts.
by on 27. Aug, 2010 in Diseases and Conditions
Back to Top