Have you experienced itchy lower legs? It is a distressing condition making you uncomfortable. The constant itching feeling can affect your life. You lose focus on your work and start worrying about the itch. Also, the urge to scratch the itch in front of others can make you feel embarrassed. It results in making you avoid social settings. If the itching has not improved despite trying different methods, you need to read ahead to know more about the condition and take the right steps to ease the itching.
Symptoms Linked To Itchy Lower Legs
When you suffer from an itchy lower leg, you can experience an uncomfortable sensation on the skin. It urges you to scratch the area. It distracts you from your work or other activities. So, the tendency to scratch is the main symptom associated with the problem, Scratching can make you feel good for a short time. The temporary relief makes you scratch more to relieve the itchy sensation. It can lead to the breaking of the skin. It increases the risk of infection or bleeding, which further exacerbates the issue. Other common signs associated with the condition are:
- Redness
- Rash
- Bumps
- Blisters
- Changes in skin texture (skin becomes papery, leathery, or scaly)
- Dryness
- Pain
Other Signs Associated With Itchy Lower Legs
Some people may not exhibit the usual characteristics. Hence, people may not see visible skin changes. In such cases, it becomes necessary to take other symptoms linked to the itching feeling in the lower leg such as
Timing Of Itchy Lower Legs
You need to observe if the itch develops during a specific time in the day. Does any certain activity trigger the itch? You need to make a note of such things.
Laterality
Does the itching sensation occur in only one of your legs (unilateral) or both your legs (bilateral)?
Acuity
It means the number of times you have experienced the itching before. Is it the first time you feel this type of sensation or you have already experienced it before?
In the majority of the cases, the condition triggering the itching feeling in your leg can never cause life-threatening complications. But, make an appointment with the doctor to diagnose if some health problem triggers it. Early intervention can help you get appropriate care to prevent any complications.
Causes Of Itchy Lower Legs
You can develop itchy lower legs due to different factors. From simple issues like insect bites to severe problems like underlying health conditions can result in the problem. Know more about the underlying causes of the condition for a better understanding of the issue.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
If your skin came in contact with an allergen, it might turn itchy, inflamed, and irritated. These allergic responses are termed allergic contact dermatitis. Such irritants may include certain plants, metals, soaps, cosmetics, and fragrances.
Xerosis
At times severe dry skin can trigger the problem. It is common among people who suffer from a condition called xerosis. It is the medical term for dry skin with scales. The condition may not cause any rashes, but it can trigger itching. Continuous scratching of the affected area can lead to the development of limes, bumps, and other physical signs. This condition is common among older people who have drier skin due to their advanced age.
Diabetes
When you develop diabetes, it can cause itchy lower legs. Diabetes refers to the condition where you have high blood sugar levels. The increased sugar levels can trigger nerve damage, which results in the circulation of cytokines. The high levels of cytokines can lead to itchy skin. In people with poorly managed blood sugar levels, other issues like kidney disease or poor blood circulation can also result in an itching sensation.
Internal Diseases
Developing certain diseases can cause itching. But, this can trigger itching throughout your body and it is not limited to your lower legs. The medical conditions causing itching are:
- Lymphomas
- Hepatitis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
Insect Bites
When you are outdoors, the chances of getting bitten by insects increase. Suffering bites from mites, chiggers, fleas, or mosquitos can trigger the problem. Bed bug infestation can also cause itching. The body parts exposed to the insects, including the lower legs can suffer from the problem. So, why does this happen? It is due to the immune system response. It valiantly tries to protect the body from potential infections caused due to such insect bites. When an insect bites, it leaves its saliva or venom on the skin. The immune system identifies it as an invader. To protect the body, the immune system releases a type of protein known as histamines, which indicates some problems in the body.
As a result of the release of histamines, a type of white blood cell referred to as lymphocytes rush to the infected area. It expands and multiplies which results in subsequent irritation of nerves around the region. This reaction leads to an itching sensation.
Gravitational Eczema (Stasis)
In some people, a long-term skin condition, also referred to as stasis, gravitational, or venous eczema can trigger itchy lower legs. This condition usually develops in people who suffer from varicose veins. Varicose eczema requires treatment to control it. It is a long-term problem. Other signs associated with the condition are:
- Red/purplish patches on lower legs
- Itching in the lower legs
- Swelling of legs
People suffering from deep vein thrombosis or varicose veins are susceptible to uncomfortable conditions.
Poor Hygiene
The itchy lower leg is a problematic condition in people who fail to follow basic hygiene. Not bathing daily can lead to a build-up of sweat, dirt, and dead cells on the legs. This can trigger irritation. You feel the constant urge to itch. The condition aggravates when skin becomes exposed to dry air, heat, or comes in contact with clothes.
All the causes mentioned above triggering itching cannot cause life-threatening complications. But, it causes itchy legs making you feel distressed and hampering your self-confidence. These issues are easy to manage at home. You can try home remedies or over-the-counter formulation to manage the problem. But, in some cases, the quick fix using the simple ingredients you find at home may not work. In such cases, you need to make an appointment with the doctor. There are effective natural remedies to soothe your itching feeling.
Home Remedies To Treat Itchy Lower Legs
Determining the underlying cause of the condition is essential to managing the problem. Self-care measures can calm your skin and ease discomfort. To get relief from itchy lower legs, you can try some home remedies. You can try some natural remedies at home. The ingredients needed for the remedies are easy to access. Also, the treatment may not cause any side effects. So, you can try any of them without any fear. Here are some of them:
Apply Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe inflammation and calm itching feeling. So, applying it to your lower legs can offer relief. The moisturizing properties of coconut oil can address one of the common issues such as xerosis triggering itching. To try this method, you need to take one tablespoon of virgin coconut oil. Apply it gently on your lower legs and massage. You need to leave it on until you find no trace of oil. You can leave it as such. Doing it twice a day can offer relief from itching.
Oatmeal Bath
To heal itching, you can take an oatmeal bath. Oatmeal is one of the oldest products used for skin care. It is said ancient Romans used it to keep their skin healthy. Today, you have special formulations based on oatmeal to deal with a wide variety of skin problems. Why does it work? Oatmeal has moisture-retaining properties along with anti-inflammatory features. So, using oatmeal can soothe and calm your skin. It relieves inflammation and moisturizes your skin. You need to fill the bathtub with lukewarm water and add one cup of oats to it. You can soak in the bath for ten to fifteen minutes.
Apply Aloe Vera Gel To Get Relief From Itchy Lower Legs
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory effects. Aloe vera is also a natural moisturizer. So, applying it to your skin can ease the itching sensation. These properties can calm your skin. Instead of getting ready-made products, you can get the gel straight from the plant. To get the desired results, you need to take one to two tablespoons of aloe vera. Apply it to the affected area and leave it on your skin for at least ten to twenty minutes. Then, rinse it off with water. You can try this at least one to two times a day for the best results.
Apply Tea Tree Oil
The oil is extracted from a tea tree. These trees grow in Australia and the native people of the continent have always used them for centuries to treat different skin problems. It has antimicrobial properties that can kill certain types of fungus and bacteria. The anti-inflammatory properties in the oil can heal inflammation and manage the itching sensation. You need to rub tea tree oil twice a day to manage itchy lower legs, reduce scaling, or swelling.
To try this method, you need three to four drops of this oil. Mix it with one tablespoon of carrier oil like coconut oil. Combine it well and apply the blend to the affected area. You need to leave it for fifteen to twenty minutes. Rinse off with water. Try to do this once before bedtime to see desired results.
These home remedies can work their magic and offer relief from itching. But, in some cases, these tips may not offer results. So, you need to see a doctor to get treatment for the problem. The doctor’s advice can also help prevent the recurrence of the condition.
When To See A Doctor For Itchy Lower Legs
While you can try some home remedies to deal with the intense itching sensation in the lower legs, it can become a struggle when it refuses to ease. The tips and remedies suggested here can deal with the problem without complications. But, if itching persists and starts to affect your life, you need to seek medical assistance. With professional help, you can prevent itching from escalating and triggering complications like bleeding and scarring. So, when should you see a doctor? You have to make an appointment with the doctor immediately when you see the following symptoms:
- When you suffer from itching that shows no signs of improvement after trying home remedies.
- You experience itching for over two weeks.
- Itching starts to interrupt your sleep.
- You start observing other symptoms along with itching such as weakness, weight loss, fever, or a rash.
- The itching begins to result in bleeding in some parts of your legs.
Diagnosing The Underlying Cause Of Itchy Lower Legs
Most of the time, a simple underlying problem results in itchy lower legs. With the doctor’s assistance, you can identify the issue. It may require treatments at home. But, for some issues, your doctor can perform the following to identify the actual cause:
Physical Examination
During the physical assessment, the doctor examines your legs and the specific area suffering from itching. You need to answer the following question the doctor can ask such as-
- When did you start to observe an itching feeling?
- Did you do or use something unusual that may have triggered the problem?
- Are you observing other symptoms along with itching?
Based on the answers, your doctor can suggest a treatment. If the cause remains unclear, the doctor can suggest other laboratory tests to confirm or rule out possibilities triggering the problem.
Laboratory Tests To Detect The Cause Of Itchy Lower Legs
When your doctor thinks your skin develops itching due to any medical condition, then you need to undergo the following tests:
Blood Test
The doctor suggests a complete blood count test. The results of the test can offer evidence of an internal medical condition triggering itch such as anemia. The blood tests can also detect liver, thyroid, and function. If your doctor suspects abnormality of any of the organs, then the specific tests can reveal the problem causing itching.
Imaging Tests
In some underlying health conditions, you may observe enlarged lymph nodes along with itching of the skin. Chest x-rays can offer images of your chest to detect the presence of such lymph nodes.
Based on the lab results, your doctor can suggest treatments. Depending on the neurological, hematologic, or metabolic condition, your doctor can suggest treatment. The main focus is to treat the disease triggering the itching.
Medical Treatment Available For Itchy Lower Legs
When home remedies fail to offer relief, you need to consult the doctor for getting treatment. The doctor treats the underlying condition triggering the itch. For easing the itchy skin, here are some of the options available:
Corticosteroid Creams To Treat Itchy Lower Legs
If underlying skin conditions trigger itching, your doctor can prescribe corticosteroids. It is effective when you experience itchy lower legs due to conditions like dermatitis, eczema, or developing a rash. Corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory properties along with acting as an immunosuppressant.
Use Antihistamines
When allergic reactions trigger itching, your doctor can prescribe medication to fight your immune system response causing the symptoms like itching and inflammation. In most cases, doctors prescribe antihistamines. They are non-expensive, generic drugs used to manage allergies.
Light Therapy (Phototherapy)
It is the therapy using sources of light like fluorescent light bulbs, halogen lights, or LEDs (light-emitting diodes) to treat medical conditions. The medical treatment exposes your skin to a certain wavelength of UV (ultraviolet) light. After the treatment, you can find relief from the severe itching sensation.
How To Prevent Itchy Lower Legs With Lifestyle Changes?
Suffering from itching in the lower part of the leg can make you frustrated. Irrespective of the clothes you wear, you feel the urge to scratch and ease the itching. In a social setting, the urge to scratch can cause embarrassment and discomfort, especially if you feel the need to scratch your calves or ankles. While the remedies can offer comfort, you can take some steps to avoid itching altogether.
Choose Clothing With Care
The clothes you wear always come in contact with your skin. So, it is not astonishing to find that these clothes can induce itching. While any fiber can trigger itching, it is common when you use clothes made from synthetics. Hence, choosing spandex, rubber, rayon, polyester, or nylon can result in an itch. They can also make you sweat. When you wear itch-inducing clothes, it makes you uncomfortable. Without any underlying reason, you feel the need to scratch. So, you need to choose clothing with care. Comfortable clothing made of natural fibers like cotton, silk, or jute can avoid such unwanted discomforts. Opt for natural, breathable fibers to bed.
Maintain A Cool Temperature
An overheated room can worsen itching feelings. So, you need to try to keep your room cool. Try to maintain a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius. Also, use cotton sheets on your bed to keep it cool. Breathable fabrics like cotton can prevent sweating and itching.
Avoid Certain Beverages Before Bed
If you suffer from itchy lower legs, try not to consume beverages containing caffeine. Avoid alcohol before you go to bed. Such beverages can increase your body temperature. They tend to widen the blood vessels. It results in sending more blood that can warm your skin.
Restrict Use Of Products Containing Harsh Chemicals
If you suffer from itching due to contact dermatitis, you need to choose products to use on the skin with care. Avoid using any cosmetics, skincare creams, perfumes, or other products that have triggered allergies earlier.
Never Scratch Your Legs
When you feel the itching sensation in your legs, your first instinct is to scratch it. But, refrain from scratching too much as it can worsen the itch. When you scratch, your skin feels mild pain. It sends a signal to the brain indicating the hurt. So, you become distracted from the itch and feel better for a short time. At times, pain from scratching can trigger the release of serotonin, the chemical fighting pain. This can make your itch feel itchier. Therefore, try not to scratch your leg despite feeling the urge to do so. Instead, place a wet compress to ease the sensation.
Follow Good Personal Hygiene
You need to maintain good personal hygiene. Washing your body regularly will eliminate the accumulation of sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells causing skin irritation. You can bathe or shower daily with warm water and mild soap. Try to use only warm water instead of hot water. It is because hot water can strip your skin of moisture and make it dry. So, you will feel itching due to coming in contact with dry air or heat. Therefore, avoid using hot water for bathing.
Use Moisturizer
Include moisturizing as a part of your skincare regime. Apply it immediately after taking bath and at night before you go to sleep will relieve itching and dryness. When you use a moisturizer on your skin, it can protect your healthy cells and prevent irritation. You feel itching when the skin becomes dry and irritated. It also increases the risk of other problems like acne or breakouts. Using a moisturizer will reduce the chances of suffering from such problems.
Wear Protective Clothing
If you are going outdoors to hike or into the woods, you need to protect your skin from the allergens like poison ivy. To reduce the possibility of allergens coming in contact with your skin, you must wear protective clothing. Cover your hands and legs. Also, use bug sprays to prevent insect bites from causing itching.
Conclusion
You need to address the problem of itchy lower legs as it can affect the quality of your life. Itching at night can interrupt your sleep. During the daytime, you will lose focus due to the constant need to itch. Also, you tend to itch until it starts bleeding. You can deal with the problem by trying some home remedies. In most cases, your legs itch due to harmless underlying conditions like dry skin. Taking care of your skin will help you deal with the problem. But, if the problem persists, see a doctor. You need to describe the symptoms present. Based on the diagnosis, your doctor can suggest treatment. You will get relief from the condition after getting treatment for the underlying condition.