Thursday, June 12, 2014

Itchy Legs

Itchy Legs
Itchy legs can be an irritating condition. There can be different reasons which may lead to itchy legs. The condition may also be embarrassing as it may make you scratch your leg in public. It is important to find out what is causing such itchiness in your skin. Understanding the cause will help you determine how you can treat the issues. Itchy leg however is not always a matter of concern. In some cases it may indicate any underlying physical problem. Common region of leg where you may have itch includes thigh, ankles, calf, inner thigh just below your pelvic floor, etc. But certainly you may feel itchiness at any part of the leg. 










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Itchy Legs – Causes


In most situations itchy legs does not really have any underlying cause or even visual symptoms. Most people may look for rashes or blisters but these may not be present. However, itchiness of legs may still lead to discomfort in the affected person. Sometimes persistent itching may affect your sleep and wake you during nights. It is significant to understand the condition and differentiate it from other possible issues which are often related with discomfort or irritation of skin. In some cases itchiness related to leg may also be accompanied with mild pain. Such pain may not be present with the itch but may get unintentionally induced due to rigorous scratching. Sometimes neurological conditions are associated with pain and itchiness. There are various causes which are commonly held responsible for itchy legs; some of these are explained below. 



  •          Improper hygiene


Itchiness is often caused due to improper hygiene. Unhygienic state of body skin, including leg skin, may accumulate oil, sweat, dirt etc. This adds up to cause irritation as well as itchiness. In contrary to this even excessive cleaning may cause itchiness as your skin may tend to become drier. Sometimes wearing unwashed cloths may also serve to be a cause. 



  •         Keratosis Pilaris


Keratosis Pilaris is a condition wherein the hair follicles all over the leg may become thicker; this causes itchiness. This condition may not be restricted to just leg but also other body regions. The condition can occur on the arm, torso etc. If you suspect that you are affected with this condition then you should strictly avoid heat and friction. 



  •         Folliculitis


This is an ailment wherein the hair follicles become infected. The condition is associated with some symptoms which may include reddish bumps on the legs which usually have white centers. This may appear as conventional acne. Folliculitis is often seen on upper torso, thigh, and face. 



  • Jock Itch


Jock itch is often caused due to fungal infection. The condition is influential in the grain region. Some times the condition may also spread or affects the inner thigh as well as buttock. This disorder is common in those who sweat more than normal individuals, for example athletes. 


These are some apparent reasons behind the affliction of itchy sensation in legs. However, there are other more common factors such as friction against poisonous plant, allergic reaction, improper cloths etc. 


Symptoms of Itchy legs


Itchiness on the legs causes you to scratch; sometimes even harder. The causing condition is not necessarily on the surface of the skin but also possibly within it. It may appear as a localized issue but it is not often. Itchiness creates the reflux of scratch which is why somato-sensory cortex of the brains is made active. This cortex is associated with the tactile stimulation. Hence, a collection of nerve cells may carry the signals of sensation to brain which will trigger the response of scratching. Most common visible symptoms of itchy legs included, red bumps, blisters, rashes and dryness of the skin. 










Itchy legs treatment


In most cases of temporary itching just by gently scratching the area makes you free of the condition. This is not even a matter to be worried about. However, in cases wherein itching lasts for over few hours of few days, experts suggest discontinuing exercises and avoiding tight clothes as it may help. In addition to this taking lukewarm water bath will further alleviate the condition. 



  • If you suffer from itchy skin often then avoid exercising in hot and humid weather

  • You should surely take shower after exercising and remove the sweat, dirt and oil accumulated on your leg skin

  • If your skin appears dry, use moisturizes as it is a proven way of reducing itchiness due to dry skin

  • Cloth yourself in lose fitting attires as tight clothes causes itchiness. Prefer cotton clothes which are a better option

  • If you buy new clothes or even sports wear wash them before wearing it for the first time 


There are chances that environmental changes may also cause allergies which may lead to itchiness of leg. In some cases depending on the condition causing itchiness, the doctor will administer adrenaline through injection. However, the best way to deal with the condition is to consult a doctor. An expert would thoroughly analyze the condition by physically examining the affected region or even suggesting some tests. The test would confirmedly detect what causes the issue. Depending on the determined causing factor your doctor will prescribe you medicine. If the diagnosis indicates severe infection then you may have to be on drips but such conditions are rare and not often recorded. 


Home remedies of itchy legs


Using home remedies are mostly inexpensive and effective way to treat itchy skin at home. However, it is still recommended to consult a doctor to determine if the condition is severe. Nevertheless, for those who know their itchiness is not something serious and prefer home remedies to deal with it, here are some effective solutions. Note that you should be confirmed that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients mentioned here. 



  • Baking Soda


Baking Soda is amongst the common remedies for itchy legs or rather any type of itches. This ingredient has a soothing effect and is blessed with anti-inflammatory properties. Baking soda serves to be a natural neutralizer. You can either mix one cup of baking soda in your bath tub or you can create a paste of baking soda with water and apply it on the affected area. You should avoid using baking soda on broken skin. 



  • Oatmeal


Colloidal oatmeal can be used to obtain relieve from itchy skin. This ingredient has avenanthramides which is an antioxidant compound that can have a soothing as well as anti-irritating effect.  You can use it in the same way as suggested for baking soda. However, while adding oatmeal to bath tub you need to double the quantity to two cups. When you apply oatmeal paste to the affected region try to keep it for half an hour at least. 



  • Cold Application


It is proven that cold sensation and itching sensation both travels through the same nerves.  This is why it makes sense to say that cold applications may be extremely helpful in suppressing itching sensation and relieving itchiness. You can apply ice directly on the affected skin region. This is one of the easiest and effective ways to obtain relieve from itchiness. You can also make cotton swabs and dip it in cold water then place the swab on the affected region. Alternatively, you can just run the cold water by pouring it in thin stream slowly on the itchy spot. 


These home remedies may be helpful in obtaining relief from the itching sensation. However, as mentioned above, itchy leg may also be a symptom of any underlying condition. Hence, consulting a doctor is perhaps the best option to deal with such itchiness. 












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