According to MayoClinic.com's guide to itchy skin, extremely itchy skin on your legs may result from various causes, including skin conditions, irritations, allergic reactions, side effects to drugs or pregnancy. However, the typical culprit is dry skin. If you see no rash, have no other major symptoms and both legs itch, you most likely have developed very dry leg skin, sometimes caused by extreme temperatures or exposure to harsh conditions or chemicals.
Expert Insight
MayoClinic.com suggests a variety of treatments for people with very itchy legs. Antihistamines can address allergic reactions and reduce itching and swelling. Corticosteroid creams, available in low concentration over-the-counter and higher concentration with a prescription, can relieve itching. Wet dressings covered with medicated creams can aid the skin's absorption of a treatment. For short-term relief, you can try topical anesthetics, lotions or ointments such as calamine lotion, lidocaine, menthol, benzocaine or camphor.
Considerations
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics suggests several lifestyle changes you can make in addition to or instead of medical treatment. Avoid over-bathing, particularly in hot, soapy water. After bathing in warm water for no more than 10 minutes, using unscented soap, pat yourself dry and immediately apply a moisturizer to damp skin. Avoid heavily scented skin products and detergents.
Prevention/Solution
Not all moisturizers are created equally. In fact, some may even worsen your condition. The University of Iowa highlights ointment-style moisturizers as more effective in treating itchy, dry legs. The ointment, which should feel greasy to the touch, keeps moisture in contact with your epidermis. Rub in the product well. Lotion moisturizers, which typically contain alcohol and water, can actually dry your skin.
Warning
The U.S. National Institute of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health advise your to contact your doctor about extremely itchy or dry skin if you experience certain symptoms such as the condition stopping you from sleeping, if you have open cuts, if you have sores or if home treatment does not relieve you from itching.
Effects
Note your daily and seasonal habits so that you can adequately discuss your condition with your doctor. You should note when you experience the most itchiness and the duration of time the condition lasts. Pay attention to which parts of your legs, or which leg, experiences the most itchiness. Note when the condition seems to worsen or improve, and consider the factors that may have affected it.
Member Comments