We all have itchiness from time to time on various parts of our bodies. Many of my patients complain about itchy legs, which can be caused by skin irritation, dry skin, and allergies. Sometimes the cause is obvious, such as an insect bite that causes itching and/ or skin irritation. Certain products (soaps, perfumes, etc.) can also cause skin irritation, as can shaving and poor hygiene.
Sometimes itchy skin may resolve on its own or with some simple home remedies. If it has been greater than six weeks, however, and you are still struggling with itchy skin/skin irritation then you may have “chronic pruritis” or long-term itching that may need medical attention. Itching of any duration that is impacting your quality of life by distracting you from work, interfering with your enjoyment of life, or keeping you awake at night may also be a sign that it is time to seek professional help.
The treatment for itchy skin is dictated by the underlying cause but often includes measures such as improving skin hydration or reducing the inflammation in the skin with topical steroids or sometimes with antihistamines. If the pruritus is not responding to first-line treatments, sometimes a skin biopsy or scraping can be done to get a more accurate diagnosis or to rule out underlying medical conditions that may contributing to the itch.
Keeping the legs cool and well hydrated can help decrease the symptoms of itching. Be sure to avoid getting overheated, especially at night. when itching can be at its worst. Consider sleeping next to a fan or applying cool compresses to relieve irritation. A lukewarm bath with a colloidal oatmeal product such as Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment can also provide relief. Be careful, however, not to spend too much time in an overly hot bath or shower as this can contribute to increased dryness and perpetuate the itch/scratch cycle. After a bath or shower, pat dry and apply a moisturizer. Cerave Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream provides hydration and contains pramoxine, a non-steroid that can help block the nerve signals transmit pain and itch. Sarna Sensitive Anti-Itch Lotion is another popular prammoxine-based product formulated with aloe to provide soothing relief from itching and irritation.
In my clinical practice, I typically see both men and women equally affected by itchy skin and skin irritation. There are some studies, however, suggesting that the intensity of itch is significantly worse in women as is the negative impact of chronic itch on the quality of life.
