Itching below the knees not only causes discomfort, forces you to restrain yourself from scratching in crowded places, and prevents you from wearing your favorite clothes in the summer, but also indicates a possible ongoing disease of the internal organs. Therefore, when the legs below the knees itch, the causes of this condition must be established without fail. In this article we will look at the factors that provoke the occurrence of this symptom, as well as how to treat itching.
Causes
Poor hygiene
Dirt and sweat combine with non-pathogenic bacteria that reside on the surface of the skin. Although this process is completely natural, it can cause an itchy sensation. When the skin is covered with clothes, the itching will definitely become stronger, as the clothes rub against the already irritated skin.
To prevent this problem from occurring, it is recommended that you shower regularly as a way to ensure that your skin stays clean and dry at all times. Considering that high body temperature can worsen the condition, it is best to take only warm baths or showers using mild soap to preserve the natural oils present on the skin.
"Goose pimples
Keratosis pilaris is a condition in which the hair follicles found on the arms and legs may thicken. They are very similar to goose bumps and are often colored red or brown. This condition is known to cause inflammation of the hair follicles and also make the skin rougher and drier. A person suffering from keratosis pilaris can take care of the skin by doing exfoliating treatments, but there is a chance that it may occur again in the future. However, this problem goes away as you age.
Dry skin
Typically, dry skin tends to be inherited and is known to lead to itchy sensations. Using too much soap when bathing or showering many times a day can make her condition worse. Since this washes away natural fat, one of the functions of which is to protect against drying out.
Xerosis (xeroderma) is the medical name for dry skin. The problem is caused by a lack of moisture in the skin, which can be a result of aging (senile xerosis) or systemic diseases such as diabetes. It often appears on the skin below the knees, as well as on other hairy areas. The result is dry or even rough and thickened skin, which can progress to become extremely rough and scaly, flaky and itchy.
To prevent dryness, you can try the following:
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Every morning after waking up, about 200 ml of yellow light urine should come out if you have drunk enough
- Keep away from wind and direct sunlight
- Apply moisturizer after showering
- Use hydrocortisone ointment against itching. It is safe for short-term use and can be used by pregnant women after consulting a doctor.
Folliculitis
Infection of hair follicles leads to folliculitis. Staphylococcus aureas is the bacterium that causes this disease. After infection, painful bumps appear on the skin that are itchy and have a reddish tint.
The tubercles may have centers filled with fluids. This type of lump is common on the thighs and buttocks. This infection often occurs in athletes due to wearing tight clothing during training. In addition, it can also be transmitted from one person to another through the exchange of clothing items. To aid healing, it is recommended to keep the skin clean and dry at all times.
You can treat folliculitis:
- If a persistent rash is present, antibacterial soap or mupiracin ointments should be used
- For a serious infection that covers a large area of skin, your doctor may prescribe certain antibiotics.
Cholinergic urticaria
There are people who may experience hives on their thighs, arms, and torso after vigorous exercise or after a very hot shower. The condition is known as cholinergic urticaria. It causes intense itching that can last from thirty minutes to two hours. Dermatologists believe that people who suffer from cholinergic urticaria are often susceptible to allergic reactions to sweat.
You can use the following tips to prevent this condition from occurring:
- Try taking cooler showers
- Avoid vigorous exercise when the weather is too hot
- Take antihistamines thirty minutes before showering or before exercising to avoid any reaction
- As soon as hives begin to appear, you should take a break from training.
- Try not to scratch the rash as this may make the condition worse.
Static (varicose) eczema
The condition is also known as gravitational eczema. Varicose veins located in the lower legs can cause slow blood circulation in this area. When this happens, the affected skin takes on a purple, red, and rough appearance.
Static eczema is known to cause swelling in the affected area. It can be caused by deep vein thrombosis as well as conditions related to the blood vessels. For this type of condition, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids and treatment for the condition that causes eczema.
Restless legs syndrome
People who have a strong urge to move their legs all the time may suffer from a condition called restless legs syndrome. These include: itching or tingling when the legs are at rest. At present, the cause of this condition has not yet been determined. However, the condition can be alleviated by lifestyle changes, such as:
- Reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption
- Medicines against itching
- Reducing the intake of substances that may act as a trigger for itchy sensations.
Running without preparation
A person who has not been active for a long time and then suddenly starts running may experience severe itching on the legs below the knees. This sensation is actually irritation of a nerve located near the arteries in the muscles. To improve this type of itching, a person should start exercising properly.
Insect bites
Household or office insect bites can also lead to red bumps and severe itching on the lower legs. Most biting parasites can live on both pets and carpets.
Additionally, you may notice that other family members or co-workers experience the same symptoms after being bitten. It is necessary to ensure that carpets are treated properly and that all living areas are thoroughly cleaned to reduce the occurrence of the problem.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis or infected hair follicle.
With folliculitis, the hair follicles on the skin become infected. The bumps that appear are usually red in color and constantly itch and itch. They may also be filled with pus and become painful. They often appear on the thighs or buttocks, more often in athletes who wear tight sportswear.
Cause
This rash is usually caused by staph (staph infection).
Treatment and prevention at home
With proper hygiene, the lesions will heal on their own within a few days.
If the rash persists, antibacterial soap or ointment containing mupirocin may help.
For common infections, antibiotic tablets may be the most effective treatment.
Other causes (serious illnesses)
If you experience unexplained itching, you may find that it is caused by a drug side effect, disease process, or skin condition. Internal conditions that can cause itching include:
- Liver disease
- Leukemia
- Blood diseases
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Lymphoma
- Thyroid condition
- Cancer diseases.
It is recommended to visit a doctor for a thorough examination if you are bothered by causeless itching. At the same time, you should consider using an antihistamine or a quality moisturizer to relieve unpleasant symptoms.
Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a severe systemic disease. Due to high levels of glucose in the blood, all organs suffer: kidneys, liver, eyes, nervous system.
The blood supply to small vessels is also disrupted, so the skin and subcutaneous tissue do not receive adequate nutrition. This leads to the formation of trophic ulcers. They are often localized on the front of the legs.
Initially, small cracks appear on the skin. They take a very long time to heal, so they often become infected. This expands the lesion. The skin becomes covered with weeping erosions that are difficult to cure. The shin often itches.
Initial stage of ulcer formation Trophic ulcer Trophic ulcer
Trophic ulcers are a chronic process. If the patient does not normalize blood sugar levels, everything may end in amputation .
To treat such symptoms, local antibacterial ointments (Levomekol, Tetracycline, Erythromycin) are used. It is also necessary to take medications that improve tissue nutrition (vitamins, Ascorutin, Phlebodia).
Dry skin and itching
Dry itchy skin on the lower extremities is often considered a temporary problem that usually occurs during the winter. In some cases, it is considered a partial skin disorder that can lead to peeling, flaking, deep cracks, itching and redness in the affected areas.
Apart from the legs, this problem can also occur on other parts of the body, such as the arms, since these areas are more likely to be exposed to factors that cause dry skin.
Causes of this problem include:
- Weather changes
- Exposure to high temperature
- Hot baths and steam showers.
Scratched my leg to red spots
Many people have encountered a situation where red spots appeared on their legs for unknown reasons. This condition can be accompanied by various symptoms. Only an experienced doctor can determine the cause of such an illness. However, the main factors, as well as treatment approaches for itchy spots on the legs, will be discussed in the article.
Features of the pathology
If your legs itch and red spots appear (photo below), this may indicate the development of various pathologies in the body. The skin is a reflection of ongoing internal processes. If some system fails, the skin can become an indicator that reflects this.
Also, the epithelial layer is the first barrier to harmful microorganisms, toxins, allergens and other similar substances. If spots appear on it, this may indicate the appearance of an external irritant.
The skin can react to adverse factors in different ways. A rash or spots of quite large size may appear on it. The formations itch and peel off. Sometimes the epithelium becomes covered with blisters.
This condition causes anxiety, as well as physical discomfort in a person.
To take correct and timely action, you need to know what caused the stains to appear. They can be localized on both legs or only on one limb. Sometimes such manifestations do not cause discomfort.
In some cases, spots can be observed on the arms and legs. Such formations itch intensely or less intensely. In any case, this matter cannot be avoided without correct, in-depth diagnostics.
Therefore, you should definitely contact a qualified dermatologist.
According to ICD-10, itchy spots on the legs are designated by code L29. When they occur, a number of symptoms often appear. The main ones are the following:
- They appear in certain places. Most often, the spots are localized in the areas of the feet, knees, and legs. They can also cover the inner and outer thighs. Sometimes such formations cover the entire surface of the skin of the legs.
- The shape of the rash can vary. Sometimes these are just small dots, the color of which can be more or less intense. Sometimes the spots are quite large. Their color in this case is rich red.
- The formations may itch and peel off or secrete fluid. Sometimes there is no discomfort at all.
- Some patients experience an increase in body temperature. This is accompanied by chills and a general deterioration in health.
Depending on the symptoms, the doctor may suspect the development of one or another condition. However, diagnosis does not end with symptoms alone. A number of tests are required.
Allergy
If the red spots on your legs itch (photo below), this can be caused by various diseases. Often such formations are a sign of skin pathologies.
One of the most common causes is allergies. In this case, the pathology appears after the patient comes into contact with a certain substance. An allergen can be food, clothing, cosmetics, plants, etc.
You need to remember what events preceded the appearance of the spots.
If the cause is an allergy, the spots may appear not only on the legs. They can be seen on the face, hands, and body. In this case, the formation does not hurt, but the itching can be quite severe. The area of skin where the spot occurred may become slightly swollen. The skin here is peeling. Sometimes the swelling covers the legs completely.
With a significant area of allergic spots, the patient experiences a general deterioration in health. Breathing may be difficult, the tongue may swell, and it becomes difficult to swallow. In this case, you need to call an ambulance. Delay can be dangerous.
If spots appear on your leg and itch, you need to consult a dermatologist. An allergic rash can manifest itself not only as a similar rash, but also as small blisters and ulcers.
Fungus
If the spots on your legs itch, an equally common cause of such manifestations is fungal infections. Almost always, rashes appear on the feet, fingers or nails.
In rare cases, they are located on the area of skin below the lower leg. In this case, the rash is not hot to the touch and has clear contours. The spots peel and may become covered with small cracks.
In the advanced stage, skin peeling begins.
With fungal diseases (mycosis), the itching is quite severe. Treatment must be started immediately. Otherwise, the disease will enter an advanced stage and will appear again and again. The general condition of the patient with mycosis does not change. However, the discomfort can be very severe. The itching is replaced by pain as the infection affects the deeper layers of the skin.
Other pathologies
When spots on the leg itch (photo below), the cause may be several other common diseases.
These include:
- pityriasis rosea;
- psoriasis;
- eczema;
- atopic dermatitis.
The listed diseases lead in frequency of occurrence (after allergic reactions and mycoses).
With psoriasis, the rash is localized mainly on the bends of the arms and legs. Moreover, spots can appear on the scalp, as well as on the entire body. Rarely do they affect the face. The lesion may also involve the nail plates. The spots appear and go away spontaneously. Their appearance is not provoked by food, materials, etc. The general condition of the patient does not change.
If the spot on the leg does not itch or hurt, this is one of the symptoms of psoriasis. At the same time, its surface peels off. If itching occurs with diagnosed psoriasis, additional examination is necessary. This indicates the development of other pathologies against the background of this disease.
One of the types of mycoses is pityriasis rosea. This type of disease is not contagious (unlike regular fungal infections of the feet). Most often, the appearance of such a disease is explained by a weakened immune system. The spot has an uneven shape and peels off. Itching is moderate.
Another disease whose symptoms are rashes and spots on the skin is eczema. It can be in acute or chronic form. Eczema spots may be red and flaky. Sometimes papules appear on the skin. Sores may appear in areas where clothing rubs against the skin (for example, between the legs, under the armpits).
Another cause of this condition may be atopic dermatitis. The spots in this case are swollen and flaky. Their outline is blurry. Under the influence of cold, the disease develops more actively. When heated, the skin becomes cleaner.
Varicose veins
Red spots on the legs itch if more serious pathologies develop in the body. One of the reasons may be a complex pathology developing in the vessels of the legs.
Sometimes this situation indicates complications that have developed against the background of varicose veins.
Such changes in the epithelium can be located along the entire length of the limbs or only below, on the lower leg, below the knee, on the calves and in the area of the foot bone.
The disease manifests itself with certain symptoms. First, a network of vessels appears. They have a purple color. Over time, swollen veins in the legs may also appear. Sometimes this condition leads to the appearance of age spots. They can grow over time and spread higher up the leg.
The limbs may sometimes swell. Over time, the veins may turn blue. This indicates the further development of varicose veins. It is necessary to take the right actions even at the stage of the first signs of the disease. In advanced cases, major surgery will be required.
Spots with varicose veins indicate the development of complications. Blood accumulates in the vessels and stagnates in them. If the leg is swollen, redness appears that does not peel off, this indicates thrombophlebitis. The vessels become clogged with blood clots.
Their inflammatory process begins.
You should immediately consult a doctor if, in addition to red ones, blue or white spots appear on your leg. This indicates insufficient blood supply to the tissues. Over time, necrotic changes may develop.
Red spots on the legs itch with varicose veins due to insufficient supply of blood, oxygen and necessary substances to the tissues. If at the same time the toe (or several toes) begins to darken and turn black, this indicates the onset of gangrene.
We need to call an ambulance.
Sometimes the toe first turns red and then turns blue and black in the last stage of varicose veins. However, the same symptoms sometimes indicate complications of diabetes. In this case, trophic changes appear in the vessels. If no action is taken, defects develop on the fingers and toes.
Rare causes
Red spots on the arms and legs itch in a number of other diseases. They are diagnosed less frequently today. However, they cannot be excluded.
Sometimes red spots appear spontaneously, and then, for unknown reasons, go away on their own. When visiting a doctor, no traces of such skin rashes are observed.
In this case, the doctor may suspect disturbances in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. In this case, the innervation of the vascular wall is disrupted.
Source: https://kozhnye.ru/raschesala-nogu-do-krasnyh-tochek.html
Small itchy pimples
While they shouldn't be a cause for concern, it can be very annoying to have small bumps on your lower legs that itch. They tend to occur most often in the area below the knees and inner thighs. Pimples are usually small and raised.
In extreme cases, they can burst and crusts begin to form. There is a possibility that the itching is due to a rash, which often comes and goes on its own.
Red, itchy bumps appearing on your legs are not a cause for alarm. Many doctors have encountered this condition and therefore have the experience to make the correct diagnosis.
Even if you really want to, it is not recommended to scratch these rashes, as this can damage the skin, increasing the chances of infection. If the skin is already injured, it is recommended to use Neosporin or other more affordable healing ointments with an antibiotic on the affected area to prevent the possibility of infection.
Causes:
- Allergic reactions to latex, soap, poison ivy, and environmental factors
- Viral infections, such as chickenpox
- Vasculitis – inflammation and destruction of blood vessels
- Insect bites
- Skin diseases such as eczema.
Cholinergic urticaria
Reaction after contact with coniferous wood
Cholinergic urticaria appears as a bumpy rash on the thighs, upper torso, or arms, and can be caused by a variety of causes.
Sweating-induced hives can occur after exercise, after being in a hot room, or even during emotional reactions such as excitement, shock, laughter and stress. The rash may appear a few minutes after you start running or shortly after taking a hot shower; the skin may be very itchy for 30-120 minutes.
Causes
Doctors believe these symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction of the body to its own sweat.
Treatment and prevention
Avoid working in hot weather and stop working immediately if itching occurs. If possible, do not scratch the skin - scratching will worsen the itching. Antihistamines taken at least 30 minutes before showering or exercising may provide relief.
Itching at night
Although there are many diseases and dermatological conditions that can lead to this problem at night, in most cases it is caused by xerosis - too dry skin. The condition is very common during the winter season because there is very little moisture in the air. Most often, xeroderma develops on hairy areas of the skin, including the lower part of the legs.
Xerosis is not a serious problem and can be easily treated with moisturizing creams. But if the itching is accompanied by a rash or is chronic in nature, peeling or inflammation is observed, then some disease may be the cause. In this case, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Here are some other common reasons why your feet itch the most at night:
Allergic dermatitis
Also known as contact dermatitis, it occurs when a person is exposed to irritants such as plants, soaps, chemicals, lotions, and jewelry. Apart from being itchy at night, the condition is also known for being unsightly and accompanied by discharge, pimples and scabs. Additional sources of this irritation include bleaches, laundry detergents and wipes.
Bedbugs
These are tiny, blood-feeding insects that can live in hotel rooms and homes. Bed bugs love to hide in mattresses where they lay their eggs. At night they come out of hiding to feed on the blood of their hosts. Clean homes can also harbor these tiny insects as they use pipes and walls to move freely indoors. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, skin lesions left by bedbugs are very similar to mosquito and mosquito bites.
Systemic disease
According to Dr. Scott Moses, an American family physician, about fifty percent of nighttime itching in older adults is caused by systemic diseases such as kidney failure or chronic liver disease. Patients with a poorly functioning liver may experience this problem due to the accumulation of bile acid on the surface of the skin.
Chronic eczema
It appears as a rough, reddish or purple lump and causes itchy skin on the lower legs and feet. Occurs when there are circulatory problems, including varicose veins, vein thrombosis or other blood vessel diseases.
Causes
Inflammation from circulatory disorders allows fluid to accumulate in the skin. Leakage of fluid into other tissues causes irritation.
Treatment and prevention
Corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone, may help treat the rash.
Wearing compression stockings prevents problems with blood vessels in the legs.
Home Remedies
Recent research has shown that itching of the skin of the legs below the knees is a problem affecting many people around the world. Based on the severity of the condition, it can range from mildly annoying to unbearably severe, at which point it can interfere with normal sleep and other daily activities.
This type of itching can be caused by many factors, which include: allergic reactions, skin infections, reactions to detergents and soaps, and medications. Therefore, it is important to use a folk remedy based on the reason.
Baking soda
This is a remedy that can be found in many homes and is considered to be very effective when it comes to skin rashes and itchy sensations. Baking soda has a calming effect due to its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it also acts as a natural acid neutralizer, which can help relieve irritation.
- You need to take one cup of baking soda and add it to a bathtub filled with lukewarm water. You need to mix the water well to ensure the distribution of the soda. Take a bath for about thirty minutes. Then pat the body dry with a dry towel without rubbing the skin.
- Use this remedy once a day
- If the itching is localized, you can prepare a simple paste by combining one teaspoon of water with three teaspoons of baking soda. The paste should then be applied to the affected area and left for about ten minutes.
Colloidal oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is officially listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia.
This special home remedy helps soothe the skin. The home remedy has anti-irritant, soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that provide relief from itching and related symptoms.
- Add two cups of colloidal oatmeal to a bath filled with warm water. Take a bath for at least twenty minutes. It is recommended to avoid using hot water as this may further irritate the skin.
- Carry out this procedure at least twice a day.
- Alternatively, you can take a small amount of water and mix it with one cup of oatmeal. Once the mixture thickens, apply it to the skin and cover the area with a cloth. Leave the product on for at least half an hour.
- Apply this method once a day.
Since colloidal oatmeal is a product that is more popular in the West, regular oatmeal can be used as an alternative.
Cool water
Applying cold water to the affected areas should provide instant relief. You can use cool water in several ways:
- Take a cool bath or shower
- Direct tap water (cool) onto the area of skin that itches
- Wrap an ice cube in a cloth and wipe the affected area with it.
- Apply a damp cloth or cold compress to the problem area.
Other recommendations
The following rules will help alleviate the condition:
- maintaining a sleep schedule, taking sedatives;
- taking vitamins, especially group B and C (for example, rosehip decoction is useful);
- use of natural cosmetics;
- wearing clothes made from natural fabrics;
- drinking enough water per day;
- simple diet (exclude spicy food, canned food, sweets, alcohol).
Be sure to read:
How to get rid of dry and cracked heels
