Itchy legs: discover its causes to remedy it

Having suffered a mosquito bite or having excessively dry skin are two of the most common causes of itchy legs, but not the only ones. Sometimes this annoying sensation is related to problems or diseases that, apparently, have nothing to do with the lower extremities. Identifying it is key to being able to remedy it.

itchy legs: what are its possible causes?

Itching in the legs is a very common symptom and the factors that cause it are very varied. These are the main causes of itchy legs:

have dry skin (either due to environmental factors such as lack of humidity, the use of overly aggressive soaps or other reasons) is one of the most common causes of the itching in the legs. The lack of moisture and natural oils affects the skin’s barrier function and leads to loss of water, dryness and itchiness.Itchy legs due to poor circulation it is also very common. Poor circulation reduces nutrient supply and builds up toxins, as well as affecting nerve function in the legs. insect bites like mosquitoes or fleas, they also tend to cause mild itching (on the legs or other parts of the body), which is usually accompanied by iirritation and redness of the skinLikewise, it is common for the origin of the itching in the legs to be in skin disorderswhich can be transient or chronic, such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis either urticaria oh fungal or bacterial infections (like cellulite).

If the itching is accompanied by a rash, it may be a sign of a irritative reaction in the skin called contact dermatitis. Some of the triggers for this type of allergy are nickel, chemicals present in cosmetic products, or plants such as poison ivy. On the other hand, shaving legs with razor favors skin irritation (especially if it is sensitive) and ingrown hairs and, with it, itching.

Is the itching in the legs Could it be due to diabetes?

Some diseases related to our internal organs can cause itchiness all over the body, not just the legs. Among them are liver diseases, kidney diseases, anemia, thyroid problems and also diabetes.

In the specific case of diabetes, the nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)a common complication of this disease, causes various symptoms, such as itching, tingling, numbness, or burning sensation. This can happen when there are high blood sugar levels for a long period of time.

The poor blood circulationanother complication of diabetes, can cause dry skin and consequently make it more prone to itchiness.

Itchy legs when walking

When the itching in the legs is noticed when walking, one of the reasons may be the exercise induced urticaria (cholinergic urticaria), an itching or swelling of the legs, arms, torso or neck that occurs in response to increased body temperatureusually during or after physical exertion, such as walking.

On the other hand, one of the symptoms of peripheral arterial disease (PAD)which occurs when blood flow to the legs is reduced due to a narrowing of the arteries, is what is known as intermittent claudication, that is, pain, heaviness, discomfort or itching in the legs during exercise (especially in the calves).

Itchy legs after shower

He hot water or long showers and baths They can strip the skin of its natural oils and make it dry and itchy.

Similarly, if you have skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis or allergy to hygiene products such as soaps or shampoos, skin discomfort may increase after showering.

Itchy legs at night

Itching in the legs at night is quite common and is due to the fact that, while we sleep, the body temperature and blood flow increase naturally to keep the body warm.

The lack of moisture (due to weather conditions, air conditioning or heating) in the room where we sleep can also make the skin dry and itchy more than normal.

Another factor that can trigger itching is the allergy to detergents with which we wash bedding, or its own materials.

He Restless Leg Syndromea neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable need to move the legs, usually accompanied by itching and other discomfort, is another possible cause.