The onset of itchy legs is a relatively common symptom, but is more common in adults or the elderly, as in most cases it is related to poor blood circulation that ultimately does not return adequately to the heart and, as a result, builds up.slight swelling and itching.
However, there are several causes of itching, ranging from simple conditions, such as dry skin, to more serious problems, such as liver or kidney disease, so ideally if itching persists for several days disappears or is recurrent, consult a family doctor or dermatologist, to assess if there are any health problems and start the most appropriate treatment.
Discover the 6 most common causes of leg itching
Dry skin can occur at any age, especially in people who do not use any type of moisturizer, but it is especially more common with age, as the skin loses its hydration capacity.
Although itching is usually accompanied by other signs such as peeling of the skin, whitish areas or even redness, there are several cases in which it is not and itching is the only symptom.
What to do: One of the most effective ways to keep your skin well hydrated is to drink the right amount of water a day, but also to use a moisturizer frequently.See how much water you should drink per day.
In dry skin, poor circulation is another major cause of itchy legs, because with age, the valves in the veins of the legs, which help blood return to the heart, weaken and make it difficult to push. blood up.
With blood buildup, tissues receive less oxygen and eventually accumulate more toxins, so it’s common to have a slight itchy sensation that gets worse throughout the day, other common symptoms in these situations include leg swelling, tingling and pain.feeling of heavy legs, for example.
Poor circulation is more common in people who stay awake for a long time or who have conditions that increase pressure on the vessels and impair circulation, such as high blood pressure or heart failure.
What to do: A good way to quickly relieve itching caused by poor circulation is to massage the legs, applying a slight pressure from the ankles to the groin. However, avoiding standing for a long time, not crossing your legs and resting your legs also helps prevent itching. Discover 5 homemade ways to relieve poor circulation in your legs.
Itchy legs can often be just a symptom of insect bites. This is because many insects, such as certain types of mosquitoes, prefer to bite their legs, as they are easily discovered parts of the body, especially during the summer.
Therefore, if other symptoms appear, such as small bumps or small red spots on the skin, in addition to itching, this may indicate that this is actually a sting.
What to do: A practical way to relieve the itching caused by an insect bite is to apply an ointment to the ointment, such as Polaramine or Andantol, for example, but spending an ice cube over the area or applying a cold compress can also help relieve itching.See more examples of ointments to pass the sting.
Contact dermatitis is a type of skin allergy that results from contact with a substance or object that irritates the skin. For example, pants are more common over a long period of time, especially when the fabric is synthetic, such as polyester or elastane. This type of tissue does not allow the skin to breathe, so it can easily cause a skin reaction.
Symptoms of dermatitis can also include redness of the skin, flaking and the presence of small sores on the skin.See a list of symptoms that help identify contact dermatitis.
What to do: it is usually enough to remove your trousers and let the skin breathe, however, if symptoms do not improve, even after the shower, it is ideal to go to the dermatologist, since in some it may be necessary to apply corticosteroid ointments.
People with diabetes who don’t get the right treatment, or who don’t know they have diabetes, can develop complications, one of which is neuropathy, in which nerve endings are damaged by excess blood sugar, causing symptoms such as tingling and itching.skin.
The first places that are usually affected by neuropathy are the feet, legs or hands, so itching in these places can be a symptom of diabetes. Some symptoms that can make a person suspected of diabetes include a frequent need to urinate, thirst and excessive hunger, and rapid weight loss.
What to do: If you suspect diabetes, it is important to consult a family doctor for blood tests and confirmation of diagnosis, initiating appropriate treatment.Take our online test to see if you’re at risk for diabetes.
Although itching is rarer, itching in the legs may also be the first sign of a kidney or liver problem. Normally, the liver and kidneys help filter and cleanse the blood, so if they don’t function properly, some toxins can build up in tissues and cause itchy skin.
In addition, other health problems, such as hyper hyper or hypothyroidism, can also cause itchy skin, with special attention to the legs. See a list of symptoms that may indicate liver problems and another for kidney problems.
What to do: It’s best to see a family doctor, or even a dermatologist, to try to identify the cause of your leg itching. If a liver or kidney problem is suspected, your doctor may refer you to another specialist or even order various tests such as urine tests, ultrasounds, or blood tests, for example.