Itchy lower legs are a common complaint among people, and while it’s easy to deny it as an allergy or dry skin, persistent itching below the knees may be your body’s way of telling you something more is going on. In some cases, it can be an early warning of underlying vein problems, including chronic venous insufficiency. In this guide, we’ll discuss the causes of itchy legs below the knees, the symptoms and when to get medical advice.
Health conditions and problems, such as insect bites and shaving, can cause itchy lower legs. Some causes are quite common, and some are more serious. When the causes of itchy lower legs are harmless, a person can seek relief from over-the-counter medications and other home remedies. But some underlying problems need professional diagnosis and treatment.
Dry skin commonly leads to itchy legs. Dry Skin If the skin on your legs is dry, and looks flaky, scaly or cracked, you may have dry skin. It is more common in winter, because of the low humidity and cold weather. Too frequent bathing, showering and swimming can also dry your skin. Older adults are more prone to dry skin, especially on the lower legs, elbows, and arms. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses fat, which can make it more prone to dryness.
Flea bites, chigger bites, mosquito bites and bed bug bites can all cause severe itching. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or have pets in your home, you may be more susceptible to a bug bite. The body reacts to insect bites with an inflammatory response that makes the area itchy. The itchiness may be accompanied by raised red bumps or rash on your skin when insect bites are the reason.
Contact dermatitis happens when something irritates your skin or causes an allergic reaction. You might develop itchy skin, blisters or rash hours or days after contact with allergens. Over 15,000 different substances can cause an allergic reaction on the skin. Personal care products like lotion, cosmetics, and certain soaps often contain ingredients that can cause itchy legs.
Diabetes can affect many major organs, including your skin. Diabetic people are more prone to developing skin infections, skin rashes, and dry skin.
Poor circulation can result in skin changes, including itchy, dry skin in the legs and other parts of the body. Some of the vein diseases that can cause itching include:
Atopic dermatitis is a common cause of itchy skin. On the lower leg, dermatitis may appear as red and swollen patches of skin. In milder cases of dermatitis, the irritated patches may appear scaly and dry. Blisters may be a part of the rash in more severe cases of dermatitis. Other conditions that can cause itchy lower legs include:
Shaving techniques and products can cause itchiness in the lower legs. Friction from razor blades can scrape and cause skin irritation, while harsh chemicals in shaving creams can also irritate the skin.
Conclusion
There can be many reasons for itchy legs below the knee. You can get in touch with a general practitioner at Magnus Medical, the most trusted bulk-billing medical centre Glenroy. Our doctors will diagnose and provide an effective treatment plan to help you get rid of itchy legs below the knee.
