Most of us tend to associate rashes with the face or the back. But rashes and eruptions on the legs is a very common skin disease which may occur in isolation or as a part of body skin disease.
The common conditions that exist with itching and scaling on legs are:
- Lichen Planus: Lichen Planus is another chronic disease caused by abnormal immune reaction on legs by viral infection. They appear like little violet colored, extremely itchy bumps. These eruptions often form ugly, thick and plaque-like patches which are unsightly in appearance. The condition is episodic and may last for 6 to 9 months with chances of reoccurrence. Severely affected lichen planus may persist longer and may need not only the treatment but also care for relief from itching and unhappy appearance of skin.
- Eczema: Even though there are various types of eczemas, neurodermatitis is a variety that occurs only on legs and is very rarely seen on other parts of the body. It causes a constant dry patch which occurs mostly around the ankles. It results in itching, particularly during night or whenever one is idle. It is a psychosomatic condition, which occurs when the person is under stress. The application of liberal amounts of oily products and a conscious effort to avoid scratching can provide relief from itching. Another common cause of eczema results from the presence of enlarged, weak and twisted varicose veins that appear near skin surface of lower legs. Such eczema causes the legs to have a red, dry and scaly appearance. Apart from applying oil/cream, wearing of stockings may give comfort.
- Ichthyosis: Ichthyosis is an inherited abnormal disease/disorder of the skin and is also known as Fish skin disease. It results in the accumulation of dead skin cells in the form of thick, dry scales over the skin. In normal course the growth, shedding and drying of the skin cells happen unnoticed. But for people with Ichthyosis, the production of new skin cells is faster than shedding. Such activities are more pronounced in cold and dry conditions and seem to improve during summer. People with Ichthyosis are required to take daily baths, apply oil/cream and exfoliate their skin on daily basis.
Causes of itchy rash on legs
Several factors contribute for the outbreak of itchy rash on legs including Eczema or hives. The causes that bring the acute condition are given below:
- Allergic reactions: Millions suffer from allergic reactions to different substances, commonly found in certain medicines and which react with side effects to bring about the development of itchy rash on legs. The use of inappropriate skin care products can also cause itchy rash on legs and hence one should check the ingredients of chemicals present in them. One should ensure that the soap which they are using should suit their skin, otherwise it may also become a cause for developing itchy rash on legs.
- Excessive scratching: A sensitive skin can react negatively when one scratches to subside the itching with the help of long and sharp nails. Such aggressive scratching can aggravate the itching leading to more scratching that results in damage to the outer layer of skin. This can trigger several conditions of the skin such as eczema and result in itchy rash on legs
- Tight clothing: Wearing tight clothing or socks leaves no room for the skin to breathe and this can result in the development of itchy rash on legs. Normally the fabrics go through a lot of chemical processing, which may not suit the skin and may therefore cause itchy rash on legs when it comes in contact with the skin of legs or upper portions of the legs.
- Presence of dry skin: This may also cause itchy rash on legs. Dry skin may result from certain kinds of diseases, dehydration, genetic factors, etc.
- Poor hygiene: Poor personal hygiene can result in the accumulation of dust and other skin irritants and thus cause itchy rash on legs
- Conditions such as cholinergic urticaria, folliculitis, body acne, restless leg syndrome can also result in the development of itchy rash on legs.
- Some individuals may develop itchy rash on legs just after a prolonged shower or after an intense and prolonged session of running that follows long periods of inactivity.
Treatment of itchy rash on legs
The treatment for itchy rash on legs depend on the factors that caused it. Even though it is not a worrisome condition, it may lead to severe itching and inconvenience. Avoiding the irritants may make one free from skin rash in due course of time. Drinking of plenty of water and vegetable juice without sugar may help to get rid of itchy rash on legs.
Whether the itchy rashes are present on legs or hands, one may agree that the skin condition is quite uncomfortable. A constant irritation and itching are the symptoms of itchy rash which become intolerable after some time. To get relief from the discomfort, one has to use moisturizers like Vaseline petroleum jelly or any other prescribed cream like products.