Itchy Legs

[lena41]

Dr. Rockoff,

I have had itchy legs for many years, even before my hysterectomy in 2003. Sometimes sweating starts it, sometimes a hot shower even if I don't shave, sometimes pain medication starts it off. But it feels like I have rubbed my legs with the fiberglass insulation in my attic. It starts off with one little spot, then spreads to both my upper and lower legs. I have to put on pants to make it calm down. liquid nor oral benadryl does not help, bio oil does not help aloe gel does not help, lotion does not help. The only thing that helps is covering my legs with either long pants or a blanket. Do I just have sensitive skin and is there a remedy out there I need to try? Thanks.

[lena41]

Hi,

Thank you for the quick response. I will definitely consult a dermatologist. In my case, my legs to not appear red at all but they are scaly.

Thanks again for responding. I will post an update after I am seen by a local doctor.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be venous eczema. It is due to valvular damage in leg veins and is due to past deep venous thrombosis (blood clot) or cellulitis (deep skin infection). The affected skin is red and scaly, itchy and may ooze, crust and crack. My advice would be to consult a dermatologist and get the diagnosis confirmed as treatment is diagnosis specific.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.