Most everyone has experienced itchy skin on their legs at some point in their lives. It’s uncomfortable and annoying, and can make you feel self-conscious. Most of the time, itchy legs aren’t a cause for concern, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. The simplest explanations include dry skin (hello, endless months of winter!), a bug bite, or a reaction to shaving. Annoying? Yes. Worrisome? No. These simple explanations as to why the skin on your legs is itching can often be managed with simple home remedies like applying lotion or aloe vera, or switching out a dull razor for a fresh blade (via Medical News Today).
The itchy skin on your legs could also be a side effect of a medication you are taking. Oftentimes, drugs like anticonvulsants, penicillin-based antibiotics, and chemotherapy meds will result in itchy skin on your legs. You may also be suffering an allergic reaction to skin products or have an undiagnosed skin condition such as scabies, eczema, or psoriasis (via WebMD).
Itchy legs could be a sign of something more serious
It might take a while to identify the reason the skin on your legs is suddenly itchy. Be aware that it could signal a much more serious underlying condition. Itchy leg skin can also be a sign of nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy. Other medical causes of itchy legs are Hodgkin’s lymphoma, HIV, or kidney problems (via Medical News Today).
Of course, it’s unsettling to find out that annoying itch on your legs could be a sign of something serious. But before you jump to conclusions, make an appointment with a health care professional first. This is especially true if the itch doesn’t go away after two weeks of home remedies, is causing you to lose sleep, or is accompanied by extreme tiredness or fever (via WebMD). Before you scratch that itch, consider why it is there in the first place. Be sure not to scratch your health off the top of your priorities list.
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