The human skin is sometimes affected by other sensations such as pain, burning, numbness, tingling and also itching. Itching of the legs is a common symptom that affects people of all ages. One or both legs are affected by the itching. The itching is variable in severity, duration and also location. Itching occurs with a condition or infection, but various environmental factors such as wearing pantyhose are also known risk factors for itchy legs. Some home remedies can often be used to relieve the symptoms. If the itching on the leg or legs persists, the symptoms worsen or there are other additional complaints, medical advice is needed to rule out other (skin) diseases or complications.

• Allergies to shoes and socks
• Cholinergic urticaria and itching of leg
• Exercise-induced anaphylaxis
• Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) and itchy legs
• Dry skin and leg itching

• Diseases
• Environmental factors

• Infections and itchy legs

• Folliculitis
• Tinea cruris

• Insect bites or insect stings
• Itchy pants syndrome
• Restless legs syndrome
• Other conditions
• Associated symptoms
• Treatment via home remedies and self-care

Allergies to shoes and socks

Itching of the ankles (itchy ankles) and/or itching of the feet (itchy feet) may be the result of an allergy to shoes and socks. A sock allergy is similar to itchy pants syndrome, in which the patient reacts to the fabric of socks. Shoe allergies are due to many different glues, dyes and tanning agents. An allergy test is sometimes necessary to determine the cause. This way, the patient is able to find shoes made without these chemicals.

Cholinergic urticaria and itching of leg

Cholinergic urticaria (heat urticaria) results from a rise in body temperature during exercise but also when taking a hot tub or visiting a sauna. Itching, swelling and mild hives are manifested. This rarely leads to anaphylaxis, the life-threatening drop in blood pressure that is fatal in severe allergic reactions. The treatment for cholinergic urticaria consists of:

• antihistamines (medicines to treat an allergic reaction)
• stop exercising at the first sign of flushing, itchy skin or hives
• avoiding exercise on hot or humid days
• reducing the intensity of training

Exercise-induced anaphylaxis

A life-threatening allergic reaction occurs when a patient makes an effort after eating certain foods or taking medications to which he is allergic. Shellfish, wheat, hazelnuts, grapes, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen), antibiotics, over-the-counter cold medications, and herbal supplements are possible triggers. The patient experiences fatigue, heat, itching and redness of the skin. This is followed by severe hives, fainting and unconsciousness. The patient may experience swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, choking, nausea and vomiting. Medical advice is also needed for milder symptoms. Some treatment methods are:

• always have epinephrine with you and know how to use it
• a comprehensive action plan for anaphylaxis
• wear a medical identification or alert bracelet
• practice with a person who is aware of the situation and willing to provide assistance if necessary
• Avoid triggering foods or trigger medications on the day before and the day of the training session

Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) and itchy legs

Patients with diabetes are more likely to suffer from itching in their legs. Diabetes mellitus is accompanied by many signs, including:

• dry skin
• slow wound healing
• extreme thirst (polydipsia)
• unexplained weight loss
• eye problems (diabetic retinopathy, red eyes, burning eyes, blurred vision, double vision, etc.)
• tingling and numbness in the hands, legs or feet
• frequent urination (pollakisuria)
• fatigue

Other conditions that cause nerve damage also sometimes cause itching of the leg(s), such as neurodermatitis.

Dry skin and leg itching

Itching of the legs also occurs in pregnant women / Source: PublicDomainPictures, Pixabay

Diseases

Itchy legs often result from skin conditions that lead to dehydrated skin, including:

• eczema (chronic skin disease with dry and itchy skin)
• ichthyosis vulgaris (skin disease with dry, flaky skin).
• keratosis pilaris (benign skin condition with small red papules near the hair follicles on the thighs, arms and other parts of the body)
• psoriasis (chronic skin disease with dry skin and flakes)
• statis dermatitis (skin above the ankles is often dry and itchy due to poor circulation)

Skin that feels dry also occurs with other conditions such as:

• acne (skin condition with inflammation of sebaceous glands)
• a pregnancy
• Sjögren’s syndrome (dry throat, dry eyes, dry mouth and other dry skin areas)
• hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland)
• varicose veins
• dehydration
• nutritional and vitamin deficiencies

Environmental factors

Natural skin aging also causes xerosis, the medical term for dry skin, to accelerate. Wearing tights is more likely to cause dry skin, resulting in itching on the legs. Furthermore, genetic factors play a role in the development of dry skin. The use of soap, also in combination with frequent showering, is another culprit of dry skin. It is important to keep the skin sufficiently moist with a moisturizer.

Infections and itchy legs

Folliculitis

After shaving or waxing the hair on the legs, an infection of the hair follicles may occur, better known as ‘folliculitis’. The skin infection causes painful red bumps with small pus heads to appear on the legs that itch. The staphylococcal bacteria Staphylococcus aureus is often the culprit. The doctor prescribes antibiotics for this infection.

Tinea cruris

If a fungus is present on the legs and in the groin, this may indicate tinea cruris (groin fungus). This fungal skin infection, which often affects athletes, leads to burning legs, itching, red to brown skin spots and/or flaking, peeling skin with cracks. The thighs, genitals and buttocks are also commonly affected. The doctor treats a fungal infection with antifungal agents.

Insect bites or insect stings

Another common cause of itchy skin is insect bites or insect stings, for example caused by fleas or bed bugs. This is often accompanied by red bumps, hives and intense itching.

Itchy pants syndrome

Certain pants cause an itchy, stinging and irritated feeling in the legs (especially in the thighs). This happens more quickly with pants that are not made of cotton. This is probably due to the textile finish or the presence of formaldehyde in the trousers. It is best for the patient to wear only pre-washed cotton trousers. Wearing skirts is another option. For the itching of the legs, the patient may use over-the-counter anti-itch medication.

Restless legs syndrome

With restless leg syndrome (restless leg syndrome), the leg muscles do not receive enough blood supply, causing an oxygen deficiency. This causes the patient to experience cramps, pain, tingling and/or itching in the lower legs and/or upper legs.

Other conditions

Some other conditions cause itchy skin on the leg or legs more quickly:

• certain types of cancer
• a chronic kidney disease
• a bile duct obstruction (blockage of bile ducts by gallstones)
• emotional stress or psychological disorders

Associated symptoms

A rash may develop on the leg or legs. This is sometimes present, causing itching, but sometimes the rash is also caused by scratching. Itching of the legs may cause problems with performing daily activities. Some patients even have to stop their training when they experience itching in their legs. Sleep problems also occur due to constant or intermittent (intermittent) itching. When tingling and/or numbness occurs in the legs, this often indicates a neurological problem, such as diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage caused by diabetes with pain). Patients with itching of the legs also report swollen legs or hives on the legs, arms, trunk or neck. In some patients, the itching worsens, causing anaphylactic shock. This life-threatening allergic reaction includes loss of consciousness or a blockage of the airways, resulting in breathing problems.The use of moisturizer is recommended / Source: Kiyok, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA-3.0)

Treatment via home remedies and self-care

Taking a hot bath is not recommended for itchy legs. Applying moist cream liberally is useful advice for reducing dry skin. The cream should contain lactate, menthol and phenol to relieve itching. Furthermore, the use of a gentle and neutral skin cleanser instead of soap is recommended. Finally, patients should avoid stress.

read more

• Swollen legs: Causes & treatment of leg swelling
• Leg cramps: Causes and tips for painful leg cramps
• Itching on lower legs: Causes of itchy skin on lower legs
• Itchy buttocks: Causes of itchy buttocks (buttocks itch)
• Itchy ankles: Causes of itching ankle or ankles