Itchy skin on the legs below the knees is always accompanied by unpleasant sensations and a feeling of discomfort. Often the condition is accompanied by uncontrolled scratching of the skin, literally leading to bleeding wounds and scabs. This condition requires urgent medical attention and special treatment. This may be an alarming signal: there are problems with the body that require immediate intervention.
The reasons that can provoke severe burning and itching on the legs below the knees may be signals from internal organs. Local allergic reactions should also not be excluded. The latter case does not affect the internal organs, but the patient’s condition worsens, and the discomfort is alarming.
Skin diseases are a known cause of itchy feet. The itching is constant and intense, accompanied by hyperemia, rash, red spots, and pustules. Dermatitis specifically targets the legs. It is chronic. The appearance of varying degrees of complexity is natural. If dermatitis occurs in childhood or adolescence, then irritating factors are excluded. The right diet is chosen and the air in the room is constantly humidified.
Only then does the formation of hormonal levels help cope with complications without leaving serious consequences for the child. Often diagnosed as atopic dermatitis in children, it is a reaction to food. Biological, physical and chemical irritants are neutralized. Contact with plants is minimized. There is also an opinion that dermatitis is a hereditary pattern.
Causes associated with allergic reactions are common for modern people. Rashes and tingling can be caused by contact with household chemicals, washing powder, shower gel. Poor quality material and fabric of clothing also provoke allergic reactions throughout the body. Allergy clinic - severe hyperemia with itching, rash and peeling. Determining this reason is quite simple: if in the area of irritation you constantly use the same cream, gel, wear the same socks, and rashes appear after contact, it means that you are allergic to a certain type of pathogen. The dangerous thing is not the rashes as such, but the consequences: asthma, eczema, infection through damaged areas of the skin.
The fungus occurs by infecting a previously affected area. Dermatitis, allergies, mechanical damage, insect bites - this is only the first reason. Then the infection process occurs through the affected area. The wound gets infected, characterized by severe itching and redness. Fungal spores cause allergies, but not vice versa. The correct diagnosis can only be determined by a dermatologist.
Among infections, a large number of cases belong to keratomycosis. This disease is localized in the form of a fungus in the surface layer of the epidermis. The group of keratomycosis includes pityriasis versicolor, as well as actinomycosis. The clinical manifestation in the form of light brown spots, sometimes with a pinkish tint, with noticeable pityriasis-like peeling makes the disease one of the safest if treatment measures are taken in a timely manner.
Characteristic spots all over the body, as well as on the lower extremities of the legs. There are no inflammatory processes, only a low sensitivity threshold is observed. The radius of the lesion grows if the disease is not treated. It occurs in both children (adolescence) and adults over 30 years of age.
The ideal environment for the development of the fungus is sweat. Hyperhidrosis provokes infection with pathogenic organisms that cause pathological and complex additional fungal skin diseases. Treatment of lichen is based on the ability of lesions to respond to ultraviolet light. The spots merge with other spots that have scalloped outlines. But since damaged and rough skin cannot absorb it, certain techniques are used to obtain the required amount of ultraviolet radiation.
Diagnosis of tinea versicolor is carried out in several ways. One of the simplest is to have a specialist examine the affected areas on tanned skin along with a test using iodine. Scraping examinations obtained from scaly scaly patches reveal the exact cause as well as the extent of the lesion. Treatment is long-term and must be under the supervision of a doctor. Medicines containing intraconazole and terbinofine accumulate in the body over a long period. The peculiarity of this disease is the fact that a complete cure is extremely rarely achieved. These may be periodic exacerbations and stages of remission, accompanied by the complete disappearance of symptoms.
However, at the first violation of hygiene, a stressful situation, or change of water, exacerbations may occur. Basic hygiene rules (avoid using other people's clothes and shoes) will help reduce the risk of this disease.
Poor nutrition is the reason that causes itching below the knees. This type of allergy often occurs in bottle-fed children. In such cases, consultation with a pediatrician is necessary. Food allergies also occur in adults. Powerful allergens - citrus fruits, exotic fruits, carrots, dairy products - become those allergens that form rashes even in a completely healthy person.
If itching and slight tingling are often observed both below and above the knees, this may be the cause of an existing disease of the cardiovascular system. It is necessary to check and track your condition and worsening symptoms throughout the day. Vascular diseases are characterized by such features as weakness and heaviness in the legs even after a short walk. At the end of the working day, my legs simply “hum”, and the aching pain does not go away even after applying ointments. This is due to the fact that the walls of blood vessels cannot respond correctly to the constant change in cardiac biorhythm.
Unprepared vessels do not expand, and with a slight expansion, they do not allow thick blood to be pumped evenly and constantly throughout the body. Delay in diagnosis and treatment can cause serious irreversible complications that can only be solved surgically.
Psoriasis is a little-studied disease that provokes a number of complications, including itching around the knee and lower leg. A characteristic feature of this disease can be considered additional symptoms such as the appearance of a spot with peeling edges, redness and constant itching in the wound area. The desire to itch does not disappear even after using special creams.
Treatment in such a situation is temporary relief of symptoms by applying antihistamine ointments, a mandatory diet (without red, meat, fat, milk protein and fat) and taking sedatives (exacerbation of the disease most often occurs against the background of severe and constant stress to the body).
Psoriasis affects not only the superficial tissues of the skin, but if severely neglected, it can deform the joint near the lesion. Treatment is completely impossible at the moment. Since doctors do not know the cause and characteristics of the disease in humans, there is no way to influence the complete cure of the disease. Treatment is in the nature of preventive measures and relief of symptoms during exacerbation.
Itchy skin on the legs or below the knees can also be caused by insufficient hormone secretion and diabetes. As a result of metabolic processes, the body cannot cope with large amounts of acids and carbohydrates and throws everything out in the form of spots. Such spots turn red, peel and itch. The high level of discomfort that can be observed for several days can be relieved with the help of special creams and ointments, which, however, only relieve symptoms.
Skin diseases, rashes and a burning sensation, itching are almost always the result of a serious disease of the internal organs. If the problems are systematic, it is quite possible that the problem is due to allergies. However, in any case, any uncharacteristic rash and itching should prompt a visit to the doctor.
Itching of the lower extremities is associated with skin irritation. Typically, discomfort is not a separate disease; it is a consequence of pathologies in which the peeling of the stratum corneum of the epidermis increases. If the unpleasant sensations are short-term, this is the body’s reaction to external or internal factors. Prolonged irritation is a more dangerous condition that requires consultation with a specialist, careful diagnosis and adequate treatment.
To find out why your feet are very itchy, you need to understand the causes of the discomfort and identify other symptoms. The condition is often accompanied by a rash, redness and even swelling. The itching may be more severe in the evening and will subside in the morning. Sometimes the discomfort is so severe that the patient scratches the skin until there are bleeding abrasions. Infection gets into the wounds, which leads to aggravation of the disease and various complications.
Legs below the knees may itch due to the following factors:
A pathology in which rashes on the epidermis are chronic. Symptoms depend on the nature of the disease. The acute stage has clear signs of inflammation, accompanied by pain, itching, patients complain of a burning sensation in the ankle area. Blisters may appear on the surface, followed by scarring.
The chronic form has a different picture: severe itching in the extremities, red spots appear below the knees, focal thickening of the skin, stagnant areas, swelling of the fissure. In the last stages, atrophy of the integument is observed. The disease has no age restrictions, affects women, men, and occurs in children.
Doctors divide dermatitis into several types:
Treatment of dermatitis depends on the factors that caused the disease. The doctor refers the patient for tests to find out the full picture and prescribes complex therapy, which includes a diet. In mild cases, folk remedies help: herbal decoctions, homemade ointments. In complicated situations, the specialist prescribes antihistamines.
2. Allergic reactions.
To find out the reasons why your feet itch, it is better to undergo an examination. This will help the dermatologist and allergist to get a complete picture of the pathology, prescribe the most effective treatment and provide maximum assistance to the patient. There are a number of diseases accompanied by itching and redness.
1. With diabetes mellitus, severe dehydration of the body occurs. Loss of moisture causes dryness of the epidermis. It is characteristic that the itching does not disappear; it can only be removed with drug treatment for a while.
2. Fungal viruses are dangerous; infection occurs in public places, through contact with a sick person, or someone else’s shoes. Regardless of the type of mycosis, the legs itch, blisters and cracks appear. With lichen pathogens, itching and rashes are observed on the legs, rarely affecting the feet.
3. Inflammation of the veins is characterized by peeling of the extremities; with varicose veins and thrombosis, blood circulation is impaired. Stagnation leads to itching, swelling, and the skin changes color. Also, when there is a blockage, a burning sensation occurs due to the high permeability of the vascular walls. These signs are considered primary and are worth paying attention to.
4. All kinds of stressful situations are accompanied by itching in the area of the legs below the knees. Neuroses are manifested not only by irritability, depression, sleep disorders, but also by somatic symptoms, such as itchy arms and legs. In this case, treatment begins with a neurologist or psychotherapist. If eliminating the causes does not improve the skin condition, the patient should seek help from a dermatologist. Experts note that neurotic rashes are more often observed in men over the age of 30.
Ways to eliminate itching
Doctors are taking measures to strengthen the immune system, normalize the functioning of the secretion glands, and try to restore the functions of internal organs. The complex includes the use of antihistamines, sedatives, and antifungal medications if necessary. The patient is also referred for physiotherapy and ointments are prescribed.
First of all, the patient needs to apply a cold compress to alleviate the condition, provided that the epidermis has not been damaged by low temperatures. It is recommended to avoid hot showers; the water should be warm. After hygiene procedures, the limbs should be treated morning and evening with a moisturizing cream or ointment. It is important to test for allergic reactions.
If only the legs below the knees itch, the itching is caused by serious pathologies. This could be a fungus, endocrine disorders, liver failure. In such cases, complex treatment is required, using appropriate medications. Varicose veins and thrombosis have clear symptoms, so the clinical picture helps to ensure adequate therapy almost immediately.
Under no circumstances should you treat yourself or buy the first ointment you come across, as rashes can be caused by allergic reactions.
Itchy skin on the legs below the knees is a consequence of inflammation or irritation of the epithelium. The reasons for this can be very different: diseases of the skin or internal organs, allergies, stress. To eliminate an unpleasant symptom, you need to find out and treat the cause.
Dermatitis is characterized by an inflammatory process. Red scaly spots, burning and itching appear. There is a local increase in temperature and the formation of bubbles. In the chronic form, inflammation of the skin appears regularly.
Dermatitis can be caused by stress and hereditary predisposition, and external irritants only aggravate its course.
Psoriasis is a non-infectious disease that manifests itself as red, dense bumps and peeling. The rashes often itch, but you should not scratch the skin, otherwise the condition will only worsen.
If you suspect skin diseases, you should visit a dermatologist.
Sometimes your legs itch below the knees due to allergies, which are caused by a weakened immune system. The rash may itch in the morning and evening; constant contact with the allergen only worsens the situation.
Urticaria appears on the legs, which is treated with antihistamines. Otherwise, it spreads more and more over the skin, the red spots gradually merge into a single whole and constantly itch. Scratching can cause infection
Varicose veins and vascular pathologies are caused by improper venous outflow and trophic changes in tissue. The disease usually appears in people of middle age and older. The skin itches, hurts, and red plaques appear.
Diabetes mellitus sometimes leads to the appearance of red itchy spots . The skin becomes dry and loses elasticity, and is easily injured.
Liver and kidney diseases sometimes manifest as rashes that irritate the skin and itch. At the same time, bitterness in the mouth, weakness, and other symptoms associated with organ dysfunction appear.
If your legs itch below the knees until they bleed, treatment cannot be delayed. Strict medical supervision is required.
If women's legs below the knees itch during pregnancy, the reason lies in hormonal changes and serious stress on the body.
At the end of the second semester, women experience active weight gain and stretching of the skin. Tight and dry skin begins to itch and turn red. This is a natural process, but for diagnosis and control it is necessary to see a doctor. Intense itching, pain and swelling indicate pathologies.
Sometimes increased skin sensitivity is associated with hormonal changes. It manifests itself as night itching of the legs, discomfort, and a feeling of heaviness. Pregnant women should be observed by a doctor and promptly notify him of such changes.
To soothe irritated skin:
If your leg itches below the knee, try to identify the cause as soon as possible. Treating vascular problems with antihistamine ointment will not bring results. You should not make a diagnosis or prescribe therapy on your own.
Feeling hot below the knee is not necessarily associated with serious illness. The reasons may lie on the surface, and the problem can be solved by changing habits or selecting suitable clothes, shoes, and cosmetics.
A burning sensation in the legs, accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, fatigue, and pain, most often occurs after a stressful day spent on your feet. After a short or overnight rest, these symptoms usually disappear completely.
This reaction of the body is associated with a mechanical, that is, compressive effect on the vessels. When the legs are squeezed for a long time by tight or uncomfortable shoes, tight or tight clothing, blood flow in the lower extremities is disrupted. After eliminating the compressive factors, the vessels expand sharply, a rapid flow of blood occurs, which is accompanied by a burning sensation.
Skin reactions occur as a result of contact exposure to allergens. The following may be irritating factors:
After spending some time in such clothes and shoes, you can experience almost the entire spectrum of allergic symptoms in the form of burning and itching, redness and rash on the skin of the legs and feet.
Often, inadequate skin reactions occur due to the use of cosmetics. This effect can occur as a result of:
To eliminate burning of the legs and feet in such cases, it is enough to stop contact with the allergen.
When burning in the legs occurs for no apparent reason, is repeated too often, is present for a long period, or causes severe pain, the problem may be pathological in nature and indicate the presence of serious diseases.
Fungal infections that affect the skin are most often found on the feet. You can become infected with a fungus that causes damage to the feet either in public places (baths, saunas, swimming pools), or by sharing a bath, towel, or clothing with an infected person.
A fungal disease begins with peeling, redness, and itching of the skin between the fingers. As the infection spreads, signs of fungus are found in other areas of the feet. The skin thickens and cracks. If the fungus has penetrated the nail plates, they turn yellow, flake and crumble.
Burning feet may be the first signal of a fungal infection. Patients who do not observe other visual signs of infection often do not suspect the presence of such a pathology.
Other dermatological problems accompanied by burning of the skin on the legs include:
Such pathologies do not go away on their own and require proper treatment.
Thanks to the vascular system, all tissues and organs of the human body are provided with the proper amount of oxygen and nutrients.
When vascular pathologies occur in the lower extremities, muscle tissue and nerve endings located below the knees are deprived of the necessary nutrition. As a result, frequent spasms, burning, and numbness are observed.
Such conditions occur under the influence of certain vascular diseases:
With vascular diseases, patients are concerned about severe swelling, fatigue, problems with movement, periodic cramps and burning in the legs.
In diabetes mellitus, excess glucose negatively affects small blood vessels. As a result, a complication appears, which has received the separate name “diabetic foot”. With this pathology, patients complain of:
In advanced stages, ulcers and tissue death may appear.
Another metabolic disease accompanied by a burning sensation is gout. The pathology can spread to any joints, but the primary symptoms are most often observed when the big toes are affected.
Attacks of gout are accompanied by:
To ensure the absence of diseases such as diabetes and gout, it is necessary to conduct a blood test for sugar and uric acid levels.
A burning sensation in the legs below the knees, a violation of the thermal balance, in which the feet and palms periodically become too cold or begin to burn, the body responds to disruptions in the functioning of the nervous system. Such reactions occur during:
Direct damage to the nerve fibers in the legs occurs with polyneuropathy.
Any disease of a degenerative, inflammatory, metabolic nature, including knee injury, can be accompanied by compression of nerve endings. As a result, painful processes occur (burning, numbness) spreading below the affected joint.
The same reactions can be observed when the nerve tissues of the sacrolumbar spine are compressed.
Many diseases accompanied by a burning sensation in the legs below the knees can be complicated by a complete loss of sensation and motor abilities. Therefore, if you feel an unreasonable burning sensation in your legs, you urgently need to find out the true origin of the pathology.