When To See A Healthcare Provider
Many cases of itchy legs can improve significantly with over-the-counter products and at-home remedies. However, there are some cases where you will need to see a healthcare professional:
- Intense itching that does not go away with the use of moisturizers or other at-home treatment methods
- Itchiness is accompanied by a rash that continues to get worse
- The itch interferes with your ability to get a good nights sleep
Any symptoms of another type of disease along with itchy legs could be indicative of an underlying health condition. In this case, you should book an appointment with your healthcare provider.
Yellow Reddish Or Brown Patches On Your Skin
Necrobiosis Lipoidica
This skin condition often begins as small raised solid bumps that look like pimples. As it progresses, these bumps turn into patches of swollen and hard skin. The patches can be yellow, reddish, or brown.
You may also notice:
- The surrounding skin has a shiny porcelain-like appearance
- You can see blood vessels
- The skin is itchy and painful
- The skin disease goes through cycles where it is active, inactive, and then active again
necrobiosis lipodica.
Take action
- Get tested for diabetes, if you have not been diagnosed.
- Work with your doctor to better control your diabetes.
- See a dermatologist about your skin. Necorbiosis lipodica is harmless, but it can lead to complications.
What Does Itchy Skin Without A Rash Mean
Itchy skin without a rash is a less-common symptom of iron deficiency anemia. However, it may occur due to the lack of iron in your blood, which takes a toll on your skin. Iron deficiency anemia can be treated by taking iron supplements and eating more iron-rich foods. In severe cases, iron can be given intravenously.
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How Can I Stop Itching Fast
First and foremost, moisturize! Check your blood sugar levels to make sure they arent high. If they are, get on lowering your blood sugar levels to combat the itching that is caused by your high blood sugar levels. For people with diabetes, staying on top of blood sugar levels is crucial!
Other remedies:
S You Can Take To Prevent Diabetic Neuropathy
You can help avoid diabetic neuropathy by keeping your blood sugar levels within your target range, which will help protect the blood vessels that supply your nerves.
You should also check your feet every day and have your feet checked by a healthcare professional once a year. This is particularly important if you think youve lost the feeling in your feet. Speak to your diabetes healthcare team for advice if you think youre developing any signs of neuropathy.
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Itching Can Point To Serious Illness
An itch can point to serious skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis. It can also be an indication of a serious underlying illness. These include liver disease, kidney failure, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid problems and certain cancers, including multiple myeloma and lymphoma.5
Talk with your doctor if you have a skin condition or itching that persists. Seeking medical help is especially important if you develop a cut or irritation that wont heal or find that your itchiness is causing you to have sleep problems and feel anxious.
For your overall skin health and comfort, a little daily care and attention will go a long way toward keeping the occasional itch from developing into something much more serious. Remember to do the basics: keep your skin clean and dry, moisturize, stay hydrated, and if you do end up with a cut or blister take care of it immediately.
Modify Your Diet Before Calling Your Doctor
Bergamo says if youre having some of these subtle symptoms try a low-carb diet of protein and green leafy vegetables. Avoid sugary drinks and drink at least 2 liters of water for a few days to see if these symptoms get better.
Subtle symptoms could be just that youre eating too many carbs and your body cant handle it, Bergamo says. It doesnt necessarily mean you have diabetes, but its a wake-up call that maybe youre headed that way.
If you have any symptoms that are frightening such as sudden numbness, weakness or chest pains, call your doctor immediately.
Are you concerned about diabetes? Talk to your doctor about having your blood glucose levels tested. Need a doctor? Find one near you.
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What Are The Complications Of Diabetic Foot
The diabetic foot is the cause of serious complications. Indeed, the poor blood circulation linked to diabetes weakens the tissues and favors the appearance of skin lesions. A diabetic foot is usually insensitive to pain, resulting in a delayed diagnosis. In addition, if there is itching associated with the wound, the patient tends to scratch heavily, which increases the risk of superinfection.
The most severe cases attack the bone . In order to stop the spread of gangrene, amputation of one or more toes, or even the foot, is sometimes necessary. This can also lead to deformities of the diabetic foot.
How To Soothe Diabetic Itchy Feet
Diabetes can lead to itchy skin anywhere on the body but feet are particularly at risk.
One reason why feet are more susceptible to diabetes-related itch is because theyre affected by diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This condition is related to prolonged high glucose levels, so as with any diabetic complication, the best way of managing the itch and looking after your feet, is to control your blood-sugar levels. If youre not controlling your levels by yourself then talk to your doctor or diabetes nurse as soon as you can.
First check to see what might be causing the itchy: is it bacterial, fungal, dry skin or anything else? If youre worried or uncertain, ask a healthcare professional! Your feet are precious!
Tips for managing itchy diabetic feet:
- Make checking your feet part of your daily routine and notice any changes
- Keep them clean with an unscented wash
- Wash in warm – not hot – water
- Pat them thoroughly dry
- Use an antimicrobial oil to keep them fresh
- Use ointment on any cracks, blisters or cuts
- Make sure shoes and socks fit well and dont rub
- Avoid bath products with irritant ingredients like scent or synthetic preservatives
- Dont apply lotion between your toes, as this increases the likelihood of fungal infections
- Keep baths short and not too hot, and dont soak itchy feet!
- Use strategies to manage the itch: you dont want to scratch and cause damage to the skin!
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Silent Symptoms Of Diabetes
More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, including 7.2 million that are undiagnosed. Additionally, 1.5 million Americans are newly diagnosed each year. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes cases. Diabetes has plenty of early signs, but some symptoms are subtle. Here are 10 subtle signs of diabetes:
Poor Blood Flow Results In Itchy Skin
Itchy skin can have many causes. In people with diabetes, a yeast infection, dry skin, or poor circulation can be the root cause. When poor blood flow is the culprit, the lower legs may be the itchiest part of the body. What can you do to stop your skin from crawling? Consider bathing less often, and use mild soap when you do. Slather on some lotion to moisturize dry skin, but avoid applying it between your toes.
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Why Does Diabetes Cause Leg Pain
People living with diabetes may experience several complications, especially if their blood sugar levels are not under control. A common complication of diabetes is diabetic neuropathy.
Diabetic neuropathy refers to nerve damage. Diabetic neuropathy can occur in different parts of the body. However, it is most common in the legs and arms.
When nerve damage occurs in these outer limbs, doctors call it diabetic
What Is A Diabetes Rash
Diabetes affects various parts of your body, including your skin. An estimated 1 in 3 people with diabetes will develop a skin rash or other skin problem at some point.
When you have diabetes, your chances of having dry, itchy skin are higher than someone who doesnt have the disease. Youre also more likely to get other diabetes-related skin conditions.
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Clinical Characteristics Of Itch
At the moment of examination, itch was present in 35 subjects out of 39 who experienced CI during the course of DM . In this group of subjects, the maximal NRS score for the itch intensity during preceding three days was 6.3 ± 2.2 points , while during the preceding 24 h was assessed as 4.9 ± 2.5 points , indicating a moderate itch intensity. According to NRS, not even a single patient reported a mild itch. The moderate itch was observed in 54.29% of patients, while severe itch in 28.6% of patients and very severe itch was observed in 17.14%. The mean 4 IIQ score was 8.1 ± 2.5 points .
Factors exacerbating and relieving itch in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Stasis Or Gravitational Eczema
Especially common among people living with vessel disorders such as varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis, stasis or gravitational eczema can cause itchy, swollen, reddish-purple patches on the lower legs.
Treatment: While treating you for the underlying conditions, your doctor might recommend applying corticosteroids to the affected areas to lessen your discomfort and keeping your legs elevated. Your doctor might also recommend compression stockings.
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What Are The Main Causes Of Your Skin Itching
To deal with hives, the first thing to do is to know the cause. There are a variety of conditions that can cause itching, namely:
- Allergic reactions: e.g. allergies from food, dust, insect bites, due to exposure to chemicals such as the use of cosmetics or detergents.
- Infections, such as fungal or flea infections
- Skin disorders, such as dry skin, eczema, atopic dermatitis, biduran,
- prickly heat, and psoriasis
- Nervous system disorders, such as pinched nerves, multiple sclerosis, and shingles
- Specific diseases, such as liver disease, kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid disorders, and even cancer.
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Itchy Legs At Night Due To Stasis Eczema
Stasis eczema appears as rough, reddish, swollen, itchy skin on the lower legs. It is most common in the cases where there are circulatory problems, including the varicose veins, vein thrombosis, or other blood vessel-related disorders.
Causes: Inflammation that emanates from circulatory disorders allow for the fluid build-up. Fluid leaks out of the veins into other tissues, leading to itching and irritation.
Treatment and prevention
- Corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone, might assist to treat the rash.
- Wearing compression stockings and also avoiding standing can assist to prevent this condition.
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Diabetic Foot Care Tips
Preventing foot problems is essential for people who have diabetes. Keeping feet healthy is critical, and a person should be vigilant about foot hygiene. An individual can take the following steps:
- Check the feet each day: Examine the feet daily or ask someone to check for any changes or injuries.
- Wash the feet daily: Keep the feet clean to prevent infections.
- Wear supportive shoes and socks: Protect the feet in socks and shoes at all times. A podiatrist may recommend special shoes to help prevent deformities. Do not apply socks so tightly that they restrict blood flow.
- Promote blood flow to the feet: Put the feet up when sitting, wiggle the toes periodically, and get enough exercise. These actions help promote healthy blood flow to the feet.
- Trim nails carefully: Trim toenails straight across and keep them short. Rounded nails can grow inward, leading to infection.
- Care for corns and bunions: Treat corns and bunions carefully. Never shave corns, as this increases the risk of infection.
- Protect feet from extreme temperatures: Exposure to extreme hot and cold can damage the feet of people with diabetes.
- Receive regular examinations on the feet: Regular examinations by a doctor are key to preventing infections, amputations, and severe deformities.
- Control blood sugar: Uncontrolled blood sugars increase the risk of podiatric complications from diabetes.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking adversely affects blood flow to the tissues, making foot problems worse in people with diabetes.
What Causes Uncontrolled Itching
A number of underlying conditions can cause uncontrollable itching. They range from skin rashes, dermatitis, allergies as well as internal illness. If you can not relieve your itching, it is very important to contact your doctor to diagnose the cause and suggest treatment.
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What Is Itchy Skin
Itchy skin is an uncomfortable and irritating feeling that creates an urge to scratch your skin at a specific part of the body, persistent itching can cause discomfort, infection, and pain. Itchy skin can be a result of dry skin, fungal infections, or skin conditions. Itchy skin leaves rash or hives. Itching is often a sign of diabetic polyneuropathy, which is an ailment that grows when diabetes leads to nerve damage. Skin disorders that develop as a result of diabetes may also result in itchy skin.
What Are The Reasons For Itching The Body
Common Causes of Itching All Over Your Body Allergies An allergy to a specific material can cause the body to develop an itching sensation. Skin Conditions Skin conditions such as eczema or sunburn can cause the body to become itchy all over as the body reacts to the condition. Infections Bacterial or fungal infections on the skin can cause itching to occur. More items
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Yellowish Scaly Patches On And Around Your Eyelids
These develop when you have high fat levels in your blood. It can also be a sign that your diabetes is poorly controlled.The medical name for this condition is xanthelasma.
Take action
- Tell your doctor about the yellowish scaly patches around your eyes.
- Talk with your doctor about how to better control your diabetes. Controlling diabetes can clear the scaly patches.
How To Relieve Itchy Feet
Using a blood glucose monitor, taking your diabetes medication as directed, eating a well-balanced diet, and exercising can help keep your blood sugar within a safe range. These all promote healthy nerves and blood circulation, which can stop or relieve itching.
Other tips to manage itching include:
- Apply moisturizer to your skin several times a day, especially after taking a shower or bath.
- Take fewer showers or baths, maybe every other day.
- Shower or bathe in lukewarm water.
- Avoid skin products with harsh chemicals.
- Avoid fabrics that irritate your skin.
- Choose hypoallergenic detergents.
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Itchy Shins And Lower Legs At Night
Itchy skin on the lower legs may be near torture. There are several possible causes. The doctor can assist to rule out several of them. You may require to see a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
One of the most common is a condition known as xerosis, a term for very dry skin. It often happens on the lower legs. It is very common as you age as the skin becomes drier.
You cannot see signs of the skin being dry, but you can as well feel it. A clue to this condition is not having a rash before the itching starts. You might also develop red bumps, lines and also irritation from the scratching.
Itchy Legs At Night Due To Chicken Skin
These are not the same goosebumps that people have when they are feeling cold. With the rash, the hair follicles that are on the thighs, or elsewhere on the skin thicken and then develop into itchy bumps. The condition, medically called keratosis pilaris, appears as if goosebumps are skin-, red-, or even brown-colored.
Cause: Keratosis pilaris is usually a build-up of keratin. It is also a hereditary condition but normally disappears by the age of 40.
Treatment and prevention
- Keratosis pilaris bumps might be treated so that they disappear, but they always reappear. Dryness may worsen the condition.
- Creams that have alpha-hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, or even urea may assist by both moisturizing the skin as well as loosening the dead skin cells to assist clear hair follicles.
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Treatment And Management Of Diabetic Itching
Keeping your blood sugar controlled with a healthy lifestyle and taking medications your provider has prescribed can help not only with itching but also with your general health. Itching can also be managed by following these tips:
- Keep your skin well-moisturized by using a cream moisturizer rather than a lotion.
- Keep your skin clean and dry it promptly.
- Shower or bathe in warm, not hot, water.
- Consider using a humidifier at home during cold weather.
- Try over-the-counter anti-itch creams containing cortisone.
- Exercise can help your circulation, which may help prevent neuropathy.
What Are The Preventive Measures To Adopt
If you experience itching, consult a doctor. He or she will diagnose the cause of the itching and prescribe a treatment to relieve you.
The diabetic foot can cause serious complications and must also be associated with daily preventive measures. It is important to :
- Maintain a certain stability of blood glucose levels. A healthy lifestyle helps control blood sugar levels. Prescription of antidiabetic drugs is sometimes necessary.
- Wear appropriate shoes for diabetic. Often insensitive, the diabetic foot must be protected in order to limit the risk of injuries detected late. Choose wide models with good support. Make sure the shoes have a padded inner lining with no protruding seams. Finally, opt for cotton socks that reduce the phenomenon of perspiration.
- Monitor the sole of the foot carefully to ensure prompt attention in case of wounds, fungus, etc.
- Regularly consult a pedicure-podologist to remove horns, treat calluses, cut nails, etc. This specialist will also be able to make orthotics for you in case of poor footing.
- Wash with a mild soap, followed by a complete drying.
Moisturize the skin with a moisturizing milk. Note, however, that the product should not be applied between the toes to avoid causing bacterial and fungal infections. You should also use a neutral milk, without perfume or hypoallergenic substances.
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