For the last four years I have had a problem with my legs itching. When it started it was only an occasional problem but it has developed into an everyday occurance. When my legs itch it is usually my lower legs but my upper legs will itch too. There is never any sign of a rash or any kind of irritation on my skin - it just itches like crazy. Sometimes it feels more like a "pins and needles" feeling like when your hand or foot falls asleep. It almost feels like every little hair on my legs are poking me. I've tried switching detergents soaps not using fabric softener or bleach I've used anti-itch lotions from my dermatologist but nothing helps. It gets so severe at times that it brings me to tears. Sometimes it will get so bad it will wake me up in the middle of the night. It can last only a few minutes or it can last days. Usually it seems to be aggravated by something the most common causes being nylons water (taking a shower or swimming) humidity and shaving. But sometimes it doesn't seem to be caused by anything at all. I have been to several doctors trying to solve this - and all I've been able to determine so far is that I am not having an allergic reaction to anything. I will do anything to make this stop it has been going on for so long now. Not to mention that I'm getting married in a few months and I would hate for my itchy legs to ruin my wedding day and my honeymoon! I have already had two doctors tell me "I don't know what else you can do" so any suggestions on what this is or how I can treat it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
2014-12-11 11:26:26
Allergic reactions will not cause itching symmetrically on both legs. Likewise there are no skin ir internal diseases of which I am aware which cause symptoms of the type you describe. Therefore I don't think any tests are called for.
When people itch without a rash in my experience stress is often a factor. At times it's the itch itself which induces the stress--in other words the more you itch the more you scratch and so on. And the more you worry about whether you're going to itch the more you will.
What I usually advise itchy people to use is a topical anesthetic as often as needed (even every few minutes.) This can help break the itch-scratch cycle.
Over-the-counter anesthetics include: Benadryl Lanacane Sarna and pramoxine.
Presc
2014-12-11 11:39:54
