Itching in the legs: treatment

Effective treatment of itching on the legs is impossible without an accurate diagnosis. After all, the treatment of insect bites is fundamentally different from the treatment of skin diseases, internal organs, and even more so oncological diseases. The only point common to all diseases is the need to eliminate an unpleasant symptom as soon as possible, because combing the skin threatens to injure it and get into the wounds of the infection, which only aggravates the situation.

To eliminate itching of the skin on the legs in traditional medicine, medicinal ointments and creams are used externally, and inside antihistamines that have an antipruritic effect and sedatives: sedatives, and if necessary (mental disorders) and anxiolytics.

Among other things, the patient can be prescribed diet food that is easy for the digestive system and reduces the risk of allergic reactions, as well as physiotherapy: electrosleep, mud baths, contrast showers, etc. Depending on the diagnosis.

The treatment regimen is developed taking into account the identified disease. So for the treatment of allergies, topical antipruritics and oral antihistamines are often sufficient. True, if contact with allergens is not avoided, the symptoms will repeat again and again.

For the treatment of fungal diseases, this approach is uncharacteristic, although antihistamines that reduce the severity of itching are still prescribed. To combat fungi, antimycotics are effective - antifungal agents that need to be applied to the skin regularly for several days, and sometimes taken orally.

Differ from the treatment of allergies and therapeutic schemes for eczema and psoriasis. Treatment of eczema is rarely complete without the use of hormonal anti-inflammatory ointments and sedatives in combination with antihistamines, designed to relieve itching and reduce tissue swelling. In addition, here a special place is given to immunomodulators and vitamin complexes, which should optimize the response of the immune system, making it more adequate. Since cracks and micro-wounds often form with eczema, they can become infected. When a fungal or bacterial infection is activated, antifungal or antibacterial ointments are added to the treatment regimen.

With psoriasis, irradiation of the diseased area with ultraviolet radiation is effective. A special diet and fasting days help to increase the period of remission of this chronic disease. Along with antihistamines, vitamins, hormonal ointments, sedatives, immunomodulators, autohemotherapy are prescribed here. With all this, the disease often continues to progress. In severe cases, corticosteroids, tranquilizers, cytostatics are prescribed.

With neurodermatitis, a special place is given to diet. Eliminate foods and additives that may cause allergies. Drug treatment in addition to antihistamines includes the appointment of immunomodulators, vitamins, drugs that have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract and normalize its work, sedatives. At the same time, it is very important to avoid nervous and mental overwork, maintain immunity, try to observe the daily routine, etc.

The condition of diabetic patients is maintained again with the help of a diet and taking hypoglycemic drugs or insulin. If itching on the legs, you can use anti-itch ointments or antihistamines that do not contain sugar.

With varicose veins, specific drug treatment is used, aimed at normalizing venous blood flow, wearing compression underwear, and pressure therapy. With the formation of large nodules, they previously resorted to  surgical treatment, and today they are limited to minimally invasive operations that leave no traces. Treatment of itching is carried out again with the help of ointments and antihistamines.

Surgical treatment is prescribed mainly for oncological diseases in combination with radiation and chemotherapy, as well as for severe pathologies of internal organs.

The easiest way to treat insect bites. In this case, the sting is first (if necessary) removed, and then an antiseptic is applied to the wound, which should prevent severe inflammation and suppuration. Ointments with antibiotics should be used only as prescribed by a doctor if an infection has got into the wound and severe suppuration has begun. This is done only in case of ineffective antiseptics.

If the wound is swollen, then we are talking about an allergic reaction to an insect bite. In such situations, hormonal ointments can be prescribed to relieve swelling and itching, and antihistamines (anti-allergic) agents can be administered inside.

Oral remedies for itchy feet

As you can see, whatever the treatment regimen for various diseases, to combat such a symptom as itching on the legs, the same groups of drugs are used: antihistamines that have an antipruritic effect, and hormonal drugs (mainly for topical use). These medicines help reduce the symptoms and treat some of the causes.

Let's start with antihistamines, prescribed for itching and allergic reactions orally. Doctors prefer drugs such as Diazolin, Loratadin, Atarax, Tavegil, Zirtek, etc.

"Loratadin" is a drug with antiallergic and antipruritic action, which prevents the development of edema and soreness due to muscle spasm. It is prescribed for skin itching of various origins and localizations. It does not have a toxic effect on the fetus, so doctors often prescribe it even during pregnancy (mainly with allergies).

Patients over 12 years of age are prescribed 1 tablet (10 mg) per day. In childhood, the effective dose depends on the body weight of the child. If it is more than 30 kg, you can give an adult dose, if less, the dosage is halved (5 mg). It is better for children to give the drug in the form of a syrup, given that 10 ml contains 10 mg of loratadine.

In case of impaired renal function, dose adjustment is not required, but in severe liver pathologies, the dosage is reduced, starting from 10 mg 1 time in 2 days (for patients weighing more than 30 kg).

The drug is prescribed for children older than 2 years. At a younger age, only with the permission of the pediatrician. A contraindication to taking the drug is hypersensitivity to its components.

Side effects of the drug develop rarely. The most frequently mentioned were drowsiness, headache, increased appetite, sleep disturbances, nervousness and fatigue (in children). But all these symptoms appeared no more often than in 2 patients out of 100. The rest of the unpleasant manifestations are extremely rare.

Zyrtec is a new generation antihistamine drug that practically does not cause drowsiness. It can be used to eliminate itching on the legs of any etiology. Non-addictive, the effect of the drug does not decrease with prolonged use. It is produced in drops, which can be given to children from six months, and tablets.

Treatment of itching should begin with a dosage of 5 mg per day, if necessary, increasing to 10 mg (1 tablet or 20 ml of solution). Infants per day can be given no more than 5 ml per day, babies under 6 years old - 5 ml twice a day or 10 ml once.

The dose is reduced if the patient has impaired kidney and liver function. In the case of a diseased liver, the doses remain normal.

Contraindications to the use of the drug are individual intolerance, children under 6 months for drops and up to 6 years for tablets, severe renal failure, breastfeeding. During pregnancy, the drug is prescribed only in extreme cases under the supervision of a doctor. With caution, the drug is used for convulsive readiness and a predisposition to urination disorders.

As for side effects, the most common of them are: headache and dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth and nausea, inflammation of the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa. Allergic reactions to the drug itself are rare, but may be accompanied by a rash and itching.

"Atarax" - a drug that belongs to the group of anxiolytics with antihistamine and bronchodilatory effect, which reduces the likelihood of asphyxia as a result of allergic edema of the respiratory tract. Calms the nervous system, effectively relieves itching, facilitating the course of allergic diseases. Often used for urticaria, dermatitis, eczema. Has no negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract

The drug in tablets of 25 mg is approved for use from 3 years. For the treatment of itching in children, it is prescribed depending on the age and body weight of the child. With a body weight of up to 17 kg per day, a dose equal to 0.5-1 tablet is prescribed. For children of preschool age with a body weight of 17-23 kg, the dose can be increased to 1.5 tablets, with a body weight of 23-28 kg - up to 2 tablets. Adolescents whose weight is above 28 kg are prescribed 1 to 3 tablets per day.

Patients weighing more than 40 kg can take up to 4 tablets per day to relieve itching symptoms.

The dose for patients with renal and hepatic insufficiency may be reduced by 33-50%.

The duration of treatment is determined individually by the attending physician.

Contraindications to the use of "Atarax" are hypersensitivity to its components, porphyria, cardiovascular pathologies with prolongation of the QT interval. The drug is not prescribed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since it penetrates the placental barrier and into breast milk, provoking CNS disorders in the child. The content of lactose makes it impossible for patients with impaired metabolism of this substance and its derivatives to take the drug.

Among the frequent side effects are drowsiness, headache, apathy, dry mouth and increased fatigue. Dizziness, insomnia, tremors, fever, nausea, general weakness are also possible, but they occur infrequently (not more often than in 1 patient out of 100). Other side effects are rarely diagnosed, anaphylactic reactions - in isolated cases.

"Fenistil" in the form of drops is used to treat allergies and as an effective  remedy for itching on the legs  and body. It can be prescribed both for insect bites and for diseases with skin manifestations (dermatosis, eczema, dermatitis, chicken pox, measles, rubella, etc.). Approved for use from 1 month.

For children, the drug is prescribed taking into account the body weight of the baby. Infants are usually prescribed from 3 to 10 drops per dose. Babies 1-3 years old - from 10 to 15 drops, children under 12 years old - from 15 to 20 drops. The adult dose is 20-40 drops.

The pleasant taste of the drug allows you to take it undiluted.

The frequency of taking the drug at any age 3 times a day, and the duration of treatment is set individually.

Do not prescribe a medicine for individual intolerance to its components, bronchial asthma, angle-closure glaucoma, prostatic hyperplasia. Women are not recommended to take the medicine in the first 3 months of pregnancy and during breastfeeding.

The most common side effect of the drug is drowsiness. Less commonly, patients complain of drying of the oral mucosa, nausea, headaches, dizziness. Perhaps the development of depression in patients with mental lability.

Ointments and creams for itchy feet

It must be said that it makes sense to resort to taking pills if a serious allergic reaction or a systemic disease develops, when local treatment does not bring the desired effect. Sometimes doctors prescribe both oral medication and topical treatment at the same time. In most cases, to relieve itching on the legs, you can do with the external use of special ointments and creams.

Ointments "Lorinden A" and "Lorinden C" based on a hormonal agent (flumethasone) with antiseptics (salicylic acid and clioquinol, respectively). The first drug is effective for relieving itching in diseases not complicated by a bacterial infection, the second can be used for bacterial complications. They are used in the treatment of dermatitis, urticaria, psoriasis, lichen, etc.

The drug is applied topically, applying a thin layer to the affected area up to 2 times a day so that no more than 1 tube is consumed per week. Since we are talking about a hormonal remedy, it can be used without interruption for no more than 14 days. If the lesion is located on the face, this period is reduced to 7 days.

It is allowed to apply ointment under an occlusive dressing. Avoid contact with eyes.

Ointments are approved for use from 12 years of age. They are used very carefully, in adolescence they are not applied to the face. During pregnancy, it is allowed to use the ointment for a short period of time, with the exception of the 1st trimester. When to refrain from such treatment. When breastfeeding, the drug is used for a short time and not in the area of \u200b\u200bthe mammary glands.

Do not use ointments in case of hypersensitivity to their components, viral (herpes, chicken pox) and fungal diseases, acne, skin tumors, inflammation and ulceration of varicose veins, skin tuberculosis. Do not apply to large surfaces containing wounds and scratches.

Frequent side effects are changes in the skin at the site of application of the ointment (dryness, pigmentation disorders, burning sensation, inflammation of the hair follicles, etc.). Ointments can negatively affect the cardiovascular and endocrine system, but mainly with prolonged use. In children, corticosteroid inhibits growth and development, so its use is highly undesirable.

"Sinaflan" is a hormonal ointment that is prescribed for various inflammatory skin diseases of non-bacterial origin, accompanied by itching, tissue swelling and other unpleasant symptoms.

Apply the ointment up to 2 times a day, applying a small layer to the affected area. The duration of treatment should not exceed 2 weeks.

For children, the ointment is applied only 1 time per day for no more than 5 days and under the supervision of a doctor. Can only be used once on the face.

The drug is prescribed to patients older than 2 years in the absence of individual sensitivity to its components. Contraindications include multiple manifestations of psoriasis, thrombophlebitis, acne, infectious skin diseases of various etiologies and bacterial complications, skin tumors. Do not use the ointment after vaccinations, on large areas of skin and wounds.

Side effects are considered skin irritation, the development of dermatitis, urticaria. Sometimes there are: decreased immunity, hypersensitivity reactions, edema, increased blood pressure, cataracts, glaucoma. More severe symptoms are possible with prolonged use. These include the development of gastritis or stomach ulcers, and a high risk of infectious diseases.

"Advantan" is a hormonal remedy in the form of an ointment that can be used to treat children from 4 months. It is prescribed for allergic diseases. Has an antipruritic effect.

Most often, the ointment is prescribed 1 time per day. Apply it in a thin layer only on the diseased or itchy area. Adults can use the medicine for up to 3 months, children no more than 28 days.

The cream should not be applied under an airtight bandage. An identical situation can be when wrapping in diapers, so you need to be careful with babies.

Contraindications to the use of the cream are hypersensitivity to the drug, skin manifestations of tuberculosis and syphilis, viral, fungal and bacterial diseases with skin rash, acne, some types of dermatitis.

Among the side effects, most often there are complaints of burning at the site of application of the medicine. There may also be drying of the skin, a rash, inflammation of the hair follicles, a violation of the sensitivity of the skin in the area where the ointment is applied. Hypersensitivity reactions also occur.

If itching on the legs is associated with a local bacterial infection, several other types of ointments are used, which combine the anti-inflammatory effect of corticosteroids and the antimicrobial effect of additional components. Most often, ointments "Baneocin" and "Triderm" are used.

"Triderm" is a drug in the form of an ointment that combines anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, antibacterial and antifungal effects. And all this is possible thanks to the combination of three components: the corticoid betamethasone, the broad-spectrum antibiotic gentamicin, and the popular antimycotic clotrimazole. Such an ointment can be used for bacterial and fungal skin infections, as well as for complications caused by the introduction of these microorganisms into the wound with non-infectious skin lesions.

The drug is intended for the treatment of adult patients. The ointment is applied not only to the affected area, but also to the surrounding skin near it, lightly rubbing. Multiplicity of application 2 times a day. The duration of treatment depends on the nature of the disease and the sensitivity of microorganisms to the components of the drug. Do not use under occlusive dressings and for the treatment of nail fungus.

Contraindications to the use of the drug are similar to other anti-inflammatory ointments. In pediatrics, the drug is not used due to the high theoretical risk of its effect on the central nervous system, which causes a delay in the growth and development of the child, increased intracranial pressure, etc.

During pregnancy, the ointment is recommended only in extreme cases. No negative effects on the fetus have been found in animals, but due to the fact that aminoglycosides (gentamicin) penetrate the placental barrier and can cause many side effects, it is better to consider this risk.

Among the reported side effects, the most frequently mentioned are: skin irritation at the site of application, burning, temporary itching, dryness of the skin. Other symptoms are associated with prolonged use of the ointment or its use on skin with wounds, ulcers, burns.

If there is no severe inflammation requiring corticoid therapy, and it is not an infectious skin disease or a complication of a non-infectious disease, there is no need to use potent agents. Still, hormonal drugs can cause serious disorders in the body. In this case, you can turn to the help of the already well-known drug "Fenistil", which has a popular form of release in the form of a gel.

This drug can be used to relieve itching on the legs of both young mothers and young children. It does not have a negative effect on the fetus, does not penetrate into breast milk. The main thing is not to use it on large areas and in places of skin damage.

The gel is applied independently. It is not combined with other topical antipruritics.

The medicine can be applied to the skin up to 4 times a day with a thin layer. If the itching is severe and does not go away after applying the ointment, the doctor may recommend the combined use of "Fenistil in the form of a gel and drops, or use hormonal agents.

The gel increases the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet radiation, so during treatment with the drug it is better to avoid sunbathing, protecting the skin from aggressive rays.

The main contraindication to the use of the local form of the drug is hypersensitivity to its components. When treating children, the gel is not used on large areas of damage and in the presence of wounds on the skin of the legs at the site of application.

The most common side effects are burning and dry skin where the medicine is applied. Other symptoms and allergic reactions are extremely rare.

We examined what drugs can be taken in connection with itching on the legs (as prescribed by a doctor) and what pharmaceutical products can be used to treat an itchy skin area. But itching is such a painful symptom that, in the absence of medicines at hand, sometimes you just can’t endure while you go to the doctor and pharmacy. In such a situation, alternative means help.

Treatment of body skin itching with alternative means

Skin itching can have various causes, and before using medications, you need to clarify what causes the appearance of the symptom. For the use of alternative remedies for itching in general, the reason is not so important. The recipes used by the people are an ambulance for a painful symptom. Sometimes it is enough, but for itching caused by serious diseases, alternative remedies are used only as a symptomatic treatment with a mandatory visit to the doctor and the fulfillment of his prescriptions.

What can be done to reduce the severity of itching:

• Treatment with a cold shower or bath. Cold has a distracting effect, reduces inflammation and redness caused by an allergic reaction, while water moisturizes the skin, making it less dry. You can add decoctions of herbs with an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect (chamomile, calendula, yarrow, St. John's wort, etc.) or a few drops of essential oil with a calming effect (lavender, thyme, mint, etc.) to the water.
• Relieve itching on the legs with a cold compress. It can be a cloth soaked in water or a piece of ice wrapped in a film.
• Soda solution for insect bites. A solution of soda is an effective antipruritic agent, often used to relieve discomfort from bee stings and bloodsuckers. It is enough to take 150-200 g of soda for a bath. Water should be cool.

To treat a small area of skin, take 1 tbsp. Sodium bicarbonate per 200-250 g of water (instead of water, you can take infusions of chamomile and calendula). We moisten the bandage in the composition and treat the skin at the site of the bite. This treatment is suitable even for children.

You can also mix soda and water (or ammonia solution) to a thick paste, from which we make a cake and put it on the bite, covering it with a damp cloth. Such a compress can be kept on the skin for 3 or more hours.

• Oatmeal for itching. Mix oatmeal or flakes with a small amount of water and apply a thick composition to the affected area, covering it with a cloth on top. Usually itching goes away within 15-20 minutes or a little more.
• Propolis medicine. To lubricate itchy areas, you can use an ointment or tincture from this useful beekeeping product. Propolis is a natural antibiotic and is great for infectious complications, but you need to remember that, like honey, it can cause allergies itself, so treatment is not suitable for everyone.
• Aloe against itching on the legs and body. Itchy places can be lubricated with fresh aloe juice or a pharmaceutical preparation. You can attach a fresh leaf cut along the plant and fix it in the form of a compress. Aloe has antiseptic properties, promotes rapid skin regeneration, saturates it with moisture and vitamins.

Alternative remedies for itchy feet  are good for insect bites and dry skin, but their healing effect may not be enough when it comes to serious diseases that require complex treatment. These recipes are good for relieving itching, but do not replace full treatment, if any.

Herbal treatment

Nature is a source of natural medicines that can help with various conditions and diseases. Knowing the beneficial properties of medicinal herbs, they can also be used to relieve itching of the skin of any localization. Such treatment is especially useful for children, because it does not have the side effects inherent in drugs, especially corticosteroids.

Some herbs are used to care for the delicate, sensitive skin of a child from birth. Chamomile soothes the skin and relieves inflammation. This property can also be used to relieve itching in a baby (or adult). You can steam 1-2 tbsp. Herbs in a glass of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes and wipe the itchy area of \u200b\u200bthe skin with this composition or make lotions.

A decoction or infusion of chamomile can be added to a bath for bathing. But we must remember that only cool water can relieve itching, and warm and hot water can only intensify it.

Another useful herb is a string. It is her decoction that is added to baby baths to prevent skin diseases, relieve symptoms of allergies, irritations. This hypoallergenic herb is also great for itchy feet. It can be added to foot baths, use a decoction to wipe the skin, lotions, compresses.

To combat such an unpleasant symptom, you can also use wood lice. Fresh leaves of the plant can be applied as a compress to itchy skin or added to a foot bath.

Helps relieve painful itching and mint. The essential oil of the plant can be used undiluted, applied to the affected area. Essential oil or fresh mint leaves are added to the bath. True, for a greater effect, it is better to pre-brew the leaves in hot water, and then add them to the cool water of the bath.

In addition to the above plants, elecampane, violet, horsetail, burdock, lemon balm, dill, nettle and some other herbs have an antipruritic effect. In anti-itch baths, you can also add decoctions of oak bark or birch buds.

Medicinal herbs for itching on the legs can be used not only externally. They help relieve the painful symptom and infusions of plants taken orally. For example, a hot infusion of nettle (10 g of vegetable raw materials per 1 cup of boiling water), which should be drunk in 3 doses during the day.

Helps and infusion of dill. To prepare it, we take 2 tbsp. Seeds and pour 2 cups boiling water. After half an hour, the infusion is ready, it must be filtered and taken 70-80 g three times a day before meals. The course of treatment is 3 weeks.

If there is dill oil, you can also apply it, dropping 5 to 10 drops on a piece of sugar. Multiplicity of reception 3 times a day.

It is clear that herbal treatment cannot replace full-fledged medical treatment for most diseases, but as an option, it can be used to temporarily alleviate symptoms or be part of a comprehensive treatment. But at the same time, it must be borne in mind that many plants contain substances that can cause allergies, so the choice of natural remedies must be approached thoughtfully and very carefully.

Homeopathic treatment

Homeopathy is a special branch of medicine that promotes the self-healing of the body. True, this does not happen without the participation of special preparations created on the basis of plants, minerals, poisons, biological substances and other natural components. Among the large assortment of homeopathic remedies, there are those that help treat itchy feet. Their use significantly reduces the severity of the symptom, helping to normalize the work of various body systems.

The appointment of homeopathic remedies is a whole science, because here it is not the official diagnosis that comes to the fore, but the specific manifestation of the main symptom and the presence of additional ones. There are a great many homeopathic preparations for itching, the main thing is to use them adequately.

Sulfur (a preparation based on sulfur) is prescribed for severe itching, which is better from scratching, worse from heat and at night, after water procedures.

Alumina may be given for the same symptoms. If they are accompanied by a small dry rash.

For itching of the skin that occurs at night in bed, Cyclamen europeum and Ledum palustre are effective.

With excruciating itching, which turns into tingling and pain, digitalis Digitalis purpurea is prescribed.

Itching on the soles of the feet and on the sides of the feet helps relieve Hydrocotyle asiatica and Lithium carbonicum. If itching is noted in the area of the joints, you can try to treat it with Pinus silvestris (pine extract) or Cinnabaris (cinnabar).

In homeopathic pharmacies, you can buy effective ointments that help fight itching in various diseases:

Ointment Ledum helps in the treatment of muscular rheumatism, gout, polyarthritis, and also relieves itching and irritation resulting from insect bites.

Linin ointment can be used if itching occurs on weeping lesions in skin diseases. It has a drying and wound-healing effect. In case of bacterial complications or their increased risk, homeopathic Calendula ointment can be used.

Ointment Urtika is an effective remedy for severe allergic itching and tissue swelling. Helps with insect bites. Good reviews about Inul's ointment, which is effective for allergic rashes and itching, severely dry skin, herpetic rash.

With varicose veins, thrombophlebitis and the itching and pain associated with these diseases, Peonia-esculus ointment helps.

Despite the skepticism towards homeopathy on the part of doctors of traditional medicine, it is impossible to draw an unambiguous conclusion that the method of influencing the body by stimulating its internal reserves does not work. Even if everything is based on self-hypnosis, and this helps a person to heal, this opportunity should not be missed, especially since homeopathy has a lot of interesting remedies that are recognized by classical medicine and are sold in ordinary pharmacies.

So for children who have itching on the legs and body of an allergic nature, allergists recommend Irikar ointment. When used 2-3 times a day, it relieves itching and helps wounds resulting from scratching heal faster (it's hard to keep kids from this activity). The drug itself does not cause allergies, it can be used for a long time without harm to health.

It is important to understand that itching is not a simple symptom. It indicates that some changes have occurred in the body, and certain measures must be taken to return it to its normal state. And this is often a rather complicated process, requiring not only therapeutic measures, but also hygiene, diet therapy (refusal of sweet and spicy foods, alcohol), patience (after all, scratching the skin increases the risk of bacterial complications).