itchy legs!

[mcbail10]

My legs have been unbearably itchty for years calves and thights in particular - does anyone know what causes this - is it too much sweet stuff/ !!

[brawburd]

If your problem has lasted so long you really need to see your GP. It could be an allergic reaction, but that seems unlikely over that timescale. Itchy legs can be linked to various things, including circulation and liver function. Hopefully you will find it is nothing to owrry about - but go to your GP! How could you bear it so long?

[mcbail10]

Thanks for speedy reply! It comes and goes but gets worse at night - have been to doctors but they are useless! and don't have a clue - I will try evening primrose oil which should help a bit - it is so erratic - I don't think my circulation is briliant so will work on that! Have had liver function test and all was fine - I really think it could be food related so will try and eliminate certain foods and see if that helps as I do seem to be drinking too much coffee which prob doesn't help either - thanks for your help! Lisa

[djtaz11398]

do you bath more or shower?

[Cetti]

Oh dear, this sounds horribly familiar! I had itchy arms, particularly in the wrist area for about 2 years. The good news is that it does disappear almost as quickly as it came. The bad news however is that it's almost impossible to pinpoint the cause, although cutting down on sweet stuff is a good place to start.

You must see your GP just to eliminate any underlying cause. He will most likely do blood tests and then probably send you to a Dermatologist. If you are clear then it's a food thing. This is the hard part unless there is something that's been added to your diet fairly recently.

Because everyone is different the only real help I can offer is when you have a shower use one of those skin polisher ball things, as dry skin aggravates itching. Boots Aqueous Cream is cheap and soothing. Lastly, sleep in all cotton as nightime is definitely the worst for this condition. Good luck - I really empathise with you.

[mcbail10]

Todjtaz: It's an equal mixture of bath and shower but maybe more baths so that prob doesn't help! Will try showers for a while

[mcbail10]

Dera cetti Thanks for all your advice - very much appreciated! Will defintely try all the things you suggested Best wishes Lisa.

[tracymort]

i have that too! seems to be changes in heat e.g coming in from the cold and having a bath that makes it worse.

[djtaz11398]

I had the same problem, only got rid by mistake, after only showering for 2 weeks mine cleared up, then after having a bath it returned, now i always rinse off with the shower after a bath, i think the soap dissolved in the water was causing it, i dont suffer any more. hope this helps.

[mcbail10]

Thanks for all the replies so far - they're a great help! Lisa xxx

[dustybin]

Ha, I came on here to post the exact same question! Mine have got so bad they are now covered is scabs where I have furiously scratched them. My doctor is close to useless as usual and just looks at me blankly and then shoves some hydrocortisone cream at me - which soothes but doesn't prevent. I have just bought a product form the chemist for itchy sore skin which you out in the bath 3 times a week - I'll let you know if it works.

[dustybin]

Also I find it is worse if I don't shave every day with a very sharp razor. However, I have always shaved but this only started after I became pregnant 2 years ago. I also get the 'jimmy' legs - where you try to go to sleep but your legs won't.

[TiredOctopus]

Hi, it's dustybin - well the bath oil was good but I used it all up in a week and it cost 7 squids so not doing that again. Using Aqueous Cream - it's ok but not as good as oil- but infinately preferable than nothing and much cheaper. But still they itch on - it is infuriating!

[mcbail10]

Thanks Dustybin! I will try to use Aqueos cream initially - it is just getting worse and I really think it is a combination of food intolerances and dry skin! Will let you know if any miraculous answers come up! I did read somewhere that anti histamines might help so may try those! Lis