Most often, a rash on the knees itches due to a banal food allergy or an allergic reaction to drugs, cosmetics. Less commonly, the body reacts this way to tissue or natural dust. In this condition, patches of red, swollen rash appear on the skin, which will peel off. In severe cases of allergic dermatitis, not only the usual urticaria develops, but even weeping eczema. The most important thing in this situation is to eliminate the cause of the allergy. Antihistamines and ointments (for example, Fenkarol or Fenistil) will also help.
Many causes - one symptom
In the winter season, especially against the background of hypothermia, general dryness of the skin and hypovitaminosis, eczema-like rashes on the hands and feet, accompanied by itching, often develop. An itchy rash on the legs may well be associated with a reaction to depilation, but it is also a vivid symptom of many dermatological diseases (psoriasis, neurodermatitis, etc.). Itching of the skin of the legs can be caused by jaundice that occurs for various reasons (liver and gallbladder disease, changes in hormone levelsduring pregnancy, etc.). Vascular diseases (varicose veins) and endocrine diseases (such as diabetes mellitus) lead to eczema and ulcers of the lower extremities.
Itching due to infection
If itching and rashes are persistent, spread throughout the body or are accompanied by general intoxication, then you should seek medical help. For example, if a red rash on the legs itches against the background of fever, intoxication and a strong general deterioration in he alth, then it makes sense to think about the presence of erysipelas. This skin lesion is caused by a streptococcal infection and requires treatment by a surgeon (usually it ends with the prescription of medications and antibiotics, but it is this type of infectious lesion that is treated in surgical departments, taking into account possible complications). The second option for this combination of symptoms is infectious diseases, which may have "caught up" with you from childhood. These are chicken pox and ordinary measles. Naturally, with erysipelas, measles and chickenpox, an itchy rash on the legs will look different. In the first case, these are reddish spots in the form of tongues of flame, in the second case, merging small papules surrounded by a spot, and in the third case, pink spots turning into small and large vesicles. With such "childhood" infections, the rash spreads quite quickly throughout the body.
It should be noted that when the body is affected by fungi (mycosis) and protozoa (scabies), a itchy rash on the legs may also appear. In both cases itching will"concentrated" on the fingers and in the interdigital spaces of the legs, but in the case of scabies, whitish stripes and small bubbles will appear on the skin, and the itching will intensify at night. Mycosis is manifested by peeling and papules. In addition, the scabies mite usually affects not only the feet, but the skin of the hands and abdomen.
Prevention
An itchy rash can and should be prevented. Start with a he althy lifestyle, in particular - do not eat highly allergenic foods, and support the body with vitamins in autumn and winter. Maintain personal hygiene (wash your feet daily, use moisturizer, never wear someone else's clothes and shoes). When carrying out depilation, follow simple rules: only a sharp razor, you can not shave against hair growth, use special products, creams before and after shaving. In any case, an itchy rash on the legs is already a symptom of a disease that could well have been prevented.
