Severe Itching on Legs

[Ferg2001]

Over the past few months I have had severe itching on my legs literally from top to bottom. I have tried Benadryl with no luck and I am constantly putting Calamine lotion on my legs. The Calamine lotion usually helps for about 15 minutes but then the itching returns. I am at my breaking point with this. The itching causes pain and it feels like needles on my legs. I scratch them so much that I have fingernail marks all over my legs and sometimes even brusies. This causes my legs to look horrible. I'm so ashamed that I won't wear dresses or shorts. I haven't been to the doctor yet just because everything I have read hasn't given me much hope on a clear diagnosis. This has been an ongoing problem usually I have the severe itching for a few months then it will go away and out of the blue will appear again. I haven't changed laundry detergant, soap, lotion, etc. Please any help or insight you could give would be greatly appreciated! I really don't know how much more of this scratching my legs or me can take!  Oh and I noticed on some of the other posts people who had the same symptoms as myself were telling where they live...I don't know if that has anything to do with it or not but if so I live in Alabama.

[Kellmommom]

YOU ARE SO RIGHT!!!  I often do research on different chemicals in our food and follow all kinds of theories, but when it comes to this....SLS Sulfate Lauryl Sodium...All I found was BAD BAD stuff connected to this ingredient.  Proven to be a carcinogen, and you are totally right!  HORRIBLE that it is in everything that smells good...even in some of the so called NATURAL shampoos, deodorants, toothpaste, lotions, oils...YOU NAME IT!  INCLUDING your food!  I have been itching for months now, and thought I had some kind of environmental allergy.  I do believe it was all the SLS I was dumping on and in myself for years!!!!  The body will tell you when there is something wrong, you MUST listen to it!!!  Thank you Chadhoward for making this known on here, and keep spreading the news about this!  KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!  If we stop buying it, they will eventually STOP selling it!!!  

[sciencegirlsrock]

Hello friends! Please take a minute to read...

I know that this is an old post, but please know that a few drops of tea tree oil mixed in my palm with a big dollop of Silver Biotics skin cream (for rough and dry skin) has worked wonders, and stops any infection too, including MRSA from scratching infected wounds. Stops skin fungus too, after applying 2-3 x day for several weeks. Tea tree oil $6.74 at Walmart..... Silver Biotics 3.4oz tube $9.95 on eBay! The cream is a powerful combination of SilverSol Nano Silver; Coconut Oil, Vitamin E & Hyaluronic Acid. You can even purchase this cream with Lavender or Grapefruit extract. If you don't believe this can help stubborn Cellulitis, Fungus, or Viral Skin Problems, just Google 'Silver Biotics & MRSA'.
This combination is a blessing for most dry skin problems, usually no matter what the reason behind it, and will leave skin strong & healthy to boot!

P.s. I was a Microbiology Major in college, and have studied Conventional, as well as Natural Medicines for over 20 years. I also sometimes post under the name 'Micro Major' ;)
Thanx for taking the time to read my response & I hope this helps someone :)

[Stuckinreno]

This may not sound like the best advice but once I stopped going to my dermatologist and stopped taking birth control pills, my skin got better. All the creams my Dr. was prescribing me was actually making it worse in the long run. And the cortisone shots and prednisone she regularly prescribed me was perpetuating the viscous cycle. I could predict when my skin was going to flair next. All those meds actually were causing what it was used to treat!!! Also, birth control pills cause women to become deficient in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, B6, and B12. I had asked 3 different doctors if my birth control pills could be causing me to be deficient in vitamins which in turn could be causing my dry, itchy skin. All 3 quickly responded no without even stopping for a moment to consider. So that prompted me to go home and read the product insert that came with my pills. You know the small folded up piece of paper with the tiny writing on both sides that nobody reads. Well i read it and it clearly stated that birth control pills do rob your body of certain vitamins and to take supplements while taking the pill. If this was true, then why did all 3 of my doctors tell me no? So that is when i started questioning how much they were actually helping me and could actually be making it worse. After i stopped going to my dermatologist it took a long time before my skin stopped flairing because it became so used to the prednisone that after a few weeks of not taking it it would flair again like clockwork but they couldn’t prescribe me any more for 3 months due to the damage it does to your kidneys. So if you are currently being prescribed this or take cortisone shots regularly for your skin, stop, it is only continuing a viscous cycle while damaging your kidneys. Also, two MAJOR culprits of my itchy legs were Tide Detergent and Bounce fabric sheets. It took me 30 years to figure that one out and now i only use laundry detergent that is free and clear. Oh, I can’t forget to mention that to sooth your skin when it is inflamed is to dump a whole box of baking soda into the bath water. It takes away the oozing, redness, and itching and helps it to begin healing. I’ve spent hours in the bath soaking because it’s the only thing that gave me relief and made life bearable at the time.  Other things like Aveeno work too but baking soda is a lot cheaper and works just as good if not better.
   Since getting off the cortisone creams and shots, prednisone, and birth control pills I can finally stand living in my skin again. My skin still gets dry and I still have atopic dermatitis and allergies but I do not wake up with my legs bleeding or stuck to the sheets nor do i get uncontrollable itchy fits like it used to where I would tear myself up.
   I sincerely hope this helps at least one person out there. But don’t give up. Our bodies are all different and there is a reason it is reacting this way. You just need to do your own research because no one knows your body better than you do. Just because they are doctors doesn’t mean they know everything. And also because they prescribe it doesn’t mean it’s the best answer, it’s only a temporary fix treating the symptoms and not treating nor discovering the actual cause.

[EmmaJSmith]

Thank you AlbanianGirl! I've been struggling for months with this, it really does affect your mental state. Today I went out a bought Vit D and folic acid capsules, fingers crossed it works!

I was also wondering, does anyone think dairy products affect their skin or scalp?

[sophiedebra495]

Hello, I posted earlier saying that Vit D was helping with my muscle pain and seemed to relieve the itching.  My itching is a little better, but still unbearable at times.  I am adding the prenatal vitamin and will update on results.  Some more research indicated that deficiencies in iron and B12 can also lead to itching.  So, in addition to folic acid from the prenatal vitamin being helpful to alleviate symptoms, the added iron and B12 in those vitamins might  also be responsible for symptom reduction.  Anyone else look into these deficiencies as possible causes for the itchiness?  And tried supplementing with success?

[sophiedebra495]

Thank you so much to all of you for your sound advice.  3 years of itching ... I seriously thought I was allergic to everything I was eating.  Itching is chronic pain and literally sucks the joy out of life.  It has been two days with 4000iu vitamin D and I feel a difference.  I had intense muscle pain in my calves which seems to have subsided and I do feel less itchy.  I will add K2 and prenatal vitamins soon.  I was also wondering why the itching was always worse if I had wine, even just a glass. Sulfates!  Definitely going to be watching out for those a lot more.  I have googled itchy legs like probably 100 times over the years and only just came across this thread.  What a Godsend.  Wow, the relief in knowing there is a solution, finally!  Thanks to all of you who shared your experiences!!!  Now get out and get some sun today :)

[Moni1984]

Thank you so so much for sharing this "AlbanianGirl.".

I had itchy lower legs for almost 2months.I was massaging my legs with organic coconut oil with some camphor added in it. It gave me temporary relieve. Almost for 2-3 hours and again my legs starts itching so bad that I would itch myself until I bleed.

I read your post and started taking vitamin supplement(10,000iu) with 2 regular multivitamin.I saw the difference after 1 day itself (I changed vitamin D dosage and prenatal vitamin with regular multivitamin) for 5 days and now I have reduced dosage to 1 multi vitamin and 5,000iu vitamin D. I still feel itchy sometime like when I wake up in morning I feel my legs dry after 1 hr so
I massage with camphor added coconut oil but itching is not that bad. I can control myself from itching.

So now I am planning to reduce vitamin D supplement dosage and continue using coconut oil (May be after some days without adding camphor).

I tried neem oil some months ago when I got hives type of rashes all over my body. It worked as charm and those rashes got cured. But after few months of it I got itchy legs issue. I am not sure if they are related but wanted to share if in cash any one can get relieve using these methods.

Thanks again AlbanianGirl. I cannot thanks you enough. I was almost depressed and was not sure how would I get rid of this problem.  

Camphor :

https://www.amazon.com/Camphor-Tablets-Premium-Quality-Alcamphor/dp/B006T6O3UC/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1502992340&sr=1-4&keywords=camphor

Neem oil:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5DNGF4/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp_3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3171424582&pd_rd_wg=sTDEk&pf_rd_r=RTKKM8941XMY43GHBRB1&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-bottom-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B01IUAS92C&pd_rd_w=4hTSr&pf_rd_i=neem%2Boil&pd_rd_r=1F96MT9FEAHJ7RWTXYE0&ie=UTF8&qid=1502992258&sr=3&th=1

[ntuttle]

I have had the itching in my legs for over 50 years and believe me I have tried a lot of things.  There is no commonality to when the itching hits me, it just does.  Sometimes it is only for a few hours and sometimes is it for weeks at a time.  I DO NOT SCRATCH, so do not think that scratching makes or does not makes a difference.  Scratching does not help me because I am not convinced it is exterior in nature.  I have tried all sorts of topical creams and home remedies to no avail.  BUT I will try the Vitamin D/Folic acid solution as it seems the most viable.  Thank you so much for the recommendation.

[BIGJ67]

I get some relief from SARNA cream, its otc but costly, its temporary, at least I get some sleep. Try that till we figure this out, NEXT PERSON THAT TELLS ME TO STOP SCRATCHING OR NOT TO USE HOT WATER IS GETTING WACKED!  

[Sanibel14]

Day two of Vitamin D 4000Un per day.  Call me Psycho, but I feel relief.  -I'm wondering how your itching is?  Are you still getting relief?  I'm planning on continuing the Vitamin D, and add Folic Acid.  I actually was able to sleep a full 6 hours, and it has been about 28 hours since I had my last episode.  By episode, I mean the hot water/shower and scratching til I bleed.  I have found that a lotion for Eczema with Coloidal Oatmeal helps, also.  How are you doing?  I'll spare you descriptions of scratching/feeling hopeless on relief.

[1AngelBoo]

OMG that's wonderful I hope to get relief as well very soon. This horrible attack does come and go. I will start back on my vitamins. Thank you

[Sanibel14]

So very glad I found this!  First time this has happened to me, F/60/Midwest.  I've got all of your symptoms, and thought I was losing my mind.  Definitely may be on the way, if the Vitamin D, and Folic Acid doesn't help.  I've been consumed with this for a week; my legs are bruised and streaked with broken capillaries from itching so hard.  I've been to the doctor twice, and walk in Urgent Care.  I'm praying this works for me.  I can see why someone would think about suicide.  The itch is relentless, and nothing really stops it, you just get a temporary relief.  I'll post in a few days to let others know if anything has changed.

[sammykbgh]

Thank you very much AlbanianGirl, I will try that. I thought my liver was not healthy, but from your submission, I did a research and realized the liver needs vitamin d to function well, hence the itching

[Spookarena]

I can relate to, and agree with, almost all of the posts on here. My situation is a little different. I am experiencing itching from my scalp to my feet. It has moved around over the past year and a half. I always itch on my scalp, legs and back. I can be doing nothing, and eating nothing, and I still itch. The only relief I somewhat get is when I'm at work. I think I'm too busy to notice it as much. But, I swear, as soon as I leave my workplace, I start itching. Last year, I actually contemplated suicide, because I could barely function. Lately, my chin has begun itching furiously. This is maddening, and doctors DO NOT know what this phenomenon is! They keep saying it's an allergy, but they don't know what I'm allergic to. It feels as if it's nerve related, like a deep skin itch. I have scabs and scars all over. Some have pretty well healed, but I don't show my legs in public anymore. I have found a remedy, albeit temporary, that works for me every time. On the itchy spot, use a blow dryer on the highest, hottest setting until you feel a burning sensation. It will seem unbearable for a moment, but the instant relief you feel is worth it. Google it if you don't believe me. I know this isn't a long term, permanent solution, but it will help you get some sleep, at least. Good luck to all of you who are suffering from this condition. I hope that there will someday be a cure for this.

[Tc_girl87]

Did u take all the pills at one time or through out the day?

[AlbanianGirl]

YOU ARE VITAMIN-D DEFICIENCY....I THOUGHT I WAS LOSING MY MIND FROM ALL THE LEG ITCHING, I'VE LITERALLY SCRATCHED MYSELF WITH THICK BRISTLE BRUSHES AND THE SATISFACTION OF ITCHING WAS NEVER ENOUGH. I'VE PLACED MY LEGS IN HOT-HOT WATER FOR 10-15 MINUTES (IT FEELS AMAZING) AND THAT'S WHAT WOULD STOP THE ITCHING FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS. I WENT TO MY DOCTOR AND HE SAID IT'S ALLERGY. I STOPPED EATING ALMOST EVERYTHING, LOST A LOT OF WEIGHT...EVEN WATER WOULD MAKE ME ITCH. I TOOK MATTERS INTO MY OWN HANDS AND DID A FULL INVESTIGATION. CAME TO FIND OUT THAT WE ARE VITAMIN -D DEFICIENCY. I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT TAKING A VITAMIN THAT'S HIGH IN FOLIC ACID (PRENATAL VITAMINS) TOGETHER WITH THE VITAMIN-D DOES MIRACLES.
1. FIRST DAY TAKE (4) 1000IUD AND 1 PRENANTAL VITAMIN
2. DAY TWO TAKE ANOTHER (4) 1000iud AND 1 PRENATAL VITAIND
3. DAY THREE TAKE (3) 1000IUD AND 1 PRENATAL VITAMIN
4, TAKE 2 AND THEN EVERY DAY TAKE 1 ONLY.

VITAMIN-D IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR OUR BODY/HEALTH, IF DEFICIENT WE GET ALL KINDS OF SYMPTOMS/DISEASES THAT DOCTORS KEEP MISDIAGNOSING US. IN LESS THAN 1 WEEK, I PROMISE YOU WILL BETTER AND HAVE IT COMPLETELY DISAPPEAR.

[Bradlybad40]

Do u take them all at once or through out the day?

[Tc_girl87]

Do u take all the pills at once or space them out?

[4bearance]

I know this is difficult, but try to stop scratching.  I bear it for a couple of minutes and the itching goes away.

[Spookarena]

Good luck with that. Sure, that would be the ideal solution, but you and I both know it isn't practical. I really wish people would stop giving advice if they don't have any sensible  ideas. I'm aware you're only trying to help, but when someone is experiencing itching to the point of going mad, and they're at their breaking point, that's the last thing they want to hear. We are not talking about a little itch. This is a serious condition that lasts for YEARS. I don't think even the most disciplined of us could bear to "stop scratching" for that long :/

[Confusedanditchy]

Hey Talk2megoose,
I have had the same problem forever, does it happen most frequently when it's cold or breezy? Honestly, and I'm not totally sure, but I think this is more genetic then anything, it could very well be your skin type. I have very sensitive skin, what helps me the most is wearing tight clothing when I exercise. I know how annoying this is to hear, but you have to resist the urge to scratch it. When you exercise your blood starts flowing faster and your skin starts to heat up. I get it even if I just go for a walk outside sometimes. What I do is as soon as I can I wrap my legs up in a warm soft blanket and drink some water. And if I haven't itched it usually goes away within ten minutes. I started exercising indoors with tight clothing on, which has helped a lot. Make sure you are drinking a lot of water throughout the exercise and watch your body temp. Try buying some work out clothes from a sports store. I hope this helped!

[GSpix67]

I also suffer from these intensely itchy legs between knees & ankles, especially so during the winter months here in UK.

Someone mentioned that Folic acid might help, I'm not inclined to agree as I take 5mg tablets every day (helps towards a memory issue I have).

My own temporary solution so far that works for me is to basically scald the affected areas with hot water while in the shower. I use the jet/pulse setting and gently crank up the heat until I can feel it burning, then apply this to all the affected areas. My legs do sting a little after, but it does stop the itching for a few days. It might not exactly be 'healthy', but at least I'm not adding any other potential additives from various 'medicines' etc. until I find a permanent solution.

[Susankatherine]

Could it be ichthyosis? Try sanding your legs, there a few different things you could use. It sounds like a callous on your legs. Then use Shea butter or cocoa butter to keep moisturized.

[Susankatherine]

Could it be ichthyosis? Try sanding your legs, there a few different things you could use. It sounds like a callous on your legs. Then use Shea butter or cocoa butter to keep moisturized.

[Julesbeme]

I am so happy I've found all your comments...I suffered with this for years, it IS NOT due to dry skin, certainly not for me anyhow.  The doctor sent me for a CAT scan, to a neurologist but nobody could figure it out.  All I could do was put cold compresses on my legs or go out in the winter air with bare legs and that only helped a tiny bit.  I grew up in the prairies where it was dry as dry could be and didn't have it, moved to Nova Scotia and that's where I was when it started, it continued after I moved to PEI.  Finally it stopped and I have no idea why, no change in detergent or anything else like that but I always knew it wasn't something topical it just felt like a systemic type of problem (from the inside out).  I did divorce my husband though, maybe I was allergic to him lol.... anyhow it stopped.  Worse than that now, my 20 year old daughter has it and I had no advice for her until I read some of your posts.  

First thing I'm going to get her to do is boost her Vitamin D, I have no doubt she'd be deficiant, if that doesn't work then will research the sulfates she takes in....also plan to get her in for blood work to assess her Vitamin D, B etc. and perhaps allergy testing.  Whew at least we have something to try now.

Thanks so much everyone...it's nice to know it's not just us!

[micelle]

I have severe itchy lower legs also.  I can't believe it happens to so many females out there and there has to be a hormonal relation to it.  It seems to happen more at night but also happens throughout the day.  Myself and my husband notice that it only happens during PMS and then again a week after.  The itch is so intense and there is no relief.  I started taking maca root powder because it is supposed to balance hormones naturally. It hasn't helped because I still get itchy especially during PMS.  Sometimes I get an itchy rash on my knee and on my face.  I was thinking it could be an undiagnosed gluten allergy that is more pronounced during PMS because of the hormones?  I am going to get an allergy test to get some answers.

[DrNot]

A LETTER I WROTE AFTER GETTING ITCHING

Morning,
Could you please tell me the full ingredients of the above product and what type of sulphates are you referring to.
Because I purchased two two litre casks of your Tawny Port on Wednesday and was a little reluctant to do so as in the past when I had a good drink of this port I developed red rashes on my legs and thinking maybe surely the port wouldn’t have caused that as I have had other brands of port and never got rashes.
Well on Wednesday I got stuck into your Port and after had six standard drinks over four hours in the morning I noticed I was itchy and I seen I had these small red rashes over my legs and during the day getting worse. Today when I woke up most of my legs and back are all red with rashes with hot itchy feeling and now my arms have rashes.
So I never had is problem with other brands of Port so it must be something you do or put in your Port and if it affects me it will affecting others and I am sure it’s not good for our health.

WAITING TO HEAR THERE REPLY BUT ITS THE SULPHITE IN DIET AND TOXINS IN OUR FOOD OUR BODIES ARE OVER LOADED

[mzlaird]

You have joggers itch!wear loose fitting COTTON pants for a while, when you run or workout.

[XSandiX]

I suffer from the same itchy leg syndrome as others here are complaining about. Sometimes I thought the extreme itching at night would drive me mad! No matter what the Dr. prescribed (usually a steroid cream) what I found to relieve the itch was using Solarcain (sunburn spray) or other first aid sprays containing Benzocain or Lidocaine . Peppermint oil also helps. Eventually after a few months it would subside. I have signs it is starting up again after almost 2 years without it. This time I am going to add Omegas to my regimen. I understand they can be very helpful.

[MHumphries]

I developed this problem three years ago.  I have tried a lot of things also.

I have found that using T/Gel® which is a therapeutic shampoo for chronic Scalp Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis and common Dandruff works for me.  I use this EVERY day in the shower on my legs and then rub pure coconut oil on my legs as a moisturiser as it is claimed that coconut oil is good for several skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

Its a relief which I find manageable but not a cure.

T-Gel is a product made in New Zealand, I'm not sure if it is sold anywhere else.  (www.neutrogena.com).

A big thank you to the people who suggested trying Vitamin D and K.  I am going to give that a go and see if it may stop itching for me.  I really hope it does.

[Mika987]

I am a 74yr old male, and I have suffered from itchy legs for the past 25 years, in spite of seeing three skin specialists; several doctors and courses of Prednisone, 40mg; every kind of oily cream or past you can imagine, with no real satisfactory relief. I was also encouraged to bathe my legs with a Pinetarsol solution, but that had no effect either, other to make my legs feel that I had been scalded, although the solution was only hand-hot. Some home research has led to the following conclusions:
1. Put an ice block in a plastic bag; rub it on the itchy area and get some relief; enough to help one get to sleep, etc.
2. Smother the itch area with Calamine paste; make by allowing the fluids in Calamine to evaporate; brush it on (paintbrush) and get sustained relief.
3. Watch what you eat; MSG and its derivatives (621, 627, 631, etc.) are to be strictly avoided.
The doctor now thinks that this may be an exposed nerve ends syndrome; similar to shingles.
As a footnote, I was unaware of the bread problem, but it seems to me that it may also be a culprit. Today, I am itchy and I believe this is because I had toast at lunchtime yesterday. I will keep experimenting! TTFN   Mika