itchy legs at night

[hassen45]

My legs itch at night.  It seems like the only time I scratch is at night.

[meeks17]

I have atopic dermatitis on most of my body (full legs, hands, elbows, back of arms, bottom of back). Atopic dermatitis is a dermatitis/eczema. Lots of people have it and unfortunately don't realise they have it and/or don't know how to treat it. I struggled with it for 8 years before a doctor finally gave me a punch hole biopsy, took a sample of my skin and sent it away to be examined. Extremely easy procedure (20 min) that can be done with any GP. Results came back a week later and I was diagnosed with Atopic dermatitis. Sounds simple but I was at the point where I had barely any skin left on my legs because I had scratched it off (was alot worse when I'd try lay down and sleep). When it's on such a large area of the body and it pops up randomly one day (not since birth) most people put it down to dust mites, shaving or ingrown hairs ect. Once I knew what it was the doctor put me on a high dose of oral steroids for about 3-4 weeks. This completely cleared my skin and any infections from the scratching (my skin was so inflamed and torn it was extremely painful and uncomfortable, felt like I was burning from the waist down). Unfortunately you can't continue taking oral steroids as over time it'll give you much worse, life threatening health conditions like brittle bones, thin skin,  gland shut down and withdrawals could send you into shock. Once I had come off the oral steroids the dermatitis began to return so the doctor prescribed me a steroid cream called betnovate ointment 0.1% 30g. I use it sparingly, rubbing it into my skin in circular motions. I do my entire legs every morning or second morning and I moisturise at night. My legs are completely healed and clear, with only scars left over which will fade over time. Make sure to use steroid cream sparingly as if you use too much too constantly you will get hives which disappear within hours but still better to avoid them. I always thought I had a ingrown hair problem because it honestly felt like when the hair would grow back it was unbearable and I thought maybe my hair is too thick for my pores. But even when the hair had full grown out it was still itchy and was always worse when id try relax or sleep. There was always blood on the sheets from me scratching in my sleep. It was so embarrassing and put me off going on dates and wanting a relationship. I was still struggling with it when I met my partner now and he has been by my side and extremely understanding the whole time. In fact if it wasn't for him I probably would have gave up and never fixed it. It was so exhausting trying to find answers and getting the same unhelpful responses. Anyway long story short, go to your GP, request a punch hole biopsy, if results come back positive, begin treatment :) hope this helps somebody, im sure it will. I know it seems like alot but once you get into a routine and just take that 10mins every morning to rub the cream on, you'll feel like a new person :) good luck.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? What other symptoms are present?  The pruritus could be due to a variety of issues such as dry skin, insect bite, infection, irritation, allergic reaction or underlying medical conditions such as  dermatitis.Moisturizing and taking antihistamine medication may help provide relief. However, if it persists, you may need to have this checked by your doctor or be referred to a dermatologist for proper evaluation. Direct clinical examination and additional diagnostic tests may need to be done to determine the underlying cause. Take care and do keep us posted.