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Itchy legs....help

About a month ago I started jogging/running. My problem is my legs start itching so bad that I have to stop. It starts at my ankles and then goes up my legs. My dh told me to start pushing through it and it will go away if I just keep going. So I did that today and it started going up my stomach, so I decided it was time to stop because it was just too much to handle, and I was afraid that my whole body would end up like that. I usually start out with a 5-10 min walk and then work my way up to running. After about 20 min of fast walking the itching starts. It doesn't matter if I'm outside or on my tredmill, wear shorts or loose pants. I have tried putting lotion w/ no purfume or anything in it before I exercise, but it's not working. I have also had my dh spray my legs with water to cool them off, but that isn't working either. I don't want to give this up, but I can't take this itching anymore. I walk and/or my tredmill everyday, sometimes several times a day, so I don't think just getting used to it is the problem. Does anybody have any idea how to make this stop? I will try anything!
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18367086 tn?1464304590
Try using light weight ted hose for "tire legs" 10-15 hg. this is help the blood flow slowly release to the larger extremities and less vessel flush.  
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Avatar universal
I've been dealing with this itchiness since I was 13, and now I'm 18. Almost every time I go for a walk, the itchiness starts after about 10 min. I found out that if you keep a steady pace, the itchiness doesn't start, but if you change it a little bit, the itchiness will start and won't go away even if you go back to a steady, slower pace. I don't know why this happens, but so many people have it I can see that there needs to be a name for this instead of just "itchy legs when running." I also get itchy when my backpack is bumping against me, or my sock is rubbing against my boots on my ankle. It's so strange! My brother and sister both have it too, but not my mom. It must be genetic too. I thought I was the only one! So did my brother and sister! It's like our bodies are allergic to running -_-. But I love hiking so much, so it's such a bummer when I start to itch. I don't itch when I'm on an elliptical or bike. If I ride my bike on train tracks, the bumpiness of the tracks from the wheels to the handles to my arms makes my arms itch uncontrollably like when I run/ fast walk. I'm a very active, very healthy girl, so I know this isn't because of being sedentary or inactive... I know a lot of people way less active than me who have no clue what I'm talking about when I bring up the itchiness. When I get itchy and try to keep going it just gets WORSE and WORSE and I swear I want to kill myself AHGHH it's so bad. I need to get home so I can scratch, so I run and it just gets worse and worse, and all I can think about is opening my house door and laying down and absolutely TEARING my legs apart. I will PHYSICALLY make myself not scratch, so I can make it home and not go crazy in public, but eventually I keel over and scratch everywhere I can until my skin is blood red and sometimes it even leaves scratches. I haven't tried antihistamines, but I hope to God it works. It's so unfair to be so active and love nature so match and have this stupid condition. >:(
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2 Comments
I've had this problem for over ten years now. I always believe mine is the worse case. Even having sex and rubbing against my partner is a problem. If I am walking  I try to go as slow as possible bcuz I don't want it to start. Its literally unbearable.
You have described my problem word for word! Glad I am not alone in this! Had it since I was a kid and have only found one link, it only happens when the air outside is cold and I am warm so i try and avoid it by walking slowly, however sometimes I still flare up! And if I itch it gets 100 times worse but if I ignore it, it will continue to get worse! I have to get home/to a public loo quick to scratch hard on my bare skin! I get the friction thing too if my bag rubs against me that area itches!  I have tried stopping walking sitting down and rubbing my legs gently it easy is it temporarily and then as soon as I start walking again within seconds it's back with a vengeance. I used to think I was allergic to denim so I stopped wearing jeans and now I only wear leggings or loose fitting clothes but sometimes it still happens.  Doctors don't know what it is although they have suggested to me today to use antihistamines daily so I will start doing that as I have hayfever anyway.
Avatar universal
had this problem SINCE I WAS A CHILD GROWING UP IN THE CARIBBEAN. i am now in my 30's and never seek help for it, main reason : the thought that the HEALTH PROFESSIONALS MIGHT THINK ME CRAZY. As a child i remember telling my mother once or so and she gave me baby powder to apply to my legs. i have greatly suffered from this problem, only god knows.WHAT I DON'T UNDERSTAND IS HOW CAN THE ITCH ONLY OCCUR DUE TO LACK OF INACTIVITY when growing up IN THE COUNTRY, THE ONLY WAY OF COMMUNING IS BY WALKING, EVEN 15, 20 MILES TO SCHOOL. NO MATTER HOW MUCH I PLAYED, WHETHER BASEBALL, or whatever other sports we played as children, THE ITCHING ONLY OCCURS WHEN I WALK VERY FAST OR RUN. I would claim THAT THE ITCH ONLY HAPPEN IN HOT WEATHER, but I've only walked outdoors when its hot for exercise since being in the United states. in Jamaica it was always hot. after years of suffering i started pondering MAYBE ITS FROM WEARING TO MUCH CLOTHES, LIKE TWO  PANTS, BUT I TRIED SHORT PANT AND STILL THE SAME. Besides in Jamaica i mostly wore shorts growing up. and i still had the problem. THE PUZZLING THING IS, WHY DOES IT HAPPEN MOST TIMES,BUT NOT ALL THE TIME? the crazy uncontrollable itch its usually starts about 15 minutes after walking. and  AND IT IS NOT JUST THE ITCH, IT IS WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE URGE TO SCRATCH. you're in public, so you're terrified of scratching, the urge to scratch drives you insane. YOU START TO FEEL DIRTY AND DISGUSTING, LIKE THERE'S THINGS CRAWLING ON YOUR SKIN. YOU GO INTO LIKE A PANIC STATE  BECAUSE NOW EVEN THE SLIGHTEST OF LEAVES GATHERED ON the road, like when it rains and water washed the leaves into a backed up pile, or ANY GARBAGE, or if IT RAINS the pain is antagonizing . I want everyone to disappear just so i can scratch, but that wont happen SO I WANT TO SCREAM, YELL AND CRY. the itch WILL START AT MY LEGS, THEN TO MY THIGHS, TO MY WAIST  AREA. sometimes if i am carrying a back pack, the constant bumping of the back on my body will cause that area to itch. but this, no complains here, this i can control by removing the object that's causing contact to my body. STRANGE THING I DON'T UNDERSTAND: AS THE ITCH INTENSIFY, THE MESSY ROADS CAUSES MY MENTAL STATE to go into place i cannot explain. as the grace of God, when i make it home, and can finally scratch, THE BURNING is excruciating, feels like my skin has been lit on fire. only cure is to wait for it to subside. SHOWER? I DARE NOT. BECAUSE THEN something in my mind is telling the shower is dirty, so i would have to clean it, then move on to cleaning something else, and continuously cleaning til everything is spotless. BUT as i clean i'm grossed out, because the sensation of the itch is still there which gives me the feeling that everything is dirty. FOR YEARS I THOUGH I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO SUFFER FROM THIS TERRIBLE ITCH WHEN WALKING FAST OR RUN, AND IS VERY SURPRISE TO SEE OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, EXCEPT MINE IS A LITTLE MORE COMPLICATED.but i've seen 1 or 2 post where others have some similarities to my strange affects..Ive been going to the gym since last year, worked out almost everyday and 30 minutes or more on the treadmill and wasn't having any problem. i haven't gone to the gym in about 5 months because of conditions i was in. now im ready to start exercising again and the devil has come back. IS THERE ANYONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO STOP THIS ITCH... i have a feeling it's going to stop again, but what the heck causes it in the first place....i
Helpful - 1
1 Comments
I know exactly how you feel. It makes me feel like I'm going mental as well. Like you know what insanity feels like, all your senses are magnified. I think it may be an allergic reaction to genetically modified foods. Most things are made with genetically modified soy or corn products now a days. And there has been much cross contamination through crops.

Whatever the cause, It is the worst. :'o(
Avatar universal
I am a 29 years old Asian woman, I've had this issue since I was 15. The itch itself is horrible enough already let alone the mental torture it comes with. Last time I went out hiking with my friends all I was thinking was scratching and rushing home to scrub my toilet because the whole world was beyond disgusting. You literally feel that you were losing your mind! I will go give Claritin a shot. Hopefully that helps, if not... I have to work out indoors for the rest of my life now because I can't risk go through that again
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
can't suggest you with anything but wanna share my experience with you. water deficiency may cause itching during workouts, I have experienced it when I first started working out but I managed it with drinking enough water, or it could be some kind of allergies, you need to seek some expert opinion.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Oh my gosh I've had the same thing. It was a cold winter night. I had to meet my friend in town and I was running late AND had to walk. I started with a fast constant pace. About half way there I started feeling the tingling but ignored it. Then my jacket rubbing against my hips made my hips itch so I scratched them gently. Then my thighs and my stomach. I tried so hard not to scratch because anyone who experiences know scratching is bitter sweet th initial scratch feels SO GOOD then it starts itching WORSE. By this time I was screaming on the inside frustrated, in pain, holding back tears. I called up my friend and told her I needed to sit down and that I would be running late. As soon as I sat down on a bench mind you it was a busy main road people walking by. I didn't want to look stupid or weird so I fought the first minute to be normal like I was waiting for someone so I went in my phone. I was pressed for time so a few seconds later I started to scratch my leg like I was just doing it because i had a slight itch then I went all crazy when I realized no one was going to look or care I scratched and scratched and my eyes were tears eyed. Then I grabbed my phone stood up and had to risk walk AGAIN. The itching started IMMEDIATELY I WAS PISSED. I started holding back tears and fought through the AGONIZING ITCHING SENSATION. When I got to my friend I was dizzy and very slow at talking I tried to act normal since I knew she would be asking questions It's the worst physical feeling I have experienced. The disgusted feeling of the environment I do get now that I think of it . Everything else suddenly doesn't matter at times you get so pissed and angry because you want to scratch but aren't because of being worried about what others will think of you!


Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Guys am so glad am not alone. All along ai thought i was bewitched! Some adamantly diamiss it as Syphillis and yet....i test negative for it. I have tried everything, lotions, special creams,  itamins and boosts, etc...it doesnt work. Now I resorted to calling it the enemy! I trick it instead. I walk out and let that beast come....once it is beginning i push it a bit more...then I sit down. Gently rub it and breatge..at that time my breath is cutting, am angry, dizzy and yes i feel like the world is coming to an end...and sonetimes i even want to puke. When it goes away...i start again. It doesnt come again most times but i do feelmy hands burning up juat as bad. I hope it doesnt kill eventually. I am putting some scientists on it soon. We will find a cure soon. Hang in there people. I suggest we name this thing!
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19161764 tn?1473243739
Somewhat more data would be useful… You specify "legs" - do you have more than one range? From its appearance, I am speculating that it is - or was at first - warm to touch. In the event that it wasn't warm or in the event that you have different territories, it is exceedingly likely that what I'm going to propose is misguided...

I'm focusing with respect to the territory with a darker tint - kind of taking after twin mountains (lighter pink encompasses that). In the event that palpated and having a firmer vibe than the rest, it could be an intimation. In some cases a denser, darker tone proposes a zone of unique "damage" or presentation. Be that as it may, the darker shading could be on account of you have as of late been rubbing the territory, as well. (Scratches make distinctive imprints - like red lines.) I don't see any open ranges/broken skin, rankles, hives or ulcers. The rash seems diffuse over that territory.

Have you been outside recently? There is one little speck inside the darker shaded territory that might be from an irritated bug. Three different specks are adjacent - yet they are more "dark" and resemble a hair follicle… That same shading spot shows up outside the rash.

It could be a hypersensitive response, a histamine reaction to a bramble or thistle or bug "jabbing" just beneath the surface of your skin.

I, for one, encountered a rash essentially indistinguishable to your photo from a bug I saw nibble me on my thigh. It resembled a "ninja" stink bug - an enormous, protective layer plated bug with a stomach area and thorax (I think a thorax, something enunciated) and long pliers standing out of his head. He bit me at a reasonable while I was in a bargaining position and not able to brush him away. I got the critter, however, and a scout pioneer close-by let me know it was a stink bug executioner… (?!) Oh well, I felt that chomp. It squeezed hard - it was under my pants. The squeezes broke the skin, however their pin-prick marks vanished in the blink of an eye a while later leaving just the rash. That is a long story, planning to refresh your memory to some distress you may have discounted at the time. The rash from that critter (like bunches of bug nibbles)
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Avatar universal
This morning I dropped of my car to have some work done.
I always dread doing this because it means I have to walk to work.
I don't mind walking but I know I am going to get the dreaded itch.
An I have the same emotional and physical symptoms mentioned by others.
I have had it from a youngster into my adult life.
I make excuses for not going on walks or taking up jogging.
My Doctor looked baffled when I enquired about it.
Reading through your comments the one thing that keeps coming up again and again is problems with circulation.
I have just read this article that I think explains the cause:  https://liverunloveyoga.com/2011/10/27/runners-itch-what-causes-those-itchy-legs/
hope this helps.
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Avatar universal
you are so right! It is stupid! I feel for you. I have it too, so I completely understand, I'm not as active as you are, so I can imagine how you must feel not being able to enjoy hiking without going through this mess, hang in there! Let's keep the conversation going.....perhaps a cure is on the way
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Avatar universal
I realize these comments are from a couple of years ago, but we have got to keep this conversation going, as it is so nice to know this is a real condition! and I am not just crazy! I have been suffering from this since the age of 13! the intense itchy legs during walking and running, especially if the weather is cool, and the mood swings after it occurs, My stomach feels sick and my environment looks extremely gross, If I see pot holes, trash around or mud. It's insane! please help us.
Helpful - 0
3 Comments
You summed it up prefectly. I'm a guy who has experienced this condition since I was a adolescent. I recently had a case last week where I thought I was going crazy! Not only was my lower half and stomach all itchy but I was furious, and also started viewing my surroundings as "disgusting" and "unclean." I can't really describe the temporary mental component that occurs with the unexplained itching but it's there.
@lynnwood44 and @Ramon_Aventura  I have the exact same reactions. It is horrible. I dont know which is worse-the physical part or the mental part. For me, it first started 22 years ago(44 now) and has only gotten worse throughout the years. In my case, I suspect it has to do with poor circulation (maybe leading to the histamine issues) and it's also worse when I'm walking in colder weather. The mental agony, anger and disgust that I feel when it happens is really baffling and disheartening, it makes me feel like the world is coming to an end. It's even gotten to the point where the experience will be so overwhelming that I will actually start crying. It's very weird and it has been impossible to make others understand what its like. It just comes off sounding like I'm making excuses to not walk. So when I walk, I try to do so very casually and lightly to try to minimize the symptoms(I give myself extra time to get to where I'm going to allow for this). Sometimes I will do vigorous jarring leg/body movements to try to acclimate to the shock/friction movements of walking/fast walking a little while BEFORE I go outside so that when the symptoms start getting bad -at home- I can just stop and rest/scratch and let them pass so that I dont end up scratching fiendishly like some kind of weirdo on the sidewalk numerous times before I manage to get to my destination. It's insane. Sorry for the long post but I was VERY surprised to find that I'm not the only one.
I had the exact same issue but I think I've found a solution, I talked to a pharmacist and he prescribed 100ug of vitamin d 200 mg of ferrous sulphate and also 10mg of certrazine dihydrochloride. Really we just attacked the issue from every angle addressing any allergies or deficiencies all in one go. Felt relief from the itch and also the mental disgust after 4/5 days. Some times my itch does re occur but only about 1/4 as bad as it once was and with none of the mental side of the issue .  
Avatar universal
Some articles (like livestrong) claim it has to do with blood not knowing how to direct itself  when starting to excercise. I have not found this to be an issue that only happens to new exercisers, so I'm wondering if that article is half-right. It could have something to do with our blood... like low iron. Now, a full proper iron panel consists of 4 different blood test, but most doctors are only aware of one, so most of us that ARE low iron (because we're not absorbing it/binding it) don't get diagnosed as such (because we have plenty left over in our blood). Some tell-tale signs of low iron are ridges on nails and spooning of nails, low energy, brain fog, etc but they vary. I've realized this issue for me (which happens with any kind of repeated friction/movement of my skin in any part of my body) comes and goes, so I'm wondering if it has to do with my iron levels at that particular time. I haven't had that issue since I started increasing my stomach acid (ironically what most of us believe to be too much stomach acid is usually not enough stomach acid) so that I can better absorb nutrients like iron. Hope that helps someone!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Some articles (like livestrong) claim it has to do with blood not knowing how to direct itself  when starting to excercise. I have not found this to be an issue that only happens to new exercisers, so I'm wondering if that article is half-right. It could have something to do with our blood... like low iron. Now, a full proper iron panel consists of 4 different blood test, but most doctors are only aware of one, so most of us that ARE low iron (because we're not absorbing it/binding it) don't get diagnosed as such (because we have plenty left over in our blood). Some tell-tale signs of low iron are ridges on nails and spooning of nails, low energy, brain fog, etc but they vary. I've realized this issue for me (which happens with any kind of repeated friction/movement of my skin in any part of my body) comes and goes, so I'm wondering if it has to do with my iron levels at that particular time. I haven't had that issue since I started increasing my stomach acid (ironically what most of us believe to be too much stomach acid is usually not enough stomach acid) so that I can better absorb nutrients like iron. Hope that helps someone!
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Thank you..great info!
16674035 tn?1450293031
I went to a  specialist about this.  He didn't offer help.  I itch only in cool or cold weather and only on my thighs.  It is horrible.
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Avatar universal
I have suffered with this my entire life as well. Since childhood. Debilitating, rip your pants off in the road. itchiness. Niacin and antihistamine is the only thing that works. It stinks to have to take an antihistamine all year long, but I take at night. If I forget it, I truly don't even bother exercising. It's never gotten better the more in shape I am, or with time. It's so not fair and really turns me off from exercising at all. Good luck all! It's nice to see some info on this finally.
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Avatar universal
Im so glad this thread is still going. Im 24 years old and have been dealing with this since high school. I have always been athletic. I played tennis and ran in elementary and in high school i danced. Now I cant even speedwalk. This morning i went to the bus stop, forgot my pass, and went back home and my legs were killing. I couldn't get in my house fast enough. I ride my bike 4-5 times a week for about 30 mins to an hr and no itching. So today i decide to take the bus and bam itching. Im also a CNA so im constantly walking every where the only time i sit is for break if i even get one and i don't itch. Ive tried the benadryl, lotion, clothes temperatures nothing helps. Its really embarrassing i cant even jog with my partner if i wanted to. And while the itching consumes me my disgust for everything around me starts. the street, trees,  birds, its all gross and i feel like its closing in on me. I use to love running and now that i cant even walk it makes me want to forever ride my bike no more walking/running for me. Someone should really do like a clinal trial or something cuz i need answers!! Thanks for posting guys it helps knowing there are others that deal with this issue. =)
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11746284 tn?1449567413
This is so me in the actual way that Nalla and SevenPlus described and I've been passing away to discover something to help because I would like to jog or run. This extreme itchiness even happens after just a quick move. If anyone discovers anything which enables please let me know.
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Avatar universal
Yes, I have this problem, too!  I'm a young Asian woman.  I used to run cross country in high school and never had this problem.  It started in college.  At first I thought it was because of the cold air where I lived, but it happens when I'm on the treadmill in a warm gym.  I thought maybe dry skin was an issue, so I tried slathering lotion or body cream on before running or brisk walking, but that didn't help either.  I've wanted to run, but I've been afraid to do so for the last few years.

The itching and burning is painful, and no one else understands.  I can do half an hour of HIIT exercise and not have this problem.  I've tried to ignore the itching and burning and push on, but it only makes it worse.  I end up using all my willpower not to remove my pants until I get home and scratch.  Of course, I end up with raised bumps or welts and red skin from the intense scratching.  I usually break capillaries and have dots on my legs afterward as a result.  I think I will try taking an antihistamine stronger than Zyrtec and seeing if that helps.

I felt relieved reading all of your guys' experiences and being able to relate!
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Avatar universal
I am so glad to know that I am not the only one who suffers from this! Just returned from a walk with my husband a little while ago and I had the worse case of it I have ever experienced! I was in excruciating pain! I would rather have a baby than go through that again-and I have had 3 without an epidural! I was in tears before I got back home and I'm still trying to recover. I have had this since I was a child. It comes and goes. Right now, I am anemic so that may have something to do with how bad it was today. I think I'll stick with biking and doing my at-home workout. I don't experience it during either of those!
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Avatar universal
This has nothing to do with race, am african, nigerain in particular. i thought i was being over dramatic, i was so happy when people mentioned about the environment episode where dirty looking things appear to infuriate the itch, for me i notice that it occurs only in the morning implying that when its cold because lets face it its all sun in nigeria, its just my quads, hamstrings and anywhere with a lot of friction(waist band especially or where i have a back a pack) oh God, that start screaming itch me. i have to just stop and wait until it recedes then i carefully take my steps one after the other, and if i take it too fast i risk returning back to torment, but by mid day to sundown i can run nonstop like it never even happened.
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Avatar universal
Check out my post... It might help you too....;-)!
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Avatar universal
Hi..

I'm new to this forum and this is my first post.  I couldn't help but read your posting and wanted to share the info I just discovered about preventing itchy legs....

"Histamine Response:
Some research suggests that histamine is released during exercise to protect against fatigue, rather than as an allergic response. Histamine works to expand blood vessels in your body, but, unfortunately, sends the itchy message to your brain. As with urticaria, taking an antihistamine before running may help, and it’s possible that as you continue your regimen, the itching will lessen".

I haven't been out for a run, on a treadmill or exercising for about 5 months now.  New job, new house, new kind of responsibilities, not managing my time well enough....etc, etc, etc...  All of that have kept me away from being physically active lately.  

Anyway the thing is that I took anti-histamine pills (over the counter) for a couple of days before I went running again.  I couldn't get to the gym or go out for a run for a couple of days because of mismanagement of time...but I still took the pills just in case.  So I finally made time on the third day and went to the gym....  Anyway while running (aside from feeling tired after such a long hiatus) I can tell you that I had NO itchy sensation or the sensation of wanting to tear my skin out from scratching...!!!   NOT AT ALL!!!  I ran for a full 30 mins and my legs or any other part of my body DID NOT itched....WOW!!  I guess that I maybe build it up in my system during those days before running without knowing. I think taking antihistamine pills might help those that are prone to runner's itch.... like me!!!  Well, that is as long as you are not allergic to that...  

I will be OK without them in about 3-4 more days at the max.... That's how it usually work with me.... But now I don't have to suffer through it until my body get back into it again....  I ALWAYS had this condition ever since I can remember...  And now as an adult it can be so annoying and depressing....BLAH!!  Anyway I hope this helps...  I feel great now because I can build up my resistance and stamina while not having that awful itchy feeling...:-)!!!!  Just ready to take on the world now ...;-)!! Wishing you Happy Runs....
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Avatar universal
Hello, I'm an itchy too. It's called pruritus and discovered that anemia can cause itchy skin, especially among athletes who develop low iron levels thru endurance activities or weightlifting. There's even a malady called footstrike anemia (hemolysis) among runners where the red blood cells are damaged by continual pounding of feet on the ground. Just search "itchy skin anemia." Iron deficient anemia can be cured by supplementing with iron pills but if in doubt have ferritin levels checked with a blood test.
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Avatar universal
I have this problem too, and I found a solution that works like a miracle. I am very fit, so I know my problem is not lack of exercise.   Before you go walking or running outside put on body lotion on your body, specially on your legs, and feet or wherever you itch.  I do not get itchy anymore.  I think the problem is the blood circulation combined with the dry skin that causes the itchiness.  I don't have to deal with this problem again after discovering the lotion solution!!
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