Itchy Legs after showering or swimming

[dalbs]

I have been experiencing extremely painful itching in the legs, which starts about 10-15 minutes after getting out of the shower and will last about 15-30 minutes. It started out by happening occasionally but now it occurs after every shower and has started happening after getting out of the swimming pool. The itching is getting more intense and I'm afraid that it will continue to just get worse and last longer.  Water is the only thing so far that triggers this.  This is not a topical or dry skin itch, it's like my nerve endings are going wild inside my legs.   Nothing seems to relieve the itch, it just has to "run it's course".  I've tried different lotions, not using soap, not shaving my legs, warm water, cold water, not drying off, change the floor rugs.... nothing makes a differnce.  I found where this problem had been discussed on this forum a few years ago but no one seems to be able to find a solution. Is there anyone out there that has found a solution to this every painful, unexplained problem?

[sk2006a]

have you consulted a doctor?  my brother-in-law has developed a similar sounding problem.  he cannot take a shower because he begins itching all over his body after he gets out.  he now has to take baths, which greatly lessens the itching.  apparently the itching is initiated by the shower spray hitting the body.  also, he has found information on the internet.  i guess it's an actual medical condition, but not very common.  good luck :)

[Bullbuyer]

Hi there,

I was beginning to think I was the only one that has ever had this happen to them.  I have the itching pretty much all over at this point.  It started out that it only happened on my arms but it gradually progressed.
My doctor doesn't know what is happening to me.  He suggested that I use antihistamines before I shower.  I don't want to do this so I discussed the situation with my pharmacist.  He suggested that I might be reacting to the chlorine in the water.
I went on holidays and spent time with friends who don't have city water, they have a well.
I still had some minor itching but nothing like what normally happened.
I've since bought a chlorine shower filter.  I am having some success with it.  The results are similar to when I was using the well water.  I've had an itching episode since then and I realized that when I would vigorously was my skin the itching was worse.
I'm still trying to find out more about my condition but am having some relief.

However, I no longer go swimming in a chlorinated pool.

Hope this helps.

Bullbuyer

[sk2006a]

wow - i would have never thought of the chlorine in the water.  i'll suggest it to my brother-in-law.  since the doctor recommended it, you might try taking a low level antihistimine such as benedryl if you shower in the evening.  some people have a "sleepy" reaction to benedryl, although it wears off after using it awhile.  good luck!

[jordygirl]

I think I may have found the answer.  It's called Aquagenic Pruritis.  If you do a google search, you will find a lot of good information.  I've been suffering from the same thing - unbearable itching after showering.  Like a thousand needles were under my skin.  I would sometimes cry from sheer frustration.  After reading another forum, some people on there had found this, I looked it up and did a little research, and it's dead on.

I haven't found a cure by finding the name for this, but one thing that's helped me is immediately after showering, using my hair dryer on my legs.  It takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes, but the itching subsides.  It apparently has something to do with the moisture/water drying on your legs, air touching your legs, and the drying.  I don't quite understand it all, but I know that as soon as I got out of the shower or pool and regular air hit my legs, I would panic because the itching would start.  From reading different sites, hot water bottles, heating pads and even small space heaters work.

Nothing else worked for me.  And I tried absolutely everything.  Please look this up - at the very least you might be like me - knowing you're not crazy!

[wshumom]

I suffered from all the debilitating itchy leg symptoms described here, primarily on Sunday mornings when I was extra stressed trying to get the family out the door in time to teach Sunday school. Since I always change the sheets on Saturday, my husband suggested that it might be the detergent/fabric softener. Switching to unscented, hypo-allergenic products did help to alleviate the problem, and today I am symptom free. Of course, my children are grown and I no longer have the stress levels, either ...

[dustyisdusty]

starting when i was a little girl i would get out of the tub or shower and would scratch my legs till they went raw. They itched so bad i would cry. I tried every kind of lotion nothing worked. It stopped for a while and recently it started up again and it itches so bad i cant do anything but sit there and hold them. I dont know what is wrong with me. Its nice to know that im not the only one with this issue.

[WOWWEWOW_JABBER]

My Dermatologist prescribed Cutivate lotion ($150) my not coast you as much. Also prescribed Doxycycline(capsules). These both are for fighting bacteria. Have worked for me thus far. Itching has stoped since taking the meds.Legs and feet have subsided, with a little itching here and there. But I am also still on the meds. Hope this will help. It mite be a form of bacteria that some of you are dealing with. Rather than an alergic (allergic) reaction to water as I was told by one dematologist.

[frank09]

hi all!  
am i joining the club or welcoming you into the club.  tonight is the first time i decided to research this...i can help a bit i hope.  i know the itching is unbearable ..i just finished a little one a few minutes ago after coming out of the shower.  this is what helps me...my dermatologist recomended lowering the temp of the water of the shower to room temp but what really does the trick for me (unfortunately not a solution but a great band aid) is putting pants on immediately ..pajamas or sweats whatever. hope this helps you all and i will continue researching.  good luck.

[frank09]

hey all...maybe im over reacting ( i hope not ) but i think i can help.  i just got out of the shower and i feel fine.  now i pulled all the tricks tonight and if you want exactly what the solution to the problem is then i guess you need to narrow the variables; but i think the goal is to simply get rid of the problem - not so much to find the cause..
anyway- i lowerd the temperature of the water for about 5 minutes before shutting the water to about room temperature(70degrees); throughout the shower i marched in place periodically to keep the blood flow even(which i really think played a big factor); then i grabed the towel and dried off in the shower with the curtain still closed so i wouldnt be exposed quickly to the cooler air; i also patted dry, no rubbing dry; when i came out i put a bit of gold bond powder(little bit), and i immediately put my pajamas on and kept the legs moving.  I HAD NO ITCHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOPE THIS HELPS YOU ALL AND GOOD LUCK.  

[Steve355]

Hi- on a side note, have any of you gotten this from exercising / sweating?  I get it from showering as well as sweating.  I've never really thought much about it before until I saw this post.  In the case of sweating, it can't be chlorine, right?

[frank09]

ive never really gotten it from sweating.....

[roxyblue]

It is from not drinking enough water.  I never drink water. I hate it and this use to happen to me. I bought some flavored water and started making myself drink it and ever since the problem has almost gone completely away. You have to drink plenty of water. If you don't - when you are in the shower your body is soaking up as much as it can b/c your body knows it will be a long time before it will get water again. Then when your out of the shower and begin to dry it trys to get that extra little bit of moisture and then your pores begin to close back to normal size.
Hope this helps

[Kryonite]

I read an interesting article on the internet that said the source of an itch after your shower could be the ingredient sodium lauryl sulfate in shampoos and body washes.  It's one of the ingredients used to make a lather.  I have been using perfume/dye-free body washes, fabric softener and laundry detergents for years but it hasn't made a difference.  I noticed that my shampoo and fragrance-free "for sensitive skin" body wash contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).  My legs itch after a shower and sometimes other times for no apparent reason.  Just my lower legs though--nowhere else.  Sometimes it's painfully itchy--you guy know what I mean!  I use a combo of benadryl ointment and oral benadryl, which of course puts me to sleep so I can't take it during the day.

[spdswm]

You could be itchy from the chlorine in the water and also in the air running around in swimming fools. Also the floors of the showers in swimming pools are usually washed with a mix of pure chlorine liquid and water - if floors not rinsed well the chlorine lingers in the atmosphere until completely vaporized.

Does this feel strange when you also take a shower at home?  If not it could also be a nervous issue in the sense that when you swim you are irritating some nerves - test and see if swimming a different stroke would aggravate the feeling. One stroke a day.

Good luck.

[Marc743]

Like all of you I am also glad to find out that I am not the only one, although my mother once told me that she also has it. Now that I have read a few forums I conclude the following. The condition is called "aquagenic pruritus" (not "pruritis"). There are many suggestions but the exact cause remains unknown. A universal cure also remains unfound. Most people get this in episodes of a few weeks except for the unlucky ones who get it all the time. Almost all of us have been trying to find a solution by narrowing down the possibilities by trial and error. Now that we have all found this forum, I suggest we try to do some brainstorming together. I want to start with a summary of possible causes. Please let me know what you think of this summary and please help me make it complete or narrow it down.

- water temperature
- chlorine in water
- fabrics (bed/clothes/towel)
- fabric softener
- soap / shower gel
- sulfates in soap / shower gel
- stress / blood pressure
- air temperature
- air humidity
- climate / season
- drying lower legs last (which I think ppl do normally)
- not drinking enough water
- showering in the morning
- drying with a towel

Let's work together to find the solution!

[cliff_toronto]

Thanks to all of you for posting. My story is similar, started about 2 yrs ago. I just came back from a holiday down south and had little problems there. Someone on another site suggested it might be due to tanning. I may try that, although that idea doesn't thrill me....

I also saw a very qualified dermatologist and also an allergist. Both say this is NOT Aquagenic!!!  

Hads anybody seen a naturopath or other alternative medicine specialist? I am following that up too.
I also tried exercising right before shower, drank plenty of water just before, took an Aleve (anti histamine) and did not use a towel to dry off. Blew dry with hair dryer.  Symptoms in legs did NOT occur today, arms minimal, back not great, not terrible!

Lets keep experimenting and post results. Thanks to all!!

cliff

[FLpalamara]

I've been thinking I was crazy for years. It started when I was about 23 in the Summers only, now I'm 28 and it's happening off and on every couple weeks, no matter the Season. I live in Florida, but have experienced the problem while taking showers in the morning at different houses and while in different states. Recently the itching has started before the shower, especially on the weekends when I wait awhile to shower. I also notice it after I finish my workout and my legs are still sweaty. It's always mostly been on my legs, but again as things have been getting worse the itchy, tingly, warm sensation is all over my body. At night I don't itch, but get a mild case of restless leg when I'm tired. These are some of the things I've considered could be the cause:
-humidity
-mold/mildew
-circulation problems
-stress/anxiety
-fragrances/dyes/chemicals in detergents and soaps
-migraines (I get them and have had problems with different times of day/sleep patterns; could be related)
Things that provide relief are benadryl and for some reason putting my clothes on immediately after showering. Lotions don't seem to do much and I've tried Eucerin and so on. Hopefully all of our experiences will lead to a better understanding.

[albpeanuts3]

I can't believe my eyes...people out there with the SAME problem as me!  I thought I was nuts!  Or at least that's how my doctors have made me feel.  I've been suffering from itchy legs and arms since I was 7 years old and have been told everything under the sun from only showering with cold water, using eucerin lotion, using dove soap, taking antihistamines, etc. etc.  I still feel there's got to be an underlying cause for this problem.  I agree that there probably are many factors at play, such as temperature of the water you shower in, type of soap, and other allergins, however, there must be a better answer than our doctors just telling us to take a daily allergy medicine!  I am like all of you, I am frustrated and am tired of this condition affecting my quality of life - and just hoping and praying that someone out there can help!

[throatsore44]

I worked for a very savy poolguy who said the Ph level in the water is what causes itchy
conitions and that water from the tap is never Ph correct for the body without conditioning.Some water is worse than others.Get a test kit from pool supply store to check your water.Chlorine also affects Ph, and too much chlorine can also cause itch.

[Russ08]

Very good to read all of your posts as this problem has been driving me crazy for the past couple of years. Ive tried a few things from using the hairdryer on my legs to showering as close to leaving the house as possible as getting out and walking seems to calm it down.
One thing I do know is that it only happens after a shower at my house. When im at friends houses or hotels it seems fine, so to me this suggests the problem is definitely to do with the water!!

[craig_ap]

I have had this for about 17 years now (I'm 56).  There is a group over in Yahoo with several hundred of us discussing this problem, if you want to join us.  Most of us have found that finishing the shower with VERY HOT water is better than finishing with cold water - just the opposite of what the doctors say. Also, most of us shower at night since showering in the morning is much worse.
I have noticed that for me, ANY water contact is bad - I have tried Ocean water, well water, city water from many cities all over the world. So it is not chlorine related for me. Even sweating or getting caught in the rain (or high humidity) is just as bad. If I can stay tanned, the itch is less and I can actually spend some time in pools or ocean - but once the tan is gone the itch is horrible.

[zaf355]

ive had this problems for about 1 and half year only on the lower half of my legs below the nees. i tend to have very hot showers for 25 mins a day 5 times in a week in the afternoon. this problems slowly increased since having more showers, and the skin being very dry. wot i hav discoverd is after the shower if stay out of my clothes it very itcy also if stay in cold envionment it also itchy. but stand near a the heater for 10 minutes the itch dissapears. i hope it will help  good luck

[ninahick]

So here goes: I've aguagenic prutitus since 2000, the same time that I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid and a B12 deficiency.
Since then water, even rain and sweating set this itch off.

I found the following to help:

I use a cream from South Africa called Epizone E and rub my whole body before I shower. It acts as a water barrier and foams a little when in contact with water and so it cleans at the same time.


I use two towels. One to get most of the oily substance off my skin
( don't rub, pat) and the second to pat myself dry.
Then I immediatley use a good skin lotion , more fatty than water, get dressed asap as it helps if the skin is enclosed.

I cut showering down to 2x a week. Eek!! The rest of the time I simply wash the nec. parts. It really helps a lot.
The whole secret is too avoid what irritates the skin: water

Unfortunately the suppliers of Epizone E are not exporting to other countries so I have friends who send it over or I pick it up when I visit there.
This cream can also be put in the bath( doesn't work for me) and is prescribed by dermatologists in South Africa for patients with other skin disorders.

Van Dyk Pharmaceutical Products Ltd.
PO Box 291209
Mellville 2109
South Africa

Tel.: ++27  11 477 5363/7

Fax: ++27  11  477 5705


Email: ***@****

website: xeroderm.co.za

I wonder if we all write to this company if we cannot get them to consider exporting?

By the way keep dancing and singing..this helps too!

Nina

[yorkiegal73]

Does anyone here have a rash which goes along with the itching? When I get out of the shower, or if I'm sweaty, I have big red patches on my legs and smaller round patches on my arms and occasionally shoulders too. They itch like crazy for around 30 mins. Antihistamines are taking the edge off a little but the rash is still there. And why would i suddenly get this in the last two months when it's never bothered me before?
sam

[dahveed]

I think It has to do with stress levels and the lack of drinking enough water.  

Now a previous post suggested the lack of vitamin B12.  I turned vegetarian about a year ago which is about the same time my itching problem began to occur.  Is anyone else here a veggie?

[sherrysigns]

Hallelujah! I am so grateful to know that I am not losing my mind! I can remember as a little girl having to brush my legs with a hairbrush just to get some relief. I cant really say at that time that water triggered it because I was a lifeguard for a few years as a teenager. But certainly I had RLS (restless leg) even then, though they didnt have a name for it at that time. It was just a few years ago when the Dr diagnosed the RLS that I am experiencing at night. ( I am now in my 50's) That should be a relief except I have developed a definite problem with water/showering/swimming. I can not go into a pool or bathtub without benadryl the minute I get out. I cover myself in babyoil before getting out. Showers are all that I have left and yet I wish I could avoid them altogether. So I take them as minimal as possible. I can not use bath salts, loofahs, or anything that is meant to "smooth" the skin. Even shaving can cause severe itching...although not shaving also causes my legs to go crazy.Today it was nearly an hour before the itching quite after my shower. I finally wrapped my legs in ice and took a benadryl.
I have tried several things and only by trial and error have I discovered these things:
*  Body butter. It has to have shea butter in it so that it provides a thick barrier or something. I put it on all over after a shower and immediately put pants on. That seems to help most of the time.
*  Either extremely hot water or ice pads will eventually subdue the "itching"
*  Of course, Benadryl
*  And I am not sure if this is true or if it is just the psychosis I go through just thinking it is going to happen, but once I give in and scratch my skin, I am often headed into a full on attack.

So, while I am going to have to continue to do the trial and error thing, I am grateful to know that this is not "all in my head"....

Thank you

[jmbillyo]

Wow, it's such a relief to know I'm not going mad as the doctor would have me believe. My first memory of this happening was when I was 18, about ten years ago. The itching is only on the lower half of my legs and to look at them, you'd think there was nothing wrong but I could tear the skin off. I've noticed the following points....

It seems to be a lot worse in the spring/summer.
Its normally (90% of the time) after showering and is not really effected by a long soak in the bath.
I always finish with a cold blast from the shower and this doesn't ease it.
Putting satin pj pants on quicky seems to help.
Shaving my legs used to help, but I'm not convinced anymore that theres a link.

Anyway, it's great to know that people are trying to find a solution. Lets keep posting our findings.

[Jyles101]

I, like everybody else, was really interested to see that there are others out there that have this itchy-shower phenomenon.  It is awful, obviously, but I might have some interesting insights to compare or contrast with others.  

I have very mild plaque psoriasis.  I saw that a few other people posting also had this condition, so maybe there is a connection there.  Curiously, my psorasis is localized almost exclusivey to some small areas on the back of my thighs (others on my shoulders were seemingly cured by a nice tan last summer and haven't returned.  Unfortunately, the backs of my thighs rarely see the light of day and the problem persists...). I mention this, though, because while I suffer from the itchy-shower syndrome (as I have dubbed it), unlike many of you, my legs are NEVER the problem.  When I get it, it is my arms, shoulders, back, and chest.  

I ONLY have this problem, regardless of where I am (or what soap I use, or the water tempreture, etc.) in the summer time-- particularly in the early summer when the weather is warming up, and on very humid days in the late summer.  I do not get it when I sweat, and yes-- putting on clothes quickly helps a great deal.  

For the most part, I associate this problem with humidity.  When my skin is itching terribly, it usually feels damp, a problem that is clearly not helped by the humidity.  Standing in front of a fan sometimes helps me.  

[Ruby23]

I am having similar problems, but only with swimming.  I was thinking it was related to shaving my legs, and then getting in the pool.  (That is normally what I find myself doing.)  I do not have the itching after showering, it is only from swimming, no matter what pool I am in.  It is getting to the point that I just want to stay away from the pool, but I hate to miss out on that quality time with my 4 year old niece.

[bellezza]

Wow, I can't believe there are other people out there with this same problem.  My boyfriend always looks at me like I'm crazy when I complain of itching after a shower.  I have been suffering from this phenommenon for probably 10 years, off and on.  Lately it is getting much worse.  I used to be able to rinse in very cold water at the end of my shower, and that seemed to help; but now, nothing helps.  I know that the itching does subside when I put pants on, or if I use a blow dryer on my legs, but with the current heat wave, that's barely an option.  I am going to try some of the suggestions I've read here, and hopefully I'll have some positive feedback!
~B

[jenastaire]

I've just today experienced my 2nd horrible itching attack and in my completely agonizing itching turned to google to see what I could find.  I am sure grateful for all these posts. I have had mild "attacks" before that went away after a couple minutes, but both showers I've taken this week have resulted in my absolutely trying to tear my skin off.  I am using the same bath gel, same shampoo, same conditioner, same loofah -- everything the same, as far as I can tell -- and as soon as I turn off the water, YOW!  I had tried splashing really hot water on my legs -- the worst site of the itching -- because somehow it seemed like that might help. It seemed to relieve the itching for the moment of impact but not a second longer.  I am eager to try the suggestions here (but not eager enough to hop back in the shower right now  :-) ).

[mich7s]

I'm so glad I am not the only one with this problem. I started getting my "episodes" last year in my second year of college so I thought it was the change in environment but even a year later i still have it at my old house and at all seasons after showers, pools, and lakes. I've found that this works pretty well:
- 1% over the counter hydrocortosone cream after every shower works well and prevents  
- put legs under extremely hot water if that fails to work (hurts a bit but I find the relief is pretty instant!)

[sniff69]

I am writing this whilst having probably my second most painful session ever, and i can remember my first! clear as day! I've had this problem from the age of 8, i am now thirty two. I itch mainly in the spring/summer seasons, i live manchester and most summers are humid here and i am convinced that humidity and water are the key contributers. However when i am in a dry heat country for a while my itching subsides completely and for some time after until i shed my tan.

I thought that this problem was psychosomatic but clearly not,  judging by you all. Tips that i can pass on are:  sleeping without a duvet on humid and sticky evenings, no central heating during the warmer months, keep yourself busy during a bout to try to take your mind off the agony, as far as the shower is concerned its pot luck some days i am fine whereas on others my entire body is on fire!!!!!

Goodluck

[aav41]

I took my daughter to swimming classes continuouly for about 2 weeks. after a while she developed frequent urination and burning while urinating. we checked for infection. she does'nt have any infection. I think this is because of the chlorine in the swimming water.

she has been having severe frequent urination after that. what is the remedy to get rid of the irrirant? please help my daughter she is only 5 years old.

[annap117]

Well as you have all said nice to know I am not the only one.  My itchy lower legs started in my early 20s and have got steadily worse, I am now in my mid 30's.  I lived in NZ and it would come for about a month always after a shower and sometimes after swimming.  We now live in Rarotonga and it has got worse to the extent that I barely have any days off from it. I get it from showering, swimming and if rain gets on my legs.  The last week here we have had low humidity and I have not had it! could be that or could be about 1 month ago I started using a natural coconut oil that I put on after showering, will keep you posted if it continues to work.  Drives me crazy, I often have to lie down in the morning and just rub my legs normally lasts for about 1/2 hour, gets me very irritable as I cant do anything else. recently it has also started on my upper arms but its the legs that bothers me most. I have tried...sensitive washing powder, organic washing pdwr, no soap, flowing soap, natural shampoo etc..nothing seems to work. Definately worse when showing in the morning, excersize makes no difference.  Good to know there are others with it, lets hope someone sees this and tells us a cure!

[aav41]

I took my daughter to swimming classes continuouly for about 2 weeks. after a while she developed frequent urination and burning while urinating. we checked for infection. she does'nt have any infection. I think this is because of the chlorine in the swimming water.

she has been having severe frequent urination after that. what is the remedy to get rid of the irrirant? please help my daughter she is only 5 years old.

[notnat]

I have terrible TERRIBLE trouble with this. I even wake up sometimes at night when I wear shorts because I itch. I have found that you must bath everyday and ALWAYS moisturize after every time. If you aren't bathing everyday, then you need to have a moisturizing ritual. Mine is as follows. Shower normally, if you feel any particular urge to scratch, you should go ahead and take a loofa and exfoliate the whole area (all of legs, or all of arms) When you get out of the shower, pat dry PAT...do not rub yourself dry, you should actually still be very moist after patting yourself. Then lather on some baby oil. once this is done, sit down for a minute and allow your skin to naturally absorb the moisture left from showering and the oil. Once you are dry, you may finish off with a good lotion (no smelly ones or tanning ones). This is the only thing that has worked for me. i have no idea what causes this, but I have a feeling it does have to do with the moisture in the air and the way ones skin reacts to drying. Side note, I do not use the fan in the bathroom during my shower, but afterwards, after I have left the bathroom. The fan tends to make things worse by sucking the moisture out of the room. But hey, that's it's job. Just not when I am around.

[meg0501]

Im so glad that I found these posts! Just thought i would do a quick google search before i got in the shower, as i was dreading the awful itching episode, its so relieving to see that im not the only one! I too have tried everything, drying with a hairdryer, cold showers, wrapping my legs in a wet towel, etc. It does seem to happen more in the summer, as i havnt had it for a while up until a few weeks ago, and it has become unbearable, im constantly scraping at my legs with a hairbrush! I also seems that the problem is less at night, and also sometimes using other showers i dont have the problem. I think it must be a combination of water type/ temperature. Horrible horrible horribel, i hope someone comes up with a cure soon!!

[garfields]

Does anyone who has the itchy legs also have any other medical conditions such as syncope?  I was wondering if this is related to my itchy legs after shower/pool.  

[Val807]

I highly recommend gold bond powder.  it's cheap and really does help.  I also think there is a cream, which I haven't tried yet but will the next time I am at the store.  Aren't we a weird bunch?  I never knew other people had this until I heard a woman on the radio talking about it.  She was the one who led me to try gold bond…God Bless her!   .    

[Steph897]

my legs itch whenever in contact with water, any water. Lake, pool, city, well water.
The itching is so bad I cry and always scream that I wish my legs were just cut off. I quit shaving my legs that just make them itch 10 times worse. Hot or cold water doesn't matter. Neither does extra filtered water.
Baths are a little better. This has been goin on since I was 9yrs I'm 14 now.
I can go shimmimg go to waterparks basicaly any normal water activity. Sometimes they itch when I change clothes.
I have been to a dermatologists and the med Creme he gave me made it worse. I wish someone found a cure for this. It's really hard to live with.. Email if u have help. Stephi_princess***@****

[LeiNick26]

I myself have the same problem. but i suffer from eczema. After i get out of the shower i have red spots on my body that itch and itch for quite some time after i get out. I usually get a mild soap and a cream to help the dryness and itch. hope this helps!

[JJ525]

I am so relieved to find I'm not losing my mind with this problem. I've been going through this for about 2 yrs now. I mentioned it to my doctor, she thought it might be shaving my legs. Its not. I get the itch whether I shave or not. The itch is so unbearable that I feel like I'm losing my mind. I tried everything from changing soaps, detergents, how I wash, lotions, etc.  But I did notice something this weekend. I stayed at the Hilton hotel in SF & they have a water softener in their hotel water. When I showered & shaved, I had very minor itching. It didn't bother me at all.  I'm now wondering if its my city water & whats in it. The itch is mainly on my legs & a little on my arms.  I'm hoping I hit on a solution as this has been very trying for me. I'm glad to know I'm not crazy though!

[sklors22]

My itchy legs after showering has been going on for about 4 years now and its very hard to deal with.  I dread taking a shower because i know im going to have to suffer the itching afterwards.  It doesnt sound like anyone really has a cure for it.  I will try some of the things people have suggested though.  The only thing that has helped that i have found is putting on pants right away after the shower, the itching seems to stop faster than if i werent wearing pants.  I wish the doctors would figure out what this is.  

[TrudieC]

I have had the itchy lower legs for a few years.  I also have hypothyroidism.  Taking a bath or shower would intensify it.  I had thought it was related to shaving my legs.  I started shaving less and it got worse.  This summer it has disappeared and could be from a number of or all combined reasons.  I was off work for 6 weeks recovering from abdominal surgery so my stress level was quite low.  As a result of being off I got more sun and a tan.  I started shaving my legs more often and for the first few weeks I used a loofah on my legs before shaving and put an antibacterial soap on and rinsed after shaving and followed up with lotion.

[admj]

i have had this issue now for more than 20 years.   i have tried just about everything.  i tried very hot showers (seems to be worse)  i tried very cold showers....  if i dare try to get dressed right after a shower im in big trouble.   my itching is so severe i feel like i wanna kill myself sometimes.   i have scratched myself with any sharp objects i can get near.   this appears to be a very big issue for many people.  i have talked to my doctor and had no luck.   i have 2 purifying filters on my shower so i know i am getting absolutely no chlorine.  and yet i still sometimes itch.   i usually get out and run straight to the fan and stand there till totally dry.  for the most part thats what seems to help but lately its been getting worse and worse and i tell ya ... i didnt know this itch could get worse.   i have tried lotions and creams and gold bond and baby oil and baking soda .. you name it i tried it.   i feel it has to be a skin issue as from reading every other post here ... we have all tried hot/ cold water.   pool water vs chlorine free water etc....   yet we still itch severely.    if anyone has other suggestions other than what has been mentioned above.. please feel free to contact at dieselpower313   at  a o l *******.....  

[admj]

d  o  t   c  o  m

[itchingtoo]

I was very glad to find this site since I also have the same problem after showering.  For me it is only my lower legs and the itching lasts for about 45 minutes.  However it only happens at home. It does not happen when I on vacation or visiting family or friends.  I am therefore assuming that it is the water in my house.  I just ordered a water filter for my shower so I will let you know if it helps.

[Niffer991]

I have this problem also and to relieve the question of "What is this itching?" I can tell you what it is. For some of you, not to say all, it is candida. I have had a blood analysis done and see a naturopath to try and treat it but very very hard. Candida you can look up is a fungul overgrowth in the body. Candida is fed by eating starches and sugars and some of the symptoms are itching of the skin, especially the legs. The treatment I have found that helps is, other than noe sugars and startches, tanning which seems to subside the irritation of the skin. If I continuously tan, for a short time, then after showers and swimming I get very limited itching.

I hope this helps

[blondie01]

Hi, i stumbled upon this website after googling itchy legs after shower search, and this is what popped up... to my astonishment, the same exact symptoms i was having, so was a whole lot of other people... This problem went on for a few months, i tried every body wash, body lotion (mostly fragrance free, and aveeno, even baby aveeno) nothing worked.... I tried using Sarna (Best stuff but stinks like medicine and i hated going out wearing that)..In any case, I didnt realize this until i went on vacation and took a shower at my friends summer house, she had some Aveda organic shampoo and conditioner, i stayed at her house for about 4-5 days, and needless to say, no itchy legs, i thought maybe it was the water, but it was the same water because both was in NY, in any case, my conclusion was... that it was my SHAMPOO, (i was alternating between victorias secret and garnier fructis and Redken) then i went out and bought a shampoo that was organic or didnt have such fragrances and such ... and guess what??? the itch stopped!!!!!!!!!! omg is it a relief?? i couldnt go a day without shaving because if i left the hairs on my legs grow out, my legs would itch soo bad, i would load tons of sarna and aveeno anti itch on my legs and knew it wasnt dry skin at all,,esp in the summer cuz  it was mainly my upper legs, not my arms, or anywhere else... and i realized that when i showered the shampoo ran down my legs...

p.s- sorry for such a long comment but i feel like i wantedto share this with everyone suffering and maybe it could be your shampoo??? hope it helps!!

[Mike3434]

Hi I've found that I'm only affected when I take showers in the morning and only in the summer months. When I wake up my legs are very warm after being under the covers all night. If I wait 2-3 hours after I'm up there is no problem at all. This leads me to believe it has nothing to do with water/soaps. I think it is related to internal leg temperature, blood flow and hydration. I'm 27 year old male and live in Ohio (hot, humid summers), this started in my early twenties. It might be helpful if people also posted their age, sex, climate that they live in to give more info to draw conclusions.

[Kitcath]

I've had this problem for about 8 years, and like some other posters, it only affects me in the summer, from about mid-late August until the first hard frost, usually by mid-November. This year it didn't hit until September. I've often wondered if it has something to do with what's happening at the local water treatment plant at this time of year. Perhaps the chlorine, or some other chemical that isn't used until late summer.

[mstoever]

Hi, I'm a 25 year old male living in northern Virginia where we have hot, humid summers.  I've had this for about 7 years now off and on with my legs and chest after showering and just my legs after swimming and exercising.  I am very thankful that I've come across this website!  

I tend to agree with some of the earlier posters who seem to think that this is a blood circulation/body temperature issue (along with a little hydration thrown in there for good measure).  I've noticed that this only occurs in the mornings, when I jump right from my bed to the shower.  I've found that if you give your legs some time to "wake-up" by walking around a bit before showering it really helps.  Also, I've found that keeping the AC on low during the night and not using any unnecessary sheets and blankets helps too.  My best advice in the shower is to leave the bathroom door open to allow proper airflow; keep the water a little cooler than you are used to; pace gently back and forth while in there to keep the legs moving; pat dry when done, leaving a thin layer of water on your skin; and lotion up immediately afterward with the moisturizer of your choice.  Finally, and this is really important, try to drink about a gallon of water a day to keep yourself properly hydrated (which is recommended by most doctors for proper health anyways, and isn't as much as it sounds).  

I hope this helps!

[Henrik]

I used to have the same problem. My legs would itch intensively from knees down after showers in morning. This symptom completely dissapeared after I started going to a sauna every other day. Maybe it would help you too.

[marifhossain]

Hi,

I was suffering from Aquagenic Pruritus for the last 10 years. I disliked showering and sweating. Pretty itchy after showering.

But later I did some R&D and found it really works for me!

One of the cause of Aquagenic Pruritus is reduced activity of the oil glands of your skin and not producing enough oily stuff which makes your skin dry and itchy while it gets wet anyway.

Remedy: I use olive oil all over my body before taking a shower and after the shower, I massage the oil thoroughly. It comforts me a great deal!!

Aquagenic Pruritus also triggered by the chlorine and other stuff in water. So you may try "Baking Soda" in your shower water the night earlier (in a tub) and shower in the morning. This really works for a lot of people.

Hope this will help those who are suffering with Aquagenic Pruritus

[heypey]

Can't believe so many of us have the same issue.  No new answers but threre are two things I've noticed that seem to make a difference.  Tanning.  I've noticed that when my tan fades the itching is at it's worst.  It doesn't totally go away but it it definitely lessened.  Second,  putting pants on immediately after showering works better than anything.  Going to try drying off in the shower before getting out to see if this helps and add the gold bond and will report back.  Hope someone finds a cure for this.  

[kelsey01]

It sounds like you are dry shaving. It could be either you aren't using shaving creme when you are shaving your legs, using an old razor, or I know some girls that can't shave their legs cause it gets their leg skin gets so sensitive that they get their legs waxed. You may want to try waxing your legs and putting on sensitive skin lotion after getting out of the shower

[cliff_toronto]

Greetings again, Fellow sufferers. I posted quite sometime ago and now come back for what hasbeen for me, tremendous relief.

Ifound this summer, that being in the ocean did not bother me at all. Making a long story short, I found that the main ingredient in salt water, is magnesium.  Magnesium is the ingredient in Epsom Salts.  I now shower regularly and simultaneously, run a bath with 2 cups of the Epsom Salts.  I sit in the bath for ten minutes and then basically air dry.

ALmost 100% of the time, I have 100% relief!!  Absolutely ZERO itch!

I hope that others will try this and report of their success -- or not :(

Cliff

[thatoneguy82]

Hi All,

I just want everyone to know that this is not a gender-specific issue (though more women probably suffer from this than men).  For the past two years, I have been experiencing itchy legs (and no, it's not stress).

They seem to occur either when getting out of the shower (as described above), or when it's hot and my legs sweat (though it's the drying process from the sweat that seems to trigger the itch).

I think it has something to do with high concentrations of salt coming out with the sweat and then the sweat drying, which makes me wonder if there is any sort of correlation between hypertension and itchy legs (may be a good area of research for any doctors listening).

I, personally, have found relief in taking a cool, wet wash-cloth and dabbing it where the itch occurs (and that is instant relief, especially in the summer).

Anyway, I hope this helps, and I hope this reaches some men out there that are experiencing some similar issues.

Also, if you have hypertension and the itchy-leg symptom, please reply to this post.

Thanks.

[Triswimmer]

I am a male and have had this problem for 6 years. The most help I received was from a natureopath who prescribed a regime of 1) daily for 2 weeks of fish oil capsules, 1 tbsp of fax seeds, 1 tsp of pumpkin seeds the 2 ) 2 weeks of evening primrose oil capsules, 1 tbsp of sunflower seeds and 1 tbsp of sesame seeds. I also use a cortizone cream. However, this continues to plague me after swimming - drives me crazy - itch all over my body. Have tried pre-swim waterproof creams, post-swim moisturizers, etc. etc. Pure torture at times. Tested for allergies including chlorine by dermatologists, and none found. Sometimes happens after a run. I love my endurance sports, so have not given up yet!  I do have some hypertension. Will take this up with my cardiologist. Boy, any help is so great.
Thanks

[MadiCami]

I am so glad that I found this forum. I have suffered from this same thing for about 5 years now. I have made a doctors appointment and plan to print this documentation and bring it to the doctor in case they think I ma crazy. I have found that this only affects me in the winter months, when I am not having my legs exposed to sun or air. The itching is enough to make me crazy and I am constanly using lotion so I know that it is not dry skin. Plus, it only happens from my knees down....thanks for all of the posts!

[recswimmer]

I have just developed this itching issue in the past 4 months, it began after my local YMCA drained and cleaned the pool. After I finish swimming I have almost uncontrollable inching  I was swimming between 1 and 2 miles a day (pre-cleaning) with no itching problem.  After reading this form, I am beginning to believe that it is caused by the Ph and chlorine level in the pool.  I do not get this severe itching from showering or bathing; just after I swim.  I also swam in fresh water lakes this past summer, no itching problem.

Perhaps there is a soap that can counteract the Ph or the chlorine.

  

[NancyLouLou]

Allegra, generic  Fexofenadine.
I have extreme itching that I would actually bruise where I itched and make myself bleed, I even have scars from it.
Don't know what I'm allergic to but my MD prescribed Fexofenadine and honest to God in under 1 hour after taking the first pill I quit itching. So now I take 1 tab every 24 hours.
It won't cure it but maybe it will help you to live w/ it.

[Dupe46]

After suffering from this for years and years, I decided to google it today. I cant believe, and yet I am relieved, that there is actually a diagnosis for this condition. I've always suspected that my husband, although sympathetic, probably thinks it's a neurological/mental disorder since there is really no visable symtoms. For me, it noteably comes on very intensely when I have a fading or sluffing tan. Like after a warm weather vacation or the end of summer. The better the tan, the worse the itching while it fades away. This could be weeks of insane itching after every shower or leg shave. If I were not self-employed, I'd have been fired by now for not showing up for work in time due to dealing with the crazy, pins and needle itching that can last for up to an hour. One time while in Nevada, I was attacked by a patch of tiny fire ants that had unknowingly crawled onto my leg. I have compared the symtoms of aquagenic pruritus to that one horrific event. It's hard to describe to those who have not experienced it. I have recently found some relief in a couple products made by EUCERIN. Although I have never used soap on my skin; only armpits and crotch, I have been using Eucerin Calming Body Wash for those times when I want to shave my legs. Also, I bought the Eucerin Calming Itch Relief Treatment for after the shower and it does help for me. I wish you all good luck in dealing with this strange condition. I am definately going to talk to an internist about this soon as I have also read today that this condition could be a symptom of other, more serious illness.

[Weesy68]

Sorry, too many posts for me to read them all but while it's probably more likely what people have said above, I thought I should mention that liver disorders can cause severe itching as well.  Just something that might be worth looking at.  Since you have pretty much washed off all the oils when you swim or shower, maybe it itches because of the loss of oil, but only because there is an underlying condition that exacerabates it. Just a thought.  

[cliff_toronto]

I posted above, that Epsom Salts have helped me. I am curious to know if anybody else out there has tried  it and seen any signs of success.

I continue to find other ways to treat the problems (I also, like others, have itch related to sweat), but w/o success.  
Has anybody found success thru suntanning salons? I am trying that today.

cliff

[philmary]

Oh my God what a relief I thought I was the only nutter in the whole world. Any time I have described this to people they look at me as if i am insane (even doctors). It started for me about 5 years ago just after I had my first son and I thought it was stress cos he was so sick but it never eased until we went on holiday to spain (i live in ireland) and i had no itch while on holiday. I really think the sun and exposure to air during summer months give me some relief. Some days I have been so bad i walk around my back yard while my husband is inside the window laughing his head off and i am fuming!!!! It happens after every shower but not if i take a bath using the same products for both. I went for a massage recently and when the therapist put the oil on my legs I nearly died, had to get up and walk around the room but it would not stop, had to put on my pants to get relief. I was so embarressed. Went to another skin doctor 3 weeks ago and she took a blood test after checking my skin throughly and could find one bit of dry skin. My blood result showed that my ferritin levels(iron stores) were extremely low and this can cause severe itch and also folic acid was low so now on FeFol and I cant wait to see if this works cos i have tried everything. I read a post about sunbeds and I used them before i went on holidays and I can honestly say that it really reduced the itch. I just thank god i am not the only one and thanks to everyone for letting me know!!

[Jon627]

IMPORTANT: This itching is known as Aquagenic Pruritus which means Water-Induced Itching although cold air can cause it also, doesnt have to be water. I have suffered with this all my life and it can be unbearable for up to 45 minutes completetly incapacitating you for a period of time from doing your normal daily routine unless you have bothered to educate yourself on how to prevent it.

It doesnt happen everytime you shower, only sometimes. And as someone correctly mentioned above it is to do with the cold, dry air aggrivating your skin right after a shower. Sometimes, it happens even without water, if you are lying in bed and cold air shoots up against your legs from the bottom of the bed under the quilt cover sparking an 45 minutes episode of itching.

If you suffer from an episode where the itching can last up to 45 minutes and be unbearable (a deep itching which you cannot ignore and must scratch it) then HEAT SUPPRESSION works. Hair dryer, as mentioned above or put the shower on really hot - HEAT suppresses itch. If you go abroad you notice you probably wont get this condition because the air there is humid unlike the air in the UK also proving it is the cold, dry air which sparks itch.

The longer term cure to this issue is regular moisturising of the legs (although the itch can radiate to the arms, torso) to strengthen and keep the skin moist, supple and resilient and make it less sensitive to dry air. Coco butter or vaseline intensive care applied 2 times a day can help prevent the itching and stop this happening. If this works and you then go a few days/weeks/months without moisturising the condition will return and you will have to go that painful 15-45 minutes of unbearable deep itching so keep moisturised as much as possible to keep youe skin fully resisilliant.

Moisturing will not work straight away and you will notice that sometimes you can still feel the itch for maybe 10 minutes but it wont stop you carrying on with your daily activities and will subside quicker.

Also, put clothes on as soon as possible after coming out of the shower to prevent cold air aggirvating your skin.

[I am WHO.]

Hi.  I have the same problem off and on, and so does my sister.  It's worse if the water has chlorine in it or if I use any product with sodium laurel sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate or alcohol.  Also some bar soaps do it to me.  It's basically extremely dry skin that becomes damaged.  

My solution is a dermatologist recommended lotion that is within most people's budget.  It's about $16 at the drug store and there are generic versions, but not all the generics are the same.  It is called Aquaphor Healing Ointment by Eucerin.  It's very thick.  The trick is to PUT THE LOTION ON IMMEDIATELY AFTER SHOWERING.  You have to get it on your skin before your skin dries out, while it is soft and porous.  Gently towel dry and put the lotion on immediately. This is the trick.  If your skin is dry and hard it can't penetrate.  

The healing takes a little while, but in the meantime you can try tiger balm to ease the itching.  Not the red one...way too strong.  Mix just a little of the white tiger balm ointment into the lotion and it will make the skin tingly, hot and cold at the same time.  Oh, and don't shave right before this, it will really burn.  I have found that the hot sensation of the tiger balm eases the itchy feeling...and it's WONDERFUL.  Just be careful not to use too much after a shower because your pores are open and it can burn.  

My suggestion is to put the lotion/ointment on immediately, then 30 minutes later put some more on with the tiger balm in it.  Test it out.  See what your tolerance level is.  Make sure you give it 10 minutes or so to reach it's full heat.  You may be able to handle the tiger balm straight.  This will give your skin a chance to heal.  

[sara1078]

I'm so happy to have found you all. I'm going to show this to my husband right away. He thinks I have lost my mind. I have been miserable in the morning from itching after showers. It sounds to me like different things have brought relief to different people so I'm going to try them all one at a time. Or all at the same time. The thought of taking a shower makes me itch.
Anyways, the comments that really stood out to me was the ones about wheat allergies and the sugar and starches. I have started eating more breads, cereals and whole grain products then I normally do and my itching has increased tremendously. My dad suffers from the same thing but I had thought I was spared from this for years. Little did I know my high protien low carb diets may have kept me from suffering at an earlier age. I am going to try to watch my starch, sugar, and wheat intake over the next few weeks to see how it goes. I'll post my results.

[Jay2224]

It is so good to know I am not the only one in the world that gets this, i have always thought i was a weirdo. I have being getting this for so many years now, i use to get so irritated by it all my legs and arms would have scratches on them from me scratching myself. I use to be a swimming teaching and use to spend a lot of time in the water and i use to get it really bad there, i had to get out of the water sometimes during lessons because it was that bad.  Ever since i quit seimming teaching I now have been getting this mainly after the i get out of the shower, when my body temperature changes and also when i am sweaty.
I am going to try drink a lot more water i never drink water, so i will try this for a week and see if this makes any difference.

[meenasan]

I actually do not suffer from this, but I thought my experience with my boyfriends condition (burning legs after shower) would help.

I researched a lot of this, and being that I also have very sensitive skin I never use harsh chemical cleaners in the shower and only hypo non-fragrant shampoos/soaps.  Same for laundry detergent.

We'd been living here a long time (nearly 2 years), and suddenly this started happening.  Nothing in our lives has changed to bring this on except one thing which I find is very common amongst posters in here....vacations, and or whether changes.

A lot of people start of their stories similar.  My boyfriend has spent 2 weeks in Hawaii, and within few weeks of being back started this burning leg thing.  It was scary to me as it wasn't so much "itchy" as a lot of you describe, but actualy PAIN.  He was hurting every morning after his shower, it was unbearable to watch him lie down in bed and wait for it to pass.  

That's when I started researching, this whole pain thing every morning was unacceptable.  Found the relation between his tanning and this skin irriation.  He also told me of one other occasion it happened when he was little, his family got back from a southern area of France (sunny) and few weeks after being back he had burning legs.

Eventually it went away (by eventually, I mean after nearly 2 months).  He is fine now, but we're moving soon to India (sunny, hot, and humid nearly all year) and I am worried about how his skin will handle it so I started the search again for more answers.

I see this issue has huge ranges, and probably some aren't even related...just so happen to have similar symptoms.  I do know that mild (never hot, borderline cold) baths (not showers) tended to prevent the pain in his legs afterwards.  It seemed to be the only thing that worked.

[Jennynac]

I have had the same problem as you all for about 2 years now and it is only a few weeks ago that I have realised what makes my legs itch so much. I used to scratch my legs until they were raw because it was so unbearable and I just tried about everything there was, then I realised it was quite simple. I used to have hot showers and this made the lower part of my legs really cracked and dry, but now I have realised that if I have cooler showers, then the itching subsides. There are 4 tips that I use:

1) Have cooler showers
2) Pat - not rub - my legs dry with a DRY towel
3) Put on trousers straight after having a shower
4) If they are still itching, then put moisturiser on the parts where it is itching. ( I use Nivea soft Sensitive Moisturising Cream, but you may have a preference)

If failing all that, then a hair dryer is the next best thing, do not have it on the hottest setting as it will not help, but if you keep it on for about 10 minutes it starts to ware off.

I hope that this helps you.

xx

[Mimi216]

I am a 29 year old female from Southern California and I have been suffering from this "itchy leg" thing since I was 15-16 years old. The first few years I ONLY got it during the summer time and ONLY after I showered. As the years have gone on, I started to get itchy sporatically throughout the year and NOW I get it almost everytime I shower all year long! Sometimes I get lucky and don't get it at all and sometimes I can feel it starting even Before I get out of the shower! It happens at home, hotels, different states and even out of the country.  I have tried everything from different soaps, different water temperatures, shaving, not shaving, lotions, putting pants on right away, etc., etc and NOTHING seems to help. I just have to let it pass and it takes anywhere from minutes to an hour. It's so unbearable at times to where I can't even function!  I cannot take it anymore! It's like I can feel the itch literally coming up thru my pores in my legs and just popping out all over the place. It comes from the inside out! I guess that would be the "pins and needles" feeling. It's only in my legs from my ankles to my thighs and occasionally on my arms and that is it. Nowhere else (thank God) What the heck is this??? I don't understand why there is no REAL solution/cure. I already take allergy medicine daily and that does nothing for this either. It's so nice to know that I am not alone and i hope one day no one has to suffer with this anymore!!

[jeff95]

Hello all, I am 26 and suffered with this since I was 22... I am glad I am not alone. I only get it in my legs for about 10-15 mins after taking a shower or getting out of any water. I am lucky in the fact that I only get it 50% of the time. I just keep itching and it goes away. To me it sounds like there is no real cure, so lets keep on itching together... deal with the cards we are dealt. -jeff  

[2itchy_legs]

i have been suffering from this for the past 8 years.  has anyone checked out the site http://www.aquagenicpruritus.com/ he claims to have the 'magic'.
if anyone bought his e-book and it helped, please let me know!

[LittleBob]

Hello all,

I believed that, as a child, I was the only one in the world to suffer from this awful condition. It started when I was about 5 years old. It was so bad, that I refused to shower, knowing what was going to come after it.

Then, I progressed to the hairbrush. I felt like my skin was on fire it was so itchy and so, took the hairbrush to my legs to find relief and scratched them until they bled. I would cry floods of tears before the shower and after the shower.

Over the years, it has eased a little, although I'm not sure if it's eased or whether I have just become acustomed to it. Now, when I get out of the shower, I sit on my cool bed sheets (which is easy in the UK!) sitting on my legs and almost "meditate" the pain away. I have tried everything from changing soap powder (Fairy works, if you have it in the US, but anything non-biological) to swapping shower gel and moisturisers. I do find, interestingly, that shower gel for sensitive skin (Simple and other types), makes the situation worse and Johnsons baby makes my whole body shudder.

Just knowing that I am not the only person in the world to suffer from this terrible condition is helping me enormously. Look at it this way.. we must be incredibly strong mentally, as having suffered such a condition for so many years and not ending up in a mental hospital is incredible!!!

Thank you for helping me and if anyone hears of trials to help us, I'd be up for it, UK or US.

Caroline, London UK.

[Kmbop]

I haven't read the entire thread yet.

It used to happen to me as a young kid(4-7) then it subsided. It has now come back(19) One thing I have found is that cold helps greatly, if it starts, I will take an ice pack, or frozen peas, or anything out of the freezer, and hold it in various positions over my legs for a good five minutes. If it is cold where you live(it is in the fall and winter where I am) I go outside in shorts, and when it is in the 30's and 40's(fahrenheit) it usually subsides within a few minutes(or as long as I can take the cold) If I have to drive to work, I will blast the AC. Moisturizer helps so that you can rub your legs without making them raw.

[jennalin2376]

I have been reading this thread for quite a while - it goes way back to 2007!  The itching after the shower has just started for me about 2 weeks ago.  I can not even imagine how you all have dealt with this for years!!  It has only been this short time and I haven't showered in 3 days b/c I am dreading it!  Thank goodness I live alone!  :)  I also am having random painful itching attacks throughout the day and that has lasted at least a month now.  Nothing is helping.  

I have celiacs disease which 1 in 133 people in the US have and 95% of people do NOT know they have.  It masks itself as one of the over 200 symptoms.  Itching is one of the symptoms.  However, I was told by people on my forum that it could very easily be a vitamin B12 deficiency.  http://tinyurl.com/mp2ym6
I also know that Vitamin D helps your skin.  I am thinking it may be the Vit. D since I stopped taking my D supplement about 2 1/2 weeks ago and then the shower/itching started.

I have also done all the switching of soaps in toiletries & laundry, lotions...  Nothing has helped.  I am getting the Vit. B blood test this morning and will start on a small increase today.  There is no harm in taking too much - the body flushes out extra.  I will post any changes.

JLC

[hanj12]

I've never posted on one of these websites before but felt compelled to do so after reading everyone's comments - I thought I was the only one with this problem! I've had this problem since I was a child (am now 22) - doctors are baffled - have given up going to them a long time ago - the itching is so bad and I sympathise with everyone on here. Anyway I am CONVINCED that it is something to do with blood pressure/circulation - if I shower in the morning (as in when I've just got up), the itching is just unbearably bad. However, if I shower in the late morning when I've been up and about - eaten something and heres the key bit *done some exercise* then I'm ok (maybe still a little itch but nothing compared to how it can be) likewise, the later I leave it, the better it is - if I shower right before bed I'm normally ok. Having said that, if I've been sat down for a while then it can be dodgy. Obviously this isnt exactly convenient and sometimes (like this morning) I give it a go but quite honestly this is the best advice I can give - make sure you've been as active as possible before you shower. I also find (like other people) that patting dry rather than rubbing, putting pjs on, etc help - also I find it the itching is really bad then wrapping my legs in a clean cool cotton sheet helps (just make sure you've washed it in non-bio!) - despite what some say I steer clear of putting anything like moisturiser on my legs straight after showering, as although this alleviates the itching temporarily I find it comes back with a vengence. One final thought - DONT SCRATCH!!!! easier said than done I know - try running up and down on the spot to help yourself not!)

[bearpire]

Hi, like everyone, i have had it since a kid, thats why i don't shower much. But today its ridiculously bad.usually only bad. so i googled. But my trick to deal with it is also cool down by going outside. Slap it helps sometimes.. beats scratching, but only sometimes effective.. i tried the hair dryer today, it sooths but doesnt solve it. Might try that vitamin D thing but i do take multi vitamins pills which does have Vit D, Vit B12, folic acid from the people that suggested those things. But thanks everyone for sharing,

[hotfootjb]

I developed the "itches" when i was 21.  Came on hard and fast.  Not a normal itch either.  It first appeared on my first over-the-road truck driving job.  Anyway, when i joined the service a few years later it went away, TOTALLY!  last year it came back with a vengence. I would also like to note that sweat causes a milder version of the itch.  Can anyone think of what i could have gotten(or stopped getting) when i was in the service?  The only relief i get is benedryl,  and lotion helps.

[doctornee medical]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
Varicose vein with thrombophlebitis could be a reason as these cause gravitational eczema. While in service you would be physically active and the pumping action of your muscles while you are walking, kept the circulation going. Sweat can aggravate an existing fungal infection by Tinea—as in tinea cruris. This infection comes and goes with a symptom free period in between. Please consult a skin specialist to start with.
It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[pinkroses402]

As with others, great to find out not only one.

I only get it after shower, not after sweating and there is no visible rash or any other indication of an itch, nor does my skin on my legs (where I get it) look any different/dryer than the rest of my body.

I don't like to take pills or use cortisone etc on any sort of long term basis unless absolutely necessary, so prefer a natural, low cost and not too complicated treatments first.

Odd to read suggestions about the putting clothes on legs though as for me that aggravates it (even when using special clothes washing liquids).
However, putting oil (olive/grapeseed/almond) on my body either immediately after shower while still wet, or even before getting into shower, has helped although didn't stop it - and it's cheaper than using branded products like Eucerin etc that didn't make any difference for me.  
Although changing all personal washing products to organic ones without SLS/SLF/PEGs/Parabens and without perfume didn't stop it, I find it doesn't aggravate the condiiton when you get it.  (By the way, if you're getting organic, always read label as sometimes I've been astounded that they still include those ingredients - I found Aubrey organics generally to be good and reasonable cost.)

From reading the comments, the temperature of the shower water and/or as one gets out of shower seems to be a common element, so I will try both cold and hot and see which ones works for me.  

Will also check out vitamins B and D - interesting to read comments about magnesium and iron as several years ago I was identified with a deficiency in those that was then treated.  Perhaps I need more supplements again.

Am also hypothyroid and have very low blood pressure, but although some people posting here have those, they don't seem to be a common thread.  (Am otherwise in great health!!)

Far worse in winter than in summer, so the temperature thing may be key - and perhaps vitamin D which is made by the sun (according to a TV programme I saw, even in winter one can expose one's face, without sunscreens, for 10 mins/day and that will keep you topped up).

Good luck with finding a treatment for your symptoms everyone!

[doctornee medical]

Hi
Welcome to the forum!
This could be due to pressure urticaria. Water sprays falling on the legs and feet with a force cause pressure or pricking sensation on the skin, which results in urticaria. If you bathe with a bucket and pour water over yourself with a mug or bathe in a bath tub, maybe the itch will disappear.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[twosense]

I have a feeling its candida(yeast).Someone else mentioned it .I had itchy lower legs after each shower for a long time.My legs are always tan so I dont know about that,but I was prescribed an anti-fungal, Diflucan, for a vaginal yeast infection, and havent itched since.Maybe the yeast its at a threshhold in the body on the border of being"too much",but not yet at the "infection" level-----Try cutting back on dairy,bread,sugar-and possibly get some candida product at health store--or see if your doc would be willing to give you a script of Diflucan-it cant HURT.Its cheap too.My script was 2 pills-taken a WEEK apart-150 mg each-total for both pills at walmart phar: 8.00    -I also was big on soda,subs,dairy,etc...-also disappearing was my morning dry mouth-but the itch relief is awesome

[shellx]

hi there, i get this every so often too. try not using soaps on the effected area for a while. shower as normal then turn the shower onto cold and shower over the area that normally itches for a few mins (its actually rather refreshing and great for toning!!) get out of shower and jump around on the spot until you get dry. If you start to get the 'tingles' and the urge to wanna itch, DONT! but repeat the process and get back into the shower/bath and hold the shower head/run the cold taps over the effected area again for a few mins on cold. sometimes i have to do this 3/4 times. but it always works. Ive been told its a  bad circulatory and a bit of a stress thing
shell

[katie_b]

Thankyou for all your advice,
I've written it all down to aid and assist fellow leg scratchers, here goes for possible pain relievers:

*Cut down / cut out chemicals, particulaly soap and regular washing powder (use alternatives from health food shop - check ingredients).
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is found in body washes and shampoos and causes itching of skin.

*If your symptoms are linked with chlorine exposure - stop swimming as it will probably make your symptoms worse.

*Fit a filter on shower head, to stop chlorine. Get a PH test kit from pool supply store - test your tap (and bath) water.

*Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, and after waking.

*Use olive, grapeseed or almond oil before and after shower. Other products to try are: Aubrey organics, cocoa butter, vaseline intensive care, Aquaphor Healing Ointment by Eucerin, Epizone E (only available from South Africa), gold bond powder, shea butter, 1% hydrocortosone cream. Must apply moisturiser to body immediately after shower / bath.

* Add baking soda or rolled oats through a sock to tepid bathwater. Alternatively put 2 cups Esom Salts in bath, (it contains Magnesium).

* Don't shower when you first wake up, do it 2 hours after waking or after excersise. Keep legs moving during and after shower.

*Open bathroom door to increase airflow and reduce humidity.

*Alternatively try going to the sauna. It seems that people either find releif from hot/cold and humid/dry air. Likewise, sunbeds and exposure to the sun help some people, while it causes others discomfort when the tan fades.

*Change temperature of shower to lukewarm, finish shower with hot or cold for a few minutes.

*For women, shave legs downwards using an emollient.

*March on spot in the shower to increase blood flow.

*Dry off in shower, don't expose skin to cool air. Pat dry (don't rub) skin dry with a towel.

*Moisturising may not work straight away, but over time it should help to 'heal' the skin. Moisturising throughout the day may help.

*Put cotton pyjamas on straight after the shower or bath, even with damp skin.

*Apply heat to skin after bathing or shower with a hotwater bottle, hairdryer or even 'white' (not red) Tiger Balm (not after showering).

*If itching persists, instead of scratching which can be damaging to skin, pinch, rub or slap the area gently.

* Oral antihistamines (like Benedryl) can help with allergic reactions and stop itching, but are not a good long-term solution.

The sympoms could indicate: Aquagenic Pruritus, a deficiency in Magnesium, Iron, Vitamin D or B12, liver desease, eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, hypertension, hyperthyroid, allergy, scabies, bedbugs, candida, lichen planus...the list goes on.  

*I'm not a medical practitioner, I found all of this information on this Forum. So please seek medical advise before taking treatment.

I'll be working my way through the list, please let me know how you get on, good luck and I hope to you that the itching stops!!!

[curiouslearner]

I'm not a doctor so bear with me as I explain this in simple terms.  I've spent several years dealing with health issues naturopathically due to the onset of this itching.  Some people MAY have issues with chlorine or other external sources but the biggest issue is the lymphatic system!  When an attack hits me, I lay down with my legs(arms too if they are itchy)up in the air against a wall so the lymphatic system can drain and within 5-10 minutes, the itching goes away.  

When the liver gets overwhelmed due to food sensitivities, digestive problems, excessive alcohol consumption, too much sugar in the diet causing candida and so on, it releases toxins into the lymphatic system which runs through the ENTIRE body.  When you stand up in the morning, the lymphatic system in the legs and arms fill back up but don't drain as well so the stimulation of the warm shower actually causes the body to start detoxing....pushing out those toxins the only way it can while you are standing.  This is your internal body talking back to you.

Epsom salts are detoxifying
Saunas detoxify
Exercise is detoxifying
Candida(no sugar) diet good for yeasty constitutions
Clean diet is paramount-a toxic liver often comes from a stressed digestive tract-you really are what you eat.
Blood allergy test can determine food sensitivities
Elevating legs (regularily while you watch TV)will drain system and helps relieve varicose veins and resting the heart too!

Naturopaths can work with you to get to YOUR particular triggers.  It's not a fast nor is it a simple process but I personally know that yeast build up(candida), gluten and eggs are my issues.  I have control of my body once again!

I hope this gives you a new avenue in which to explore and regain control of your own body.  I'm curious to know how many people who suffer from this are "A" blood types as it's common for "A" blood types to have a poor digestive tract, yeasty and to be gluten intolerant.

[ItchNoMore]

WOW! I am so relieved to know that I am not alone with this!
I've had this for years and the only way I can relieve an itch session once it has started is to use a pummice stone on my legs but then I end up with bleeding legs instead!

The triggers for me are:

- Showering with the water too hot
- Drying my legs
- Shaving my legs
- Moisturising my legs
- Changing my body wash
- Putting clothes on too soon after showering

BUT, I have changed my showering habits and have been itch free for quite a few weeks now!
I now use tepid water to shower, wait until my legs have dried naturally and never moisturise my legs! I also only shave my legs if I need to wear a dress (awful I know but I'd rather hairy legs than painfully itchy ones)! And I only put my clothes once I am completely dry and have cooled down.

I don't think chlorine has anything to do with it in my case as when I'm on holiday (and constantly in the pool), I don't get a single itch!!!

I also don't agree that it has anything to do with the amount of water you drink each day because I drink between 1.5 litres and 2.5 litres everyday!

I hope my tips help at least one of you!!!

[p1pp1n]

I have had this problem for years and have tried most of the remedies mentioned in this post to solve it.  The obvious ones are soaps and shamposs etc, interestingly I do not get the problem at all when I am abroad on holiday.  I thought this was due to the water but am intrigued by the comments on tanning.

I do get a dry sensation after showers so believe this is something to do with it but moisturisers haven't helped me.  I have found taking hot baths and soaking for a bit instead of showers helps but that's not always convienient.

The only way I have found to control it is to keep my temperature up after taking a shower.  I do this by getting back in to bed and wrapping myself up inthe duvet, it seems the hotter you can get the quicker the symtoms go.

I mainly get it on my legs and chest and it is manageable this way, plus you get a chance to watch a bit of morning TV.