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Itchy Legs after showering or swimming
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?
lol exactly! i put on my pants ASAP too cuz somtimes it alleviates the itching, an in just the same way u said it hampers ur shaving it does the same to me, and when it happens all i wanna do i punch tha phucking mirror, it annoys me, it makes me very tormented and miserable, sometimes i feel like throwing a tantrum or punching someone, or screaming hysterically when it happens,,,i really gotta see a doctor and a psychiatrist
Hi,
I am a constant visitor to forums such as this, but never write anything. I thought this time I should stop being lazy and put my thoughts down. I get extremely itchy legs after a shower AND after swimming AND after exercise/sweating (particularly intimate exercise).
The itching doesn't start out as severe, it starts with a little twitch, or a desire to touch a part of my leg, then it slowly expands until the whole lower part of my body is screaming for me to itch it. If I do itch my legs, they become red and raw and the itching last longer, but I can't not itch them unless someone restrains me (it is so intense!).
The only thing I have found to stop the itch is a HOT shower, and I mean no cold mixed in! And I sit with the water running on my legs for about 10 minutes until I can't feel my legs anymore.
I dont get itchy legs all the time, but I know certain things which will trigger them, such as putting tight pants on strait away (but I have heard that this helps in the case of others, including my mother), taking too long to get dressed, and the biggest of all is STRESS. So of course if I am running late for something, and I take a shower, I get itchy legs because i am rushing around, and this is the last time I can afford to take a 10 minute shower.
I have also thought that it is psychological, because if i start to feel it coming on, and if i can get out of the house and walk my dog it subsides (take my mind of it).
I have been to doctors that have told me it is dry skin, but like everyone else lotions do not help.
I also came across the diagnosis of aquagenic pruritis, which I think is accurate, but this doesn't help me stop it happening.
So going with the allergy thing (aquagenic pruritis), I am going to try for the next month a daily antihistamine, regular moisturising with a preservative free moisturiser (such as one used in eczema), and also using a preservative free shower gel. While none of these things has helped in the past individually, I will let you know if I am successful.
I am a constant visitor to forums such as this, but never write anything. I thought this time I should stop being lazy and put my thoughts down. I get extremely itchy legs after a shower AND after swimming AND after exercise/sweating (particularly intimate exercise).
The itching doesn't start out as severe, it starts with a little twitch, or a desire to touch a part of my leg, then it slowly expands until the whole lower part of my body is screaming for me to itch it. If I do itch my legs, they become red and raw and the itching last longer, but I can't not itch them unless someone restrains me (it is so intense!).
The only thing I have found to stop the itch is a HOT shower, and I mean no cold mixed in! And I sit with the water running on my legs for about 10 minutes until I can't feel my legs anymore.
I dont get itchy legs all the time, but I know certain things which will trigger them, such as putting tight pants on strait away (but I have heard that this helps in the case of others, including my mother), taking too long to get dressed, and the biggest of all is STRESS. So of course if I am running late for something, and I take a shower, I get itchy legs because i am rushing around, and this is the last time I can afford to take a 10 minute shower.
I have also thought that it is psychological, because if i start to feel it coming on, and if i can get out of the house and walk my dog it subsides (take my mind of it).
I have been to doctors that have told me it is dry skin, but like everyone else lotions do not help.
I also came across the diagnosis of aquagenic pruritis, which I think is accurate, but this doesn't help me stop it happening.
So going with the allergy thing (aquagenic pruritis), I am going to try for the next month a daily antihistamine, regular moisturising with a preservative free moisturiser (such as one used in eczema), and also using a preservative free shower gel. While none of these things has helped in the past individually, I will let you know if I am successful.
Hello all,
Glad i'm not alone and others have this problem.
Myself, my brothers and my dad all get this to a greater or lesser degree and have done for most of our lives.
I am going to spell out my symptoms becasuse from reading the posts it sounds like some of us may have different things wrong.
Itchy legs (mainly below knee) and arms - nothing on torso or back.
Morning showers are worse (ohhh way worse)
Pool water and sea water are worse than shower water
Sometimes swimming in river water does it and sometimes it doesnt.
Moisturising makes no difference (baby oils, aromatherapy oils, creams, body butters)
Shaving is scarey itchy - however i've found if i shave with moisturiser and not water at all its fine.
Water temperature has no effect
i live in western australia so very hard water however i grew up in scotland where the water is very soft and have the problem in both countries.
Outside temperature seems to make very little difference (humid, dry, hot cold) i have it year round.
I am not B12 deficient (ive been tested) or anything else deficient except perhaps iron although that was 6 months ago and i have benn on supplements since - so unlikely.
My conclusions are that for me with the above symptoms it is an allergic/immune reaction of some sort heres my evidence:
About 18 months ago i started taking Claratyne (an over the counter 24hour dose of anti- histamine) i took it for 1 week every day and it stopped the itching. after a week i stopped and the itching remained at bay for 1-2 weeks. as soon as the itching started (milder symptoms) i started again and it would stop. Then i fell pregnant so stopped taking the anti histamine. and i still didnt itch. the entire time i was pregnant and for 6 months after i had no itching at all - i could even shower without problems in the morning (unheard of in my world) i would sometimes shower twice in one day just becasue i could!. When you are pregnant the immune system shuts down somewhat and it takes a while for hormone levels to return to normal which is what i think has happened. Now the levels are back to normal the itching has returned with a vengence - but i cant go back on my anti histamine because i'm breast feeding and its not recommended.
So heres what i'm going to do: each day for 3 days i am going to try a suggested remedy and will keep you updated as to the results. maybe it will help someone else. tonight and the next two will be the talc and patting not rubbing.
Wish me luck
Glad i'm not alone and others have this problem.
Myself, my brothers and my dad all get this to a greater or lesser degree and have done for most of our lives.
I am going to spell out my symptoms becasuse from reading the posts it sounds like some of us may have different things wrong.
Itchy legs (mainly below knee) and arms - nothing on torso or back.
Morning showers are worse (ohhh way worse)
Pool water and sea water are worse than shower water
Sometimes swimming in river water does it and sometimes it doesnt.
Moisturising makes no difference (baby oils, aromatherapy oils, creams, body butters)
Shaving is scarey itchy - however i've found if i shave with moisturiser and not water at all its fine.
Water temperature has no effect
i live in western australia so very hard water however i grew up in scotland where the water is very soft and have the problem in both countries.
Outside temperature seems to make very little difference (humid, dry, hot cold) i have it year round.
I am not B12 deficient (ive been tested) or anything else deficient except perhaps iron although that was 6 months ago and i have benn on supplements since - so unlikely.
My conclusions are that for me with the above symptoms it is an allergic/immune reaction of some sort heres my evidence:
About 18 months ago i started taking Claratyne (an over the counter 24hour dose of anti- histamine) i took it for 1 week every day and it stopped the itching. after a week i stopped and the itching remained at bay for 1-2 weeks. as soon as the itching started (milder symptoms) i started again and it would stop. Then i fell pregnant so stopped taking the anti histamine. and i still didnt itch. the entire time i was pregnant and for 6 months after i had no itching at all - i could even shower without problems in the morning (unheard of in my world) i would sometimes shower twice in one day just becasue i could!. When you are pregnant the immune system shuts down somewhat and it takes a while for hormone levels to return to normal which is what i think has happened. Now the levels are back to normal the itching has returned with a vengence - but i cant go back on my anti histamine because i'm breast feeding and its not recommended.
So heres what i'm going to do: each day for 3 days i am going to try a suggested remedy and will keep you updated as to the results. maybe it will help someone else. tonight and the next two will be the talc and patting not rubbing.
Wish me luck
I live in London, where the water is harsh, compared to countryside locations. There's lots of lime in the water and it dries on the surface of absolutely everything. Basically, the water's really hard. When showering, you are essentially replacing your naturally produced surface oils, with hard water and this irritates. It also really dries out your skin. Swimming pools are, basically, filled from the tap, so in hard water areas, you'll have the same problem. The added Chlorene is a chemical, and this will also irritate your skin.
Incidentally, I now shower every other day and my itchiness has gone away. Basically, by showering every day, you aren't giving your body enough time to repair itself after hard water.
If you problem resists, even after reducing your showering regularity, why not install a shower filter? They attach between the hose and the shower head, filtering out the harsh lime and Chlorene content in tap water.
I hope this helps.
Incidentally, I now shower every other day and my itchiness has gone away. Basically, by showering every day, you aren't giving your body enough time to repair itself after hard water.
If you problem resists, even after reducing your showering regularity, why not install a shower filter? They attach between the hose and the shower head, filtering out the harsh lime and Chlorene content in tap water.
I hope this helps.
I have had this itchy skin problem since 1979. I just happened to move states at that time and thought for awhile that was the problem, it wasn't. Have had all the tests and tried all the bogus "cures", here is what helps for me.
*Shower sparingly, twice a week.
*Use a non-soap cleanser like an oil soap or something, it doesn't have to be expensive to work.
*Use a thick lotion, but not too thick (bath and body works lotions work for me) lotion while still hot from the shower but mostly dry.
*Pat dry OR rub immediately if you get skin to roll off you like I do sometimes in a hot bathroom, then open the door and cool off.
*When you get the really bad itch in the winter or summer (both are bad for me) I go outside in bare feet (or on the cement basement floor) and the cold shock on my feet helps to soothe the rest of the legs up. Sometimes getting in the car with the air on high to blow up my pant legs helps a bit while the driving distracts me from the itch. Never put on shorts right after a shower it will entice you to scratch your skin raw even if unconsciously. *A cotton mumu is a good alternative, then turn the air temp down and stand on a cooler vent.
*Don't bother with expensive creams, soaps or cures as some may help for a time or two, then your skin gets used to it and it does nothing.
Especially don't bother with crap that smells bad.
*Shaving with a FRESH new razor is much better than a used one.
*Using lots of baby oil, non soap lather or hair creme rinse to shave with helps keep the razor burn down which is a must!
*I cannot shower before bed, the heat stays in my skin and keeps me itching all night.
All the hoopla over sodium laurel sulphate is just that- hoopla. If you want to know for sure try showering with a soap without it and washing your hair in the sink separately so the shampoo doesn't get on your skin. I have.
I gave up all kinds of soda for two years, nothing. Didn't drink caffeine for years, ate well, took vitamins, even prenatal ones, no dice.
Itching while pregnant is bad, but trying to get yourself and a child dressed while you are itching to the point of pain while at a public pool or gym is horrible since people just look at you like you are a freak. Explain as best as you can to your significant other what it is like- if he has ever had poison oak it is a good place to start. Enlist his help with the kids. When we had a season pass to a water park I would shower the girls then send them out to dad who would have a table or blanket saved in the shade to sit and wait for me to get myself through the process of getting outside alone.
Often wondered if the poison oak, severe chicken pocks and severe sunburns I got before age 12 were part of the problem, but my daughter has inherited the same problem and she never had poison oak, her chicken pocks were mild and she was always covered in sunscreen as a kid ( I never was).
*Shower sparingly, twice a week.
*Use a non-soap cleanser like an oil soap or something, it doesn't have to be expensive to work.
*Use a thick lotion, but not too thick (bath and body works lotions work for me) lotion while still hot from the shower but mostly dry.
*Pat dry OR rub immediately if you get skin to roll off you like I do sometimes in a hot bathroom, then open the door and cool off.
*When you get the really bad itch in the winter or summer (both are bad for me) I go outside in bare feet (or on the cement basement floor) and the cold shock on my feet helps to soothe the rest of the legs up. Sometimes getting in the car with the air on high to blow up my pant legs helps a bit while the driving distracts me from the itch. Never put on shorts right after a shower it will entice you to scratch your skin raw even if unconsciously. *A cotton mumu is a good alternative, then turn the air temp down and stand on a cooler vent.
*Don't bother with expensive creams, soaps or cures as some may help for a time or two, then your skin gets used to it and it does nothing.
Especially don't bother with crap that smells bad.
*Shaving with a FRESH new razor is much better than a used one.
*Using lots of baby oil, non soap lather or hair creme rinse to shave with helps keep the razor burn down which is a must!
*I cannot shower before bed, the heat stays in my skin and keeps me itching all night.
All the hoopla over sodium laurel sulphate is just that- hoopla. If you want to know for sure try showering with a soap without it and washing your hair in the sink separately so the shampoo doesn't get on your skin. I have.
I gave up all kinds of soda for two years, nothing. Didn't drink caffeine for years, ate well, took vitamins, even prenatal ones, no dice.
Itching while pregnant is bad, but trying to get yourself and a child dressed while you are itching to the point of pain while at a public pool or gym is horrible since people just look at you like you are a freak. Explain as best as you can to your significant other what it is like- if he has ever had poison oak it is a good place to start. Enlist his help with the kids. When we had a season pass to a water park I would shower the girls then send them out to dad who would have a table or blanket saved in the shade to sit and wait for me to get myself through the process of getting outside alone.
Often wondered if the poison oak, severe chicken pocks and severe sunburns I got before age 12 were part of the problem, but my daughter has inherited the same problem and she never had poison oak, her chicken pocks were mild and she was always covered in sunscreen as a kid ( I never was).
I get itchy after showers, I never shower in the morning or if sitting down relaxing etc cause it's slot worse. I shower straight away after coming in from work or after being active keep the water as close to room temp and put cloths on straight away and just rub lightly over the cloths if I feel a bit of itch and be grand after 10 minutes. I have had this all my life and I have been diagnosed with raynaud's phenomenon a good number of years ago I myself believe it could have something to do with it. The blood vessels react to extremes to different temps. Never itch when in hot countries swimming or showering and can walk around wet and naturally dry.
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