Many women know the problem of skin itching on their feet. Sometimes its intensity reaches a very high level, and the epidermis is combed until the appearance of blood and scratches. Most often, the legs are lowered than the knees - the reasons for this phenomenon are very diverse and can be related to the functioning of many systems of the body.
Why are the legs lower than the knees if there are no diseases?
First we consider the simplest and most easily removable causes of the described state:
- excessive dryness of the skin;
- reaction to synthetic fabric (pantyhose, stockings, leggings);
- non-observance of personal hygiene rules;
- depilation and depilation;
- inappropriate body cosmetics;
- supercooling (usually in winter and autumn).
All these factors can be adjusted independently, after which the discomfort and itching quickly disappear.
Why does my legs periodically feel lower than my knees?
Another common cause of the problem is an allergic reaction, including dermatitis . Identify the true stimulus of the immune system is difficult, among them there are often:
- food products (especially honey, citrus, eggs);
- dust;
- animal protein;
- medicines;
- flower pollen, plant seeds;
- chemical substances, including detergents;
- cosmetic products.
Diagnosis of allergy can be on additional symptoms, for example, the presence of spots on the skin, peeling, redness.
Strongly scratched legs below the knees
The unbearable itching of the skin around the feet and ankles almost exactly indicates the reproduction of fungi. This disease, in addition to the feature under consideration, is accompanied by a characteristic lesion of the nail plates, burning and severe hyperemia. The skin itches unbearably, which provokes scratching, the appearance of blisters, wet wounds and abrasions.
Another reason why the legs are very much scratched below the knees is lichen. Depending on the variety of this pathology, individual symptoms are observed, but in all cases the epidermis is affected by spots that have a different shade from a healthy skin. Often, lichen is accompanied by peeling and flaking of the skin, redness around the affected areas.
Other causes of itching of the legs below the knees
There are also more serious factors provoking the described syndrome.
Most women face itchy skin in the shin area due to hormonal imbalance. Excess progesterone in the body leads to dryness, cracking and peeling of the epidermis, which, in turn, provokes irritation and itching.
Endocrine diseases, especially diabetes, also relate to the factors causing the condition in question. In addition to itching over time, tissue necrosis can begin.
Other reasons:
- atopic dermatitis;
- nervous disorders due to severe emotional shocks, psychological and mental disorders, including depressive episodes;
- follicular keratosis (skin hyperkeratosis);
- cardiac edema;
- vascular pathologies;
- osteochondrosis and other joint diseases (itching is like crawling under the skin);
- limited neurodermatitis;
- varicose veins ;
- lymphogranulomatosis;
- toxic liver damage, including - hepatitis of different origin (combined with a noticeable red rash and jaundice);
- renal dysfunction;
- violations of hepatic activity.
It is also important to note that intense itching of the shins and feet often occurs after long courses of glucocorticosteroid hormones, both systemic and topical use due to the habituation of the skin to the active substance of the drug (addiction develops).