Why are my legs so itchy? It’s driving me mad!
Our GP Dr Mark Porter explains what can cause itchy skin, which is a common problem as we get older.
Our GP Dr Mark Porter explains what can cause itchy skin, which is a common problem as we get older.
Why is my skin so itchy? Over the past few months, I can’t stop scratching, particularly over my lower legs.
There is nothing to see, other than occasional marks from my fingernails, and I feel fine in myself.
It’s very annoying, particularly at night in bed.
Generalised itch (pruritus) without an obvious dermatological cause – so no spots, rash, redness, swelling etc – is a common complaint that affects one in six adults at some stage, rising to around half of all people over 75. And there are a number of possible causes.
The most common one in older people is dry skin (xerosis) caused by age-related reductions in natural oils/fats.
Cold or dry spells when humidity tends to be low and, paradoxically, long soaks in hot baths, tend to aggravate the itching. Fortunately, it responds well to simple moisturisers, which are best applied after a shower or bath.
This type of itching can be a side effect of some medicines too, including painkillers such as morphine, anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, and some types of blood pressure pills (e.g. ACE inhibitors ending in -pril like ramipril).
Statins can sometimes trigger it too. However, if you suspect your medication may be the cause then please don’t stop anything without asking your doctor.
Pruritus can also be related to an underlying health problem, including liver, kidney and thyroid disease, diabetes, polycythaemia (“thickened” blood) and iron deficiency. All of which can be checked out by a health professional with blood tests.
Rarely, itching can even be a symptom of an underlying cancer, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
I suggest you book a routine appointment to discuss this with your own GP, who can help whittle down the list for you. And while you’re waiting to see them, do try a moisturiser, as xerosis remains by far the most likely cause.
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