Itchy feet: treatment

Effective treatment of itching on the legs is impossible without an accurate diagnosis. After all, the treatment of insect bites is fundamentally different from the treatment of skin diseases, internal organs and especially oncological diseases. The only thing common to all diseases is the need to eliminate the unpleasant symptom as quickly as possible, because scratching the skin threatens to injure it and introduce infection into the wounds, which only worsens the situation.

To eliminate itching of the skin on the legs, traditional medicine uses medicinal ointments and creams externally, and antihistamines with an antipruritic effect, and sedatives, and if necessary (mental disorders), anxiolytics, internally.

Among other things, the patient may be prescribed a diet that is easy on the digestive system and reduces the risk of allergic reactions, as well as physiotherapy: electrosleep, mud baths, contrast showers, etc., depending on the diagnosis.

The treatment plan is developed taking into account the disease identified. So, for the treatment of allergies, local antipruritic agents and oral antihistamines are often sufficient. However, if contact with allergens is not avoided, the symptoms will recur again and again.

This approach is not typical for treating fungal diseases, although antihistamines that reduce the severity of itching are still prescribed. Antimycotics are effective in combating fungi - antifungal agents that need to be regularly applied to the skin for several days, and sometimes taken orally.

Treatment regimens for eczema and psoriasis differ from those for allergies. Treatment of eczema rarely involves the use of hormonal anti-inflammatory ointments and sedatives in combination with antihistamines designed to relieve itching and reduce tissue swelling. In addition, special attention is paid to immunomodulators and vitamin complexes, which should optimize the immune system's response, making it more adequate. Since cracks and micro-wounds often form with eczema, an infection can get into them. When a fungal or bacterial infection is activated, antifungal or antibacterial ointments are added to the treatment regimen.

In psoriasis, ultraviolet irradiation of the affected area is effective. A special diet and fasting days help to increase the period of remission of this chronic disease. Along with antihistamines, vitamins, hormonal ointments, sedatives, immunomodulators, autohemotherapy are prescribed here. With all this, the disease often continues to progress. In severe cases, corticosteroids, tranquilizers, and cytostatics are prescribed.

In neurodermatitis, a special place is given to the diet. Excluding products and additives that can cause allergies. In addition to antihistamines, drug treatment includes the prescription of immunomodulators, vitamins, drugs that have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract and normalize its work, sedatives. It is very important to avoid nervous and mental fatigue, maintain immunity, try to follow the daily routine, etc.

The condition of patients with diabetes is supported again by diet and taking sugar-lowering drugs or insulin. If itching occurs on the legs, you can use antipruritic ointments or antihistamines that do not contain sugar.

Varicose veins are treated with specific medication aimed at normalizing venous blood flow, wearing compression garments, and pressotherapy. In the case of large nodules, surgical treatment was previously used, but today minimally invasive operations that leave no traces are used. Itching is treated again with ointments and antihistamines.

Surgical treatment is prescribed mainly for oncological diseases in combination with radiation and chemotherapy, as well as for severe pathologies of internal organs.

The easiest way to treat insect bites is to first remove the sting (if necessary), then apply an antiseptic to the wound to prevent severe inflammation and suppuration. Antibiotic ointments should only be used as prescribed by a doctor if the wound has become infected and severe suppuration has begun. This is done only if antiseptics are ineffective.

If the wound is swollen, it means that we are talking about an allergic reaction to an insect bite. In such situations, hormonal ointments and antihistamines (anti-allergic) drugs can be prescribed to relieve swelling and itching.

Oral Remedies for Itchy Legs

As we can see, whatever the treatment regimen for various diseases, the same groups of drugs are used to combat such a symptom as itching on the legs: antihistamines, which have an antipruritic effect, and hormonal drugs (mainly for local use). These drugs help reduce the severity of the symptom and combat some of the causes of its appearance.

Let's start with antihistamines prescribed for itching and allergic reactions orally. Doctors prefer such drugs as "Diazolin", "Loratadine", "Atarax", "Tavegil", "Zyrtec", etc.

"Loratadine" is a drug with antiallergic and antipruritic action, which prevents the development of edema and pain due to muscle spasm. It is prescribed for skin itching of various origins and localizations. It does not have a toxic effect on the fetus, so doctors often prescribe it even during pregnancy (mainly for allergies).

Patients over 12 years of age are prescribed 1 tablet (10 mg) per day. In childhood, the effective dose depends on the child's body weight. If it is more than 30 kg, you can give an adult dose, if less, the dosage is halved (5 mg). It is better to give children the drug in the form of syrup, given that 10 ml contains 10 mg of loratadine.

In case of renal dysfunction, dose adjustment is not required, but in case of severe liver pathologies, the dosage is reduced, starting with 10 mg once every 2 days (for patients weighing more than 30 kg).

The drug is prescribed to children over 2 years old. At a younger age, only with the permission of a pediatrician. Contraindication to taking the drug is hypersensitivity to its components.

Side effects of the drug are rare. Most often mentioned were drowsiness, headache, increased appetite, sleep disorders, nervousness and rapid fatigue (in children). But all these symptoms appeared no more often than in 2 patients out of 100. Other unpleasant manifestations are observed extremely rarely.

"Zyrtec" is a new generation antihistamine that practically does not cause drowsiness. It can be used to eliminate itching on the legs of any etiology. It is not addictive, the effect of the drug does not decrease with prolonged use. It is available in drops that can be given to children from six months, and tablets.

Treatment of itching should begin with a dosage of 5 mg per day, increasing to 10 mg (1 tablet or 20 ml of solution) if necessary. Infants can be given no more than 5 ml per day, children under 6 years old - 5 ml twice a day or 10 ml once.

The dose is reduced if the patient has impaired kidney and liver function. In case of liver disease, the doses remain normal.

Contraindications to the use of the drug are individual intolerance, childhood up to 6 months for drops and up to 6 years for tablets, severe renal failure, breastfeeding. During pregnancy, the drug is prescribed only in extreme cases under the supervision of a doctor. The drug is used with caution in case of convulsive readiness and predisposition to urination disorders.

As for side effects, the most common of them are: headache and dizziness, increased fatigue, dry mouth and nausea, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose and throat. Allergic reactions to the drug itself are rare, but may be accompanied by a rash and itching.

"Atarax" is a drug that belongs to the group of anxiolytics with antihistamine and bronchodilating effects, reducing the likelihood of asphyxia as a result of allergic edema of the respiratory tract. Calms the nervous system, effectively relieves itching, facilitating the course of diseases of an allergic nature. Often used for urticaria, dermatitis, eczema. Does not have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract

The drug in 25 mg tablets is approved for use from 3 years of age. For the treatment of itching in children, it is prescribed depending on the age and body weight of the child. With a body weight of up to 17 kg per day, a dose of 0.5-1 tablet is prescribed. For preschool children weighing 17-23 kg, the dose can be increased to 1.5 tablets, with a body weight of 23-28 kg - up to 2 tablets. Teenagers whose weight is above 28 kg are prescribed from 1 to 3 tablets per day.

Patients weighing over 40 kg can take up to 4 tablets per day to relieve itching symptoms.

The dose for patients with renal and hepatic insufficiency may be reduced by 33-50%.

The duration of treatment is determined individually by the attending physician.

Contraindications to the use of Atarax include hypersensitivity to its components, porphyria, cardiovascular pathologies with prolongation of the QT interval. The drug is not prescribed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since it penetrates the placental barrier and into breast milk, causing disorders of the central nervous system in the child. The content of lactose makes it impossible for patients with impaired metabolism of this substance and its derivatives to take the drug.

Common side effects include drowsiness, headache, apathy, dry mouth, and increased fatigue. Dizziness, insomnia, tremor, fever, nausea, and general weakness are also possible, but they occur infrequently (no more than in 1 patient out of 100). Other side effects are rarely diagnosed, anaphylactic reactions – in isolated cases.

"Fenistil" in the form of drops is used to treat allergies and as an effective remedy for itching on the legs and body. It can be prescribed for both insect bites and diseases with skin manifestations (dermatoses, eczema, dermatitis, chickenpox, measles, rubella, etc.). Approved for use from 1 month.

For children, the drug is prescribed based on the baby's body weight. Infants are usually prescribed 3 to 10 drops per dose. For children 1-3 years old - 10 to 15 drops, for children under 12 - 15 to 20 drops. The adult dose is 20-40 drops.

The pleasant taste of the drug allows it to be taken undiluted.

The frequency of taking the drug at any age is 3 times a day, and the duration of treatment is determined individually.

The drug is not prescribed in case of individual intolerance to its components, bronchial asthma, closed-angle glaucoma, prostate hyperplasia. Women are not recommended to take the drug in the first 3 months of pregnancy and during breastfeeding.

The most common side effect of the drug is drowsiness. Less often, patients complain of dry mouth, nausea, headaches, dizziness. Depression may develop in patients with mental instability.

Ointments and creams for itchy legs

It should be said that it makes sense to resort to taking pills if a serious allergic reaction or systemic disease develops, when local treatment does not bring the desired effect. Sometimes doctors prescribe both oral medication and local treatment at the same time. In most cases, to relieve itching on the legs, you can get by with the external use of special ointments and creams.

Lorinden A and Lorinden C ointments based on a hormonal agent (flumethasone) with antiseptics (salicylic acid and clioquinol, respectively). The first drug is effective for relieving itching in diseases not complicated by bacterial infection, the second can be used for bacterial complications. They are used in the treatment of dermatitis, urticaria, psoriasis, lichen, etc.

The drug is used locally, applying a thin layer to the affected area up to 2 times a day, so that no more than 1 tube is used per week. Since this is a hormonal drug, it can be used without interruption for no more than 14 days. If the lesion is located on the face, this period is reduced to 7 days.

It is allowed to apply the ointment under an occlusive dressing. Avoid contact with eyes.

Ointments are approved for use from the age of 12. They are used very carefully, in adolescence they are not applied to the face. During pregnancy, the ointment is allowed to be used for a short period of time, with the exception of the 1st trimester. When such treatment should be avoided. During breastfeeding, the drug is used for a short time and not in the area of the mammary glands.

Do not use ointments in case of hypersensitivity to their components, viral (herpes, chickenpox) and fungal diseases, acne, skin tumors, inflammation and ulceration of varicose veins, tuberculosis of the skin. Do not apply to large surfaces containing wounds and scratches.

Common side effects include changes in the skin where the ointment is applied (dryness, pigmentation disorders, burning sensation, inflammation of the hair follicles, etc.). Ointments can negatively affect the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, but mainly with prolonged use. In children, corticosteroids inhibit growth and development, so their use is highly undesirable.

"Sinaflan" is a hormonal ointment that is prescribed for various inflammatory skin diseases of non-bacterial origin, accompanied by itching, tissue swelling and other unpleasant symptoms.

Apply the ointment up to 2 times a day, applying a thin layer to the affected area. The duration of treatment should not exceed 2 weeks.

For children, the ointment is applied only once a day for no more than 5 days and under the supervision of a doctor. It can only be used on the face once.

The drug is prescribed to patients over 2 years of age in the absence of individual sensitivity to its components. Contraindications include multiple manifestations of psoriasis, thrombophlebitis, acne, infectious skin diseases of various etiologies and bacterial complications, skin tumors. Do not use the ointment after vaccinations, on large areas of skin and wounds.

Side effects include skin irritation, development of dermatitis, urticaria. Sometimes noted: decreased immunity, hypersensitivity reactions, edema, increased blood pressure, cataracts, glaucoma. More severe symptoms are possible with prolonged use. These include the development of gastritis or stomach ulcers, and a high risk of infectious diseases.

"Advantan" is a hormonal agent in the form of an ointment, which can be used to treat children from 4 months. It is prescribed for allergic diseases. It has an antipruritic effect.

Most often, the ointment is prescribed once a day. It is applied in a thin layer only to the affected or itchy area. Adults can use the medicine for up to 3 months, children for no more than 28 days.

The cream should not be applied under an airtight bandage. The same situation may occur when wrapping in diapers, so care should be taken with infants.

Contraindications to the use of the cream include hypersensitivity to the drug, skin manifestations of tuberculosis and syphilis, viral, fungal and bacterial diseases with skin rashes, acne, and some types of dermatitis.

Among the side effects, the most common complaints are about burning at the site of application of the medicine. There may also be dry skin, rash, inflammation of the hair follicles, and impaired sensitivity of the skin in the area where the ointment is applied. Hypersensitivity reactions also occur.

If itching on the legs is associated with a local bacterial infection, several other types of ointments are used, which combine the anti-inflammatory effect of corticosteroids and the antimicrobial action of additional components. The most commonly used ointments are Baneocin and Triderm.

"Triderm" is a preparation in the form of an ointment that combines anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, antibacterial and antifungal action. And all this is possible due to the combination of three components: the corticoid betamethasone, the broad-spectrum antibiotic gentamicin and the popular antimycotic clotrimazole. Such an ointment can be used for bacterial and fungal skin infections, as well as for complications caused by the introduction of these microorganisms into the wound in non-infectious skin lesions.

The drug is intended for the treatment of adult patients. The ointment is applied not only to the area affected by the disease, but also to the surrounding skin near it, rubbing it in lightly. The frequency of use is 2 times a day. The duration of treatment depends on the nature of the disease and the sensitivity of microorganisms to the components of the drug. Do not use under occlusive dressings or to treat nail fungus.

Contraindications to the use of the drug are similar to other anti-inflammatory ointments. In pediatrics, the drug is not used due to the high theoretical risk of its effect on the central nervous system, which causes delayed growth and development of the child, increased intracranial pressure, etc.

During pregnancy, the ointment is recommended only in extreme cases. No negative effects on the fetus were found in animals, but due to the fact that aminoglycosides (gentamicin) penetrate the placental barrier and can cause many side effects, it is better to take this risk into account.

Among the reported side effects, the most frequently mentioned are: skin irritation at the site of application, burning, temporary increase in itching, dry skin. Other symptoms are associated with long-term use of the ointment or its use on skin with wounds, ulcers, burn surfaces.

If there is no severe inflammation requiring corticoid therapy, and it is not an infectious skin disease or a complication of a non-infectious disease, there is no need to use potent drugs. After all, hormonal drugs can cause serious disturbances in the body. In this case, you can turn to the help of the already known drug "Fenistil", which has a popular form of release in the form of a gel.

This drug can be used to relieve itching on the legs of both young mothers and small children. It does not have a negative effect on the fetus and does not penetrate into breast milk. The main thing is not to use it on large areas or in places of damaged skin.

The gel is used independently. It is not combined with other antipruritic agents for local use.

The medicine can be applied to the skin up to 4 times a day in a thin layer. If the itching is severe and does not go away after using the ointment, the doctor may recommend a combined use of Fenistil in the form of a gel and drops or use hormonal agents.

The gel increases the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, so during treatment with the drug it is better to avoid sunbathing, protecting the skin from aggressive rays.

The main contraindication to the use of the local form of the drug is hypersensitivity to its components. When treating children, the gel is not used on large areas of damage and in the presence of wounds on the skin of the legs at the site of application.

The most common side effects are burning and dry skin where the medicine is applied. Other symptoms and allergic reactions are extremely rare.

We have considered what medications can be taken in connection with itching on the legs (as prescribed by a doctor) and what pharmacy products can be used to treat the itchy area of skin. But itching is such a painful symptom that, if there are no medications at hand, sometimes you simply cannot bear it until you go to the doctor and the pharmacy. In such a situation, folk remedies help.

Treatment of itchy skin of the body with folk remedies

Skin itching can have various causes and before using medications, you need to clarify what the symptom is associated with. In general, the cause is not so important for using folk remedies for itching. Folk recipes are first aid for a painful symptom. Sometimes it is enough, but for itching caused by serious diseases, folk remedies are used only as symptomatic treatment with a mandatory visit to the doctor and compliance with his instructions.

What can be done to reduce the severity of itching:

• Treatment with a cold shower or bath. Cold has a distracting effect, reduces inflammation and redness caused by an allergic reaction, and water moisturizes the skin, making it less dry. You can add herbal decoctions with an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect (chamomile, calendula, yarrow, St. John's wort, etc.) or a few drops of essential oil with a calming effect (lavender, thyme, mint, etc.) to the water.
• Relieve itching on your legs with a cold compress. This can be a cloth soaked in water or a piece of ice wrapped in film.
• Soda solution for insect bites. Soda solution is an effective antipruritic remedy, often used to relieve discomfort from bee and bloodsucker bites. For a bath, it is enough to take 150-200 g of soda. The water should be cool.

To treat a small area of skin, take 1 tbsp. sodium bicarbonate per 200-250 g of water (instead of water, you can take chamomile and calendula infusions). Soak a bandage in the mixture and treat the skin at the site of the bite. This treatment is suitable even for children.

You can also mix soda and water (or ammonia solution) to form a thick paste, make a cake out of it and apply it to the bite site, covering it with a damp cloth. This compress can be kept on the skin for 3 or more hours.

• Oatmeal paste for itching. Mix oatmeal flour or flakes with a small amount of water and apply the thick mixture to the affected area, covering it with a cloth. Usually the itching goes away within 15-20 minutes or a little more.
• Medicine from propolis. To lubricate itchy areas, you can use an ointment or tincture from this useful beekeeping product. Propolis is a natural antibiotic and is excellent for infectious complications, but you need to remember that it, like honey, can itself cause allergies, so treatment with it is not suitable for everyone.
• Aloe against itching on the legs and body. Itchy areas can be lubricated with fresh aloe juice or a pharmacy product. You can apply a fresh leaf of the plant cut lengthwise and fix it in the form of a compress. Aloe has antiseptic properties, promotes rapid skin regeneration, saturates it with moisture and vitamins.

Folk remedies for itching on the legs are good for insect bites and dry skin, but their healing effect may not be enough if we are talking about serious diseases that require complex treatment. These recipes are good for relieving itching, but do not replace full treatment, if necessary.

Herbal treatment

Nature is a source of natural medicines that can help with various conditions and diseases. Knowing the beneficial properties of medicinal herbs, they can be used to relieve itching of the skin of any localization. This treatment is especially useful for children, because it does not have the side effects characteristic of drugs, especially corticosteroids.

Some herbs are used to care for the delicate, sensitive skin of a child from birth. Chamomile soothes the skin and relieves inflammation. This property can also be used to relieve itching in a baby (or an adult). You can steam 1-2 tablespoons of the herb in a glass of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes and wipe the itchy area of the skin with this mixture or make compresses.

A decoction or infusion of chamomile can be added to the bath for bathing. But it is important to remember that only cool water can relieve itching, while warm and hot water can only intensify it.

Another useful herb is the succession. Its decoction is added to children's baths to prevent skin diseases, relieve allergy symptoms, irritation. This hypoallergenic herb also helps with itchy skin on the legs. It can be added to foot baths, use the decoction to wipe the skin, lotions, compresses.

To combat such an unpleasant symptom, you can also use woodlice. Fresh leaves of the plant can be applied as a compress to the itchy area of skin or added to a foot bath.

Mint also helps relieve painful itching. The essential oil of the plant can be used undiluted, applying it to the affected area. Essential oil or fresh mint leaves are also added to the bath. However, for greater effect, it is better to first brew the leaves in hot water and then add them to the cool water of the bath.

In addition to the above-mentioned plants, the following have antipruritic properties: elecampane, violet, horsetail, burdock, lemon balm, dill, nettle and some other herbs. Decoctions of oak bark or birch buds can also be added to antipruritic baths.

Medicinal herbs for itching on the legs can be used not only externally. Infusions of plants taken internally also help relieve the painful symptom. For example, a hot nettle infusion (10 g of plant material per 1 glass of boiling water), which should be drunk in 3 doses during the day.

Dill infusion also helps. To prepare it, take 2 tablespoons of seeds and pour 2 cups of boiling water over them. In half an hour, the infusion is ready, strain it and take 70-80 g three times a day before meals. The course of treatment is 3 weeks.

If you have dill oil, you can use it too, dripping 5 to 10 drops onto a piece of sugar. The frequency of administration is 3 times a day.

It is clear that herbal treatment cannot replace full-fledged drug treatment for most diseases, but as an option it can be used for temporary relief of symptoms or as part of a comprehensive treatment. But it should be taken into account that many plants contain substances that can cause allergies, so the choice of natural remedies should be approached thoughtfully and very carefully.

Homeopathic treatment

Homeopathy is a special branch of medicine that promotes self-healing of the body. True, this does not happen without the participation of special preparations created on the basis of plants, minerals, poisons, biological substances and other natural components. Among the large assortment of homeopathic remedies, there are those that help treat itching on the legs. Their use significantly reduces the severity of the symptom, helping to normalize the work of various body systems.

Prescribing homeopathic remedies is a whole science, because here it is not the official diagnosis that comes to the fore, but the specificity of the manifestation of the main symptom and the presence of additional ones. There are a great many remedies for itching in homeopathy, the main thing is to use them adequately.

Sulfur (a sulfur-based preparation) is prescribed for severe itching, which is reduced by scratching and intensified by heat and at night, after water procedures.

Alumina may be prescribed for the same symptoms if they are accompanied by a fine dry rash.

For itchy skin that occurs at night in bed, Cyclamen europeum and Ledum palustre are effective.

For excruciating itching that turns into tingling and pain, the foxglove preparation Digitalis purpurea is prescribed.

Itching on the soles of the feet and the sides of the feet can be relieved with Hydrocotyle asiatica and Lithium carbonicum. If the itching is in the joint area, you can try treating it with Pinus silvestris (pine extract) or Cinnabaris (cinnabar).

In homeopathic pharmacies you can buy effective ointments that help fight itching in various diseases:

Ledum ointment helps in the treatment of muscular rheumatism, gout, polyarthritis, and also relieves itching and irritation resulting from insect bites.

Linin ointment can be used if itching occurs on wet areas of skin diseases. It has a drying and wound-healing effect. In case of bacterial complications or increased risk of them, homeopathic ointment Calendula can be used.

Urtika ointment is an effective remedy for severe allergic itching and tissue swelling. It also helps with insect bites. There are also good reviews about Inulya ointment, which is effective for allergic rashes and itching, very dry skin, and herpetic rash.

For varicose veins, thrombophlebitis and the itching and pain associated with these diseases, Peonia-esculus ointment helps.

Despite the skepticism of traditional medicine doctors towards homeopathy, it is impossible to draw a clear conclusion that the method of influencing the body by stimulating its internal reserves does not work. Even if everything is based on self-hypnosis, and it helps a person to heal, one should not miss such an opportunity, especially since homeopathy has many interesting remedies in stock that are recognized by classical medicine and are sold in regular pharmacies.

So for children who have itching on their legs and body of allergic origin, allergists recommend Irikar ointment. When used 2-3 times a day, it relieves itching and helps wounds formed as a result of scratching to heal faster (it is difficult to keep children from this activity). The drug itself does not cause allergies and can be used for a long time without harm to health.

It is important to understand that itching is not a simple symptom. It indicates that some changes have occurred in the body, and certain measures must be taken to return it to normal. And this is often a rather complex process, requiring not only treatment measures, but also hygiene, diet therapy (refusal of sweet and spicy foods, alcohol), patience (scratching the skin increases the risk of bacterial complications).