Today you will discover why you have Itchy Shins and how to Treat them.
If you have ever experienced itchy legs with or without any rash, you probably know how stressful it can be.
The itchy feeling cause you to have an endless desire of scratching the affected area and leaving you with a raw or red skin. This can be more stressful especially when it happens during the night or at the workplace.
Today we are going to look at some of the appropriate treatments as well as home remedies. That can help you in dealing with this condition.
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Causes of Itchy Shins
A shin itch could mean two things. One, you may have a health condition. That’s affecting the itchy parts directly and two you have a serious underlying condition causing itch shins as one of the symptoms. Let us look at some of the most common causes of itchy shins.
1. Dry skin
When the fat decreases, it may lead to a very thin skin around your shine making it prone to drying. One of the causes of itchy shins and calves that have no rashes is because of extremely dry skin. This will happen most of the time when your skin is exposed to factors that cause it to lose the natural oils. Some of the factors that can contribute or cause the formation of very dry skin and itching include;
Cold weather
Itchy shins in winter. One of the main causes of dry skin is low humidity level. Air conditioner may help you to get the optimal heat inside your home or car but it also play a major role in lowering the humidity level. If you use an air conditioner, use a humidifier or apply gel or lotion to lock in moisture on your skin.
Old age
Another main cause of dry skin is old age. As we age, our skin becomes weaker in the way it holds the moisture making it prone to dry skin, which may cause itching.
Hypothyroidism
Itchy shins thyroid. This is a metabolic condition in which causes the body to produces insufficient thyroid hormone. Dry skin often goes with hair loss and could be the reason for your itchy shins.
Menopause
Hormonal fluctuations experienced during menopause also exacerbate dry skin and related problems.
Other causes of dry skin include
- Bathing with hot water
- Dehydration
- Bathing with harsh, moisture-robbing soaps
- Sun exposure
Treatment for Itchy Shins
To get rid of extremely dry skin you can take over the counter medications such as an antihistamine. Additional apply a topical anti-itch cream. However, even if you take the medications it’s good to address the actual cause of the problem that leads to extreme dryness. You can do so by taking measures that help you to restore your skin moisture.
Here are some of the tips that can get you started;
• After shower or bath, always apply a moisturizer. Look for creams or lotions that contain nourishing ingredients such as glycerin(1), lactic acid, Shea butter ceramide, or urea.
• Apply Aloe Vera gel to your shins at least twice a day
• Instead of using hot water, use tepid water and avoid bathing too long
• Limit the soap or avoid using any on your shins
• Getting a humidifier can help you in adding moisture to your room
• Avoid exposing your skin to excess wind and sun. Using a
sunscreen can help protect your skin from the sun UV light.
• Take a lot of water to keep your body from becoming dehydrated
• Applying yogurt on the skin especially around the shins may also help you to keep your skin well hydrated avoiding the itching. Apply about a teaspoon of yogurt and allow it to dry, rinse it off with cool water.
2. Itchy Shins Diabetes
Itchy shins are also one of the signs of diabetes(2). Diabetes is a chronic condition that is characterized by high levels of blood sugar. This condition occurs when your body does not produce an adequate amount of insulin or where the body is not able to utilize the insulin it produces.
The poor circulation results when there are narrowing and hardening of the small blood vessels in the legs. Remember the blood vessels main work is to supply nutrients and blood to the skin tissue. If the blood is not sufficient, the skin will start itching.
Besides poor blood circulation, people with diabetes can suffer from itchy shins for the following reasons.
- Dry skin
- Yeast (fungal) infections
- Itchy shins caused by diabetes is usually accompanied by other symptoms of diabetes including :
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Increased thirst
- Increased hunger
- Slow healing of cuts and wounds
- Unexplained weight loss
The best way to deal with itchy legs for people with diabetes is to control the blood sugar levels. However, there are still some home remedies that can help you to relieve the itching, these include;
- Not smoking
- Exercising regularly helps to boost the circulation of blood
- Reduce the frequency of bathing especially when humidity is low. In addition, when bathing use a mild soap and avoid bathing with hot water.
- Apply cream or moisturizing lotions after every bath
- Using calamine lotion can help to relieve the itchy shins.
- Use medication that helps to alleviate itching. These include mild steroid creams and oral antihistamines
3. Bug Bites
Another main cause of itchy shines is bites from insects. These include bites from fleas, mosquitoes, and bedbugs. For instance, if your carpet gets infested with fleas, they may attack your shins, and this will cause red itchy bumps on the skin.
For instance, if you want to know whether the fleas are responsible. Then there is a high chance that other family members will complain of itching too. You might also find your pet scratching their fur. If the flees are to blame, controlling them is easy as you just need to use a flea control medication.
On the other hand, if you find that the itching only occurs during the night, bedbugs are likely to blame. Bedbugs cause an itchy red bumpy rash that is similar to that of mosquitoes.
4. Allergic Reactions as Well as Skin Irritation
Itchy shins could also arise because of exposing the skin to an irritant or allergen. Allergens are generally substances that trigger an allergic reaction in the body. On the other hand, an irritant is any substance that causes direct damage to the topmost layer of the skin.
Both the irritants and allergens can cause an itchy skin on the areas affected. The allergens and irritants vary from one person to the other although they include:
- Medications– if you have started taking a new medication it can be the trigger of the itching. Opioids and Aspirin are some of the medications that have this side effect.
- Rubber– rubber usually has latex, which is a common allergen.
- Some plants– If you have gone for a hike or on a hunting trip and met plants, you are allergic to, it may cause itching of the chin. Some of the most common trouble plants include sunflower, tulips, chrysanthemums, and poison ivy.
- Food– You may be allergic to certain foods.
- Cosmetics and skin care products
- Laundry detergents
- Fabrics
5. Inflammation of Hair Follicles
Development of itchy skin may also be because of inflammation of hair follicles. When you shave, the hair follicles may get irritated, causing them to inflate. In other times, the hair follicles may also get infected by a condition referred to as folliculate.
One of the main causes of hair follicle issues is improper hair shaving. Anyone can get affected although men with curly hair are at a higher risk. To avoid this condition, you should always use clean razors and moisturize the skin with good lotion or cream.
6. Additional Causes of Itchy Shins
Other reasons that could cause itchy shins are such as:
• Prickly heat– This is a condition that causes an itchy rash especially to individuals living in areas with hot and humid climate.
• Biliary obstruction-. This condition affects the liver. Where it leads to blockage the bile ducts that carry bile from the liver to gallbladder and small intestine. Experts think that the itching develops when there is an excess buildup of bile acid in the skin. This is thought to result from a buildup of bile acids in the skin. The itching may be Kidney failure.
• Sunburn– you may also get an itchy skin when you expose your skin for too long to the sun. Using a sunscreen can help you avoid this.
• Kidney failure
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many causes of itchy skin. It does not mean that you have diabetes when you feel the urge to scratch your skin. It could mean that a bedbug or a flea has bitten you. Before taking any action, examine all the causes we have listed and find out what is really causing the itch. Visiting a doctor for examination may also help you to find the most appropriate treatment faster.
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