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Having Itchy Legs And Feet In Cold Weather. How To Get Rid Of This?

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Posted on Fri, 22 Feb 2013
Question: Hi

In cold weather my legs and feet itch like crazy. Or sometimes when I take off my shoes, the top of foot itches like crazy. I had to scratch for a half hour before it goes away. I would not scratch, but it is unbearable. Thank you!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kalpana Pathak (38 minutes later)
Hi,
Thanks for writing to us.
In cold weather itching could be due to dry skin and dry cold weather. Sometimes cold weather can also lead to severe itching due to cold induced urticaria.
To treat the same-
Keep the skin well hydrated. Use cetaphil moisturising lotion or any intensive moisturiser.
Do not use very warm or hot water for bathing as it robs off skin moisture inducing itching
Direct contact of wool too can lead to itching. So wear cotton socks underneath to prevent direct contact with wool
If still itching persists, take cetirizine or benadryl for few days.

Sometimes vague itching sensation occurs after removing shoes. There is no plausible explanation for the same. However sometimes shoes compress nerves and surrounding tissue and also decrease circulation causing a burning sensation that can lead to itching. Similarly sweaty feet or socks too can irritate the skin to cause itching.
The simple solution is to wear well fitted shoes and wash your feet immediately with soap and water after taking out the shoes.

Hope that answers your query. Should there be more queries, I would be happy to assist you further. Take care.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Kalpana Pathak

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2014 Questions

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Having Itchy Legs And Feet In Cold Weather. How To Get Rid Of This?

Hi,
Thanks for writing to us.
In cold weather itching could be due to dry skin and dry cold weather. Sometimes cold weather can also lead to severe itching due to cold induced urticaria.
To treat the same-
Keep the skin well hydrated. Use cetaphil moisturising lotion or any intensive moisturiser.
Do not use very warm or hot water for bathing as it robs off skin moisture inducing itching
Direct contact of wool too can lead to itching. So wear cotton socks underneath to prevent direct contact with wool
If still itching persists, take cetirizine or benadryl for few days.

Sometimes vague itching sensation occurs after removing shoes. There is no plausible explanation for the same. However sometimes shoes compress nerves and surrounding tissue and also decrease circulation causing a burning sensation that can lead to itching. Similarly sweaty feet or socks too can irritate the skin to cause itching.
The simple solution is to wear well fitted shoes and wash your feet immediately with soap and water after taking out the shoes.

Hope that answers your query. Should there be more queries, I would be happy to assist you further. Take care.