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What Causes Itchy Legs During The Night?

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Posted on Fri, 26 Jun 2015
Question: Hello, I have itchy legs only at night and not every night. They itch so much that I almost bleed from scratching. What is the cause and what can I do?

My lower legs are also very warm at night, sometimes due to excessive itching, I'm assuming. Is this a serious condition?
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Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Dry skin due to dehydration. Moisturizers and good hydration essential.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

1. It appears to be due to dry skin.
2. Due to excessive rubbing of skin, blood vessel dilatation occurs and this gives a feeling of warmth.
3. No, this is not a serious condition. As, I mentioned earlier it is due to dry skin.
4. Alcohol would be harmful if applied, rather than beneficial. It will cause dehydration of skin.
5. Skin is thinned out due to age, and any rubbing, secondary to itching, will lead on to formation of bleeding spots or XXXXXXX bleeding. When itching is felt, rubbing softly with a soft cloth should be the method. Scratching during itching is like a cycle, as scratching increases further itching. Avoid scratching, and use a soft cloth to rub smoothly. It will reduce.
6. Skin care is very necessary. Application of moisturizers to keep skin soft and hydrated and having good hydration (take atleast 4-6 liters of water per day, more if dry climate) is necessary. Maintaining hydration of skin is very important. For itching, antihistamines like loratidine, taken at night, will be helpful. Importantly, avoid scratching.

Hope there is no rashes or redness(not in site of scratching). Use moisturizers in night and day too. Avoid excessive exposure to sun.
Wash skin thoroughly. Use soft soaps and bath once a day. If more baths, use moisturizing soaps.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda

Geriatrics Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2138 Questions

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What Causes Itchy Legs During The Night?

Brief Answer: Dry skin due to dehydration. Moisturizers and good hydration essential. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for asking. I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows: 1. It appears to be due to dry skin. 2. Due to excessive rubbing of skin, blood vessel dilatation occurs and this gives a feeling of warmth. 3. No, this is not a serious condition. As, I mentioned earlier it is due to dry skin. 4. Alcohol would be harmful if applied, rather than beneficial. It will cause dehydration of skin. 5. Skin is thinned out due to age, and any rubbing, secondary to itching, will lead on to formation of bleeding spots or XXXXXXX bleeding. When itching is felt, rubbing softly with a soft cloth should be the method. Scratching during itching is like a cycle, as scratching increases further itching. Avoid scratching, and use a soft cloth to rub smoothly. It will reduce. 6. Skin care is very necessary. Application of moisturizers to keep skin soft and hydrated and having good hydration (take atleast 4-6 liters of water per day, more if dry climate) is necessary. Maintaining hydration of skin is very important. For itching, antihistamines like loratidine, taken at night, will be helpful. Importantly, avoid scratching. Hope there is no rashes or redness(not in site of scratching). Use moisturizers in night and day too. Avoid excessive exposure to sun. Wash skin thoroughly. Use soft soaps and bath once a day. If more baths, use moisturizing soaps. Hope it helps. Any further queries, here to help again. Dr. Prakash HM