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What Could Be The Cause For Itching Sensation In Legs?

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Posted on Wed, 12 Feb 2014
Question: I have extremely itchy legs. The itching is so intense, I can't sleep. It is concentrated on my thighs and inner thighs. No rash is present. I have bursts of itching in other places of my body, but nothing compared to my thighs. Please help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Fungal skin rash Detailed Answer: Hi I understand the concern regarding your skin condition and I hope I am able to help you in the same. The site affected by itching in your case is very commonly infected by superficial fungal infections. So there is a high possibility that a fungal infection is developing in your case as well. Since there is no rash or redness present, I would like to know if there is any excessive dryness over the affected areas. Also any oozing of fluids can be a sign of a fungal infection. I would like to have a look at the skin lesions if there are any skin lesions. Please click some close up pictures and upload them here on this site. You can also mail them at YYYY@YYYY with heading as ref to Dr Geetika Paul. If however there are on skin lesions, then I would keep a possibility of an urticarial skin rash and would like to know if there is any redness or oedema of the skin on itching. Also please tell if you are currently on any medications. I am sure I would be able to help you more once you provide of the above details. Waiting for your response Dr Geetika Paul
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Geetika Paul (0 minute later)
There is no rash. No oozing. There could possibly be some dryness. It is worse when I go to sleep. I am taking antibiotics to fight a sinus infection. And Prilosec for acid reflux. Nothing seems abnormal except for the itching.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Fungal skin infection Detailed Answer: Hi again Since you are already on antibiotics, so the possibility of a fungal infection is quite high. You should start application of an antifungal cream like canestan cream over the affected area twice a day. Go addition, take some oral antihistamines like benadryl for the associated itching. You can also use a clotrimazole containing dusting powder twice a day over the affected area. Do not apply any other cream or oil over it. Wear cotton undergarments so as to reduce sweating since it tends to increase the fungal infections. Hope it helps Dr Geetika Paul
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Geetika Paul (12 hours later)
Would it be able to spread to my arms and neck? And underarms?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Generalized itching Detailed Answer: Hi again Since now it seems that you are having itching all over the body, so it seems to something like a generalized pruritus. Such a generalized itching can occur due to urticarial skin reaction or it can be generalized itching due to excessive dryness of skin. Some other important causes of such a presentation can be intake of antibiotics or even any body infection which can cause a generalized itching. You need to take a regular course of oral antihistamines to bring down the allergic tendency which has developed in your body. In addition, use moisturizers regularly. Dr Geetika Paul
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
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Dr. Geetika Paul

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2606 Questions

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What Could Be The Cause For Itching Sensation In Legs?

Brief Answer: Fungal skin rash Detailed Answer: Hi I understand the concern regarding your skin condition and I hope I am able to help you in the same. The site affected by itching in your case is very commonly infected by superficial fungal infections. So there is a high possibility that a fungal infection is developing in your case as well. Since there is no rash or redness present, I would like to know if there is any excessive dryness over the affected areas. Also any oozing of fluids can be a sign of a fungal infection. I would like to have a look at the skin lesions if there are any skin lesions. Please click some close up pictures and upload them here on this site. You can also mail them at YYYY@YYYY with heading as ref to Dr Geetika Paul. If however there are on skin lesions, then I would keep a possibility of an urticarial skin rash and would like to know if there is any redness or oedema of the skin on itching. Also please tell if you are currently on any medications. I am sure I would be able to help you more once you provide of the above details. Waiting for your response Dr Geetika Paul