A flaky rash on the legs: causes, prevention

The most common rash on the knees is itching because of a banal food allergy or an allergic reaction to medicinal substances, cosmetics. Less often the body reacts to tissue or natural dust. In this condition, the skin develops areas of red, swollen rash that will peel off. In severe cases of allergic dermatitis, not only normal urticaria develops, but even soaking eczema. The most important thing in this situation is to eliminate the cause of the allergy. Help also antihistamines and ointments (for example, "Fenkarol" or "Fenistil").

There are many reasons - one symptom

In winter, especially against the background of hypothermia, general dry skin and hypovitaminosis, eczematic eruptions on the hands and feet accompanied by itching often develop. A flaky rash on the legs may well be associated with a reaction to depilation, but it is also a vivid symptom of many dermatological diseases (psoriasis, neurodermatitis, etc.). Itching of the skin of the legs can be caused by jaundice, which occurs for various reasons (liver and gall bladder disease, changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, etc.). Eczema and ulcers of the lower limbs are caused by vascular diseases (varicosity) and endocrine diseases (for example, diabetes mellitus).

Itching due to infection

If the itching and rashes are stable, spread over the body or accompanied by a general intoxication - then you should seek medical help. For example, if a red rash on your legs itches on a background of fever, intoxication, and a strong general deterioration in health, then it makes sense to think about the presence of erysipelas. This skin lesion is caused by a streptococcal infection and requires treatment by a surgeon (usually it ends with the appointment of medications and antibiotics, but this type of infectious lesion is treated in surgical departments, taking into account possible complications). The second variant of such a combination of symptoms is infectious diseases, which may have "caught up" with you from childhood. It is chicken pox and common measles. Naturally, with erysipelas, measles and chickenpox, the itchy rash on the legs will look different. In the first case there are reddish spots in the form of flame tongues, in the second - merging small papules surrounded by a spot, and in the third - pink spots, turning into small and large bubbles. With such "childhood" infections, the rash spreads fairly quickly throughout the body.

It should be noted that when the body is affected by fungi (mycosis) and protozoa (scabies), a flaky rash on the legs may also appear. In both cases, the itching will be "concentrated" on the fingers and in the interdigital intervals of the legs, but in case of scabies, whitish strips and small vesicles appear on the skin, and the itching will intensify at night. Mycosis is manifested by scaling and papules. In addition, the itch mite usually affects not only the feet, but the skin of the hands and abdomen.

Prevention

An itchy rash can and should be prevented. Start with a healthy lifestyle, in particular - do not eat highly allergenic foods, and in autumn and winter, support the body with vitamins. Observe personal hygiene (wash your feet daily, use moisturizing cream, never wear other people's clothes and shoes). When carrying out depilation, observe simple rules: only an acute razor, do not shave against hair growth, use special products, creams before and after shaving. In any case, a flaky rash on the legs is already a symptom of a disease that could well be prevented.