Health & WellbeingGeneralItchy legs and how to relieve them
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Itchy legs and how to relieve them

By Melina - Assistant Editor Nov 28, 2019

Many of us have experienced that uncomfortable feeling of itchiness that however hard we try, we just can’t shift.  Here we explore some self-help tips to relieve itchy and sore skin.

Try to find the underlying cause

There may be a number of reasons why skin is itchy ranging from too much sun to an allergy so it is useful to try to find the underlying cause.

Try keeping a diary to record any patterns.  Note down when the itching occurs, what you have eaten and what you have been doing.  This information will be useful to help identify any connections.

Remember to jot down any medication you may be taking at the time too as this may also be linked to your symptoms.

Tips to help manage the itching

There are many self-help things you can do to help relieve the itching or associated soreness:

  • Try patting or tapping instead of scratching the affected area – this should help to stop any sores developing
  • Apply a cold flannel to the area as many times as required for 10 minutes at a time
  • When taking a bath, cool or lukewarm water is best (never hot)
  • Keep your bath or shower time to less than 20 minutes
  • Use unperfumed soaps, shower gels and lotions on your skin
  • Pat skin dry after your bath or shower avoid any rubbing
  • Try wearing natural fibres, such as cotton, and avoid clothes that are tight fitting or may irritate the skin
  • Caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods all influence blood flow and are linked with symptoms of itchy skin so it is best to avoid or limit these where possible
  • Keep fingernails short and clean in order to minimise damage to the skin caused by scratching.

Pharmacy treatments for itchy skin

  • Eurax cream can be purchased over the counter. Applied 2 to 3 times a day its anti-itching effects can last between 6 to 10 hours.
  • Antihistamine tablets or topical creams can also be bought over the counter but some do have side effects such as drowsiness. It is therefore recommended to seek advice from your pharmacist before taking any antihistamines.

If a couple of weeks following the suggestions listed above your symptoms do not improve, it would be a good idea to make an appointment to see your GP.  They will know your medical history and will be able to help identify the cause of the itching and help you to further manage your symptoms.

Take a look at some of our health and skincare products in the Silversurfers Shop.  Our Skin Soother Face & Body Cream is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin.

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All content on Silversurfers.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated at all as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. Silversurfers will not be responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content on www.silversurfers.com and we are also not liable for the content of any external websites or links from or to Silversurfers to any other websites. Please always consult your own doctor if you’re in any way concerned about any aspect of your health.
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Melina - Assistant Editor

Hi I'm Melina, a mother of 3 teenage children and with a particular interest in all things health related. I run a busy household and smallholding alongside my work with Silversurfers, which currently includes dogs, fish, hens, ducks and pigs!

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