Very Dry Skin On Legs

Does My Child Need To See A Doctor About Dry Skin

Probably not. But you should take your child to your GP if your child has:

• dry skin that doesnt get better with the treatment described below
• patches of dry skin that are inflamed and itchy
• patches of painful dry skin
• dry skin that has yellow or inflamed spots on top.

Your GP might send your child to see a dermatologist if the dryness doesnt get better with standard treatment.

How To Cure Dry Skin On Legs Using Yogurt

Do you usually eat yogurt? Your dry skin is being cured properly because yogurt has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to aid in soothing the rough skin. Besides, yogurt has lactic acid that is able to kill bacteria responsible for itchiness & dryness on the skin. Plus, yogurt can keep the skin soft because it works as a hydrating agent. Additionally, yogurt gives the skin protection from inflammation and infection. Moreover, it helps you attain lightening skin. You can use yogurt to cure dry skin on legs as follows:

Option 1:

• Combine some mashed papaya with ½ cup of yogurt.
• Add some lemon juice and honey to make a good paste.
• Now you apply the mixture on the skin for 10 minutes before rinsing off with the cold water.
• With this remedy, you should apply once per week.

Option 2:

• You just need to have a cup of plain yogurt.
• Apply the yogurt on legs, gently massage it and leave it for 10 minutes.
• Then you take a shower. This mask is a marvelous exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
• Do it once every day.

Youre Washing With Water Thats Too Hot

As nice as a hot shower or bath might be, washing in water which is too high a temperature can make your skin dry and itchy. Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, meaning you may experience irritation. Try to shower in warm water, and keep your showers as short as you can. Once youre done washing, pat both your legs and the rest of your body dry instead of rubbing yourself all over with the towel this is kinder to your skin.

Also Check: When To Get Skin Cancer Screening

Home Remedy #: Leg Mask For Dry Skin

If your dry legs are itchy and red, try soothing them with a leg mask made from cream and flour. The cream contains vitamins, minerals, and proteins to nourish your skin and lock in moisture. Start by washing your legs. Next, mix some cream and flour to form a thick paste, then apply it to your legs. Let it dry for 15 minutes before rinsing it off to reveal smooth skin.

When To Get Medical Advice

See a GP if you have symptoms of varicose eczema. Your doctor will often be able to make a diagnosis simply by looking at your skin.

A GP will also ask you questions to determine whether you have a problem with the flow of blood in your leg veins, as this is the main cause of varicose eczema.

To help make a diagnosis, a GP may want to know if you have ever had health conditions such as:

• varicose veins swollen and enlarged veins
• DVT a blood clot in the veins of your legs
• leg ulcers areas of damaged skin that take several weeks to heal
• cellulitis an infection of the deeper layers of the skin and underlying tissue
• surgery or injury to your legs

A GP may also check the pulse in your feet and may do an ankle brachial pressure index test to see if compression stockings are suitable for you.

The ABPI test involves comparing blood pressure readings taken from your ankles and upper arms. A significant difference in the readings suggests a problem with the flow of blood in your arteries in which case, compression stockings may not be safe to use.

Don’t Miss: Will Skin Cancer Kill You

Soap May Sap Moisture From The Skin And Scalp

Many soaps, detergents, and shampoos subtract moisture from your skin and scalp, as they are formulated to remove oil, says Gretchen Frieling, MD, a board-certified dermatopathologist in Newton, Massachusetts. Its important to carefully choose face washes, body washes, and laundry detergents. Using only moisturizing body wash is better than a harsh bar soap, says Jeffrey Benabio, MD, a dermatologist at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego. Joel Schlessinger, MD, a dermatologist in Omaha, Nebraska, warns against harsh detergents and even fabric softeners if you have dry skin. Instead, look for gentle laundry soaps like Seventh Generation Free and Clear.

RELATED: A Detailed Guide to Scalp Eczema

Can I Prevent Dry Skin On Legs

There are changes you can make to your lifestyle and diet that can help maintain moisture in the skin and prevent dryness from happening or worsening:

• Apply a moisturizingbody lotion daily to maintain moisture levels
• Be diligent in applying sunscreen daily to protect your skin from sun exposure
• Hydrate and drink plenty of fluids daily
• Maintain a diet high in anti-oxidants
• Use a humidifier at home if the air is dry

Also Check: How To Spot Melanoma Cancer

Dos And Donts Of Exfoliation

• Always be gentle. Your skin will react better if you are gentle and caring.

• Stick to simple routines for the best results.

• Do not exfoliate skin that feels irritated.

• If a product causes irritation, dont use it again.

• Always wear sunscreen, especially after exfoliation.

• Do not go sunbathing just after exfoliation its not good for your skin at all.

Best Department Store Lotion: Clarins Moisture

Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion is a heavy-duty moisturizer that does wonders for dry, scaly legs. Shea butter delivers intense moisture to mature skin, combating the appearance of dryness and lines. Other ingredients include peach extract, keratolin, candlenut oil, orange blossom wax and mineral oil. Moisture-Rich Body Lotion provides soothing relief to dry, itchy just-shaved legs.

Recommended Reading: What Stage Is Metastatic Melanoma

Extremely Dry Skin On Legs: What Causes It

While its true that many people are naturally blessed with smooth and soft skins, environmental conditions can make your skin lose its moisture and texture.

When your skin becomes dry like the Sahara desert, it may be difficult to differentiate between your and a lizard.

Dry skin may itch you badly without any pity, robbing you of concentration while hurting your feelings.

Whether youre at home or in public, spare yourself the discomfort by applying lotions for dry skin on your legs.

What external factors can disrupt the beauty of your skin?

Theyre many!

For example, we can blame harsh weather for giving us dry skins. When the weather is too cold, it disrupts the protective lipid layers of our skins.

This makes us prone to eczema. Also, the older we get, the dryer our skins become.

Love swimming in chlorinated pool waters? Well, thats another contributing factor for dry skin.

You Arent Drinking Enough Water

Your skin contains about 30% water, and this contributes to it looking plumper, more elastic, and being more resilient. If youre not drinking enough water, then your skin may not be adequately hydrated, which could result in dryness. How much should you be drinking? The 8×8 rule is good to remember eight 8-oz glasses a day.

Keep an eye on how much water youre drinking throughout the day, because if its less than the recommended amount, you might not be getting enough. Search for apps that remind you to drink water or set a timer on your phone, and carry a reusable BPA-free bottle around with you to up that fluid intake.

Don’t Miss: What Age Can You Get Skin Cancer

How To Exfoliate With A Body Scrub

You can make a body scrub for your legs by mixing sugar and lemon or sugar and oil .

• You will use it by applying with a loofah, glove or your hands.
• Then, you will rub it onto your skin in circular motions for 30 seconds or so.
• You then rinse it off with warm water.

If you dont want to create your own, there are plenty of pre-made scrubs in the market, like this Dove version:

What Can You Do About Dry Skin

Here are some ways to combat dry skin that are effective if practiced consistently:

Recommended Reading: What Are The Early Stages Of Melanoma

Dry Skin On Legs Treatment

The treatment for dry skin will vary depending on what the underlying cause of the dryness is. It is important to have a doctor diagnose the condition before you can attempt treating it. Over the counter creams and gel might worsen the condition.

For mild cases of dry skin, you can try applying a topical ointment like anti-itching creams, anti-inflammatory gels or just simple skin moisturizers and emollients. Antihistamine medication may be used in cases of allergic reaction causing dry skin whereas hydrocortisone lotion may be used to relieve the symptoms of dermatitis

Avoid harsh soap and perfumed cosmetic products on legs until the condition clears.

You should also avoid scratching the area with dry skin or with the itchy rash. Doing so might worsen the condition and open you up for a possible skin infection.

Keep off from tight synthetic clothes that keep rubbing your legs or inner thigh.

The other thing you need to do is to make sure the room you are in is ok by plugging a humidifier and drinking plenty of water to make sure you remain hydrated.

What Causes Itchy Legs With Bumps

This could be due to several conditions, such as:

• razor burn

Relief for itchy legs depends on the underlying cause. Self-care measures can help calm skin irritation and an itchy sensation. This includes keeping your skin moisturized with creams, lotions, or gels.

Apply moisture to your legs before and after shaving, as well as after a bath or shower.

Other topical products to relieve itchy legs include anti-itch cream, hydrocortisone, and calamine lotion. You can also take an oral antihistamine to stop an allergic reaction.

If itchiness doesnt respond to over-the-counter remedies, ask your doctor about a prescription steroid cream. This treatment might be effective if you have a skin condition that cause dryness, inflammation, and itchiness.

In the case of folliculitis, your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic to treat itchy legs. If you have diabetes, your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication to better control your blood sugar level.

Along with over-the-counter and prescription medications, a few home remedies can help relieve itchy legs.

You May Like: Can You Die From Skin Cancer On The Face

Ingredients To Look For

Opt for a product containing hyaluronic acid. The body produces this naturally occurring polysaccharide less and less as we age. Purchasing a cream or lotion high in hyaluronic acid helps the skin retain water. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using lotions that include lactic acid and urea, alpha-hydroxy acids that help skin maintain moisture, but warns that these two ingredients may irritate skin that is cracked or suffering from eczema. Dimeticone and glycerin effectively hydrate skin, and mineral oil holds water in place so skin remains soft and smooth. Natural ingredients such as oatmeal, jojoba oil and shea butter soften aging skin.

Youre Using Products That Irritate Your Skin

If you have more sensitive skin or skin which is typically dry, using certain products can make the problem worse. Some cleansing products can be harsh on the skin, disturbing its natural pH balance, and drying it out.

Why is the pH of your skin important? Well, if youre ready for 30 seconds of skincare science, well explain.

Your skins natural pH is mildly acidic, usually between 4-5.5 . This acidic pH influences your skins natural barrier function, along with the production of lipids . Using cleansing products which dont complement your skins natural pH can strip the skin of its protective oils sometimes resulting in dryness and irritation.

To see if its your shower gel or body wash which is connected to your skin dryness, switch it up and look for a gentle product which will respect your skins natural pH. You may see pH balanced or for sensitive skin on the label.

Recommended Reading: Do You Die From Skin Cancer

Varicose Eczema / Dermatitis

Varicose eczema happens when high pressure in the veins in the legs pushes our blood into the skin tissue. This causes irritation. Varicose eczema is usually red and very itchy with scaly patches. Sometimes you may have patches that are also weeping or notice reddish brown staining above your ankle. Varicose eczema can be itchy and you are advised not to scratch and this can exacerbate the itchiness and damage or break the skin.

What Can I Expect If I Have Dry Skin

Most people can successfully treat dry skin by using a daily moisturizer and taking proactive steps like minimizing exposure to hot temperatures and other irritants. Its a good idea to take care of dry skin for your overall health. Rough, dry skin can feel uncomfortable and if your skin gets too dry, it can crack and break open, which makes you more prone to infection.

Don’t Miss: What Is Stage 3 Melanoma

Treatment What Treatment Will I Be Offered For Dermatitis

If you have any form of eczema, the most important thing is to keep your skin clean and well moisturised. Avoid soap and washing with hot water as this can dry the skin and cause irritation, use warm water. Use a moisturising soap substitute when washing, bathing and showering.

After washing gently dry the skin avoiding excessive rubbing to reduce friction and irritation. Ensure the skin is fully dry before applying a moisturiser paying particular attention to in between the toes. Applying the moisturiser in a downward motion not against the hair growth can help prevent irritation of the hair follicle from the moisturiser. Allow the emollient to soak in for a time before applying clothes or undergarments as this will help optimise absorption.

Always moisturise your skin after washing, bathing and showering preferably using a unperfumed emollient. You might want to use a bath emollient or oil in addition to your moisturising lotion, cream or ointment, as these clean and hydrate the whole body. If youre using bath oils, remember to also use a rubber mat or grip rail as the bathtub can become very slippery.

Sometimes, your skin may need more than just a moisturiser. Your doctor or nurse may recommend a mild steroid ointment or cream to be applied to the areas of eczema.

If you have varicose eczema, compression therapy can also help improve your blood flow and ease varicose eczema.

Best Lotion For Extremely Dry Skin On Legs: Do This Instead

Perhaps, we all know that lotions are effective solutions to skin dryness.

But do you know how hard it is to actually get something that works best for your dermatological needs?

I bet you, hop over to Amazon.com and read funny negative reviews about products that didnt work out well for some buyers. We dont want you to waste your hard-earned income on some shitty and overhyped skin care products.

Yes getting the best lotion for your dry skin can be overwhelming, but weve got your back.

Just like any other market, the skincare industry is packed with loads of assorted lotions and moisturizers, all claiming to be the best in the business. Well, which product should you trust to deliver good results?

Heres a rundown of what well provide in this best lotion for extremely dry skin on legs article:

This well-researched review article brings you the best and reliable lotions for dry skins and legs. Stay alert as we take you close to products thatll give you the best version of your skin.

Don’t Miss: What Is Urothelial Carcinoma In Situ

Dry Itchy Skin On Legs

1. Skin conditions

Skin conditions that can lead to itching include:

• dry skin
• eczema where the skin is dry, flaky and also very itchy
• contact dermatitis inflammation of skin that happens when you come into contact with an allergen
• urticaria also called the hives, or nettle rash urticaria is usually triggered by an allergen and also leads to a raised, red itchy rash to develop
• lichen planus is an itchy rash of unknown cause
• psoriasis a skin condition that leads to red, crusty patches of skin that is usually covered with silvery scales
• dandruff a common skin condition that leads to a dry white or even the grey flakes of dead skin that are seen in the scalp or hair
• folliculitis a skin condition brought about by inflamed hair follicles
• prurigo small blisters that are very itchy

2. Allergies and skin reactions

Itching is brought about by an allergen, irritant or any other environmental factor, which includes:

• cosmetic ingredients, like the preservatives, hair dye and also the nail varnish hardeners
• certain metals, like the nickel or even cobalt in jewelry
• rubber which includes latex
• textiles especially the dyes and also the resins that are in them
• some plants like the chrysanthemums, daffodils and primula
• an allergy to some foods or even types of medication
• prickly heat is an itchy rash that normally appears in hot and humid weather conditions
• sunburn skin damage brought about by exposure to the suns ultraviolet rays

3. Parasites and insects