If you have itchy legs when you walk, you might have looked up, “Why do my legs itch when I walk?” Itchy legs can drive you crazy and disrupt your entire day. That being said, there are different causes for itchy legs when you walk.
In some cases, your legs itch when you walk because of dry skin. It may indicate a severe underlying condition in some severe cases, such as diabetes. Itching during walking might occur because of a reaction to an irritant. Some of your favorite pants may also be the source of itchy legs while walking.
Having itchy legs while walking can be uncomfortable, especially if it’s mild to moderately intolerable. That being said, it can indicate underlying different skin problems, although it isn’t always a cause for alarm.
This article will reveal the answers you seek regarding why your legs itch while you walk. And we’ll provide some recommendations on how to stop the itching.
Why Do My Legs Itch When I Walk?
Some people, when they walk, complain about their legs being itchy. This persistent itch can be incredibly uncomfortable and, in severe circumstances, disruptive.
Knowing what causes your legs to itch will get you closer to getting some relief. Here are some causes for itchy legs when you walk.
Dry Skin
One of the most prevalent causes of itching legs while walking is dry skin. If you suffer from severe dryness, the skin on your legs may become flaky and irritated.
The weather may be to blame for the dry skin on your legs. Failure to stay properly hydrated, may also leave you with dry skin. You also may experience itchy legs if there’s an causal skin problem, such as eczema.
Razor Bumps
While shaving is a terrific means of achieving the smooth legs you want, it can also cause razor bumps on your legs.
Shaving with a blunt razor and in the opposite direction to which your hair naturally grows causes ingrown hairs. These ingrown hairs grow back within your skin. Which then leads to your legs itching when you’re walking.
Allergies
While walking, if you come in contact with something you are possibly allergic to, it can cause your legs to itch. This commonly occurs if your legs rub against the grass.
Sometimes your legs itch if you use certain personal hygiene products such as shaving creams. In some cases, fragrance soaps and lotions can cause your legs to itch when you walk. If you experience an allergic reaction to a new product, you may experience a rash, which would resulting in itchy legs.
Insect Bites
You might get itchy legs because you got stunk by an insect. This includes mosquito and other insect bites.
While these reactions are typically minor, they can cause your legs to itch. You’ll get a few bumps and some inflammation in the affected area in the worst-case situation.
Itchy Pants
Some pants can also make your legs itch when walking. This is generally known as a textile allergy. This is most common with specific pants fabrics, such as latex.
The primary cause is formaldehyde, which is prevalent in clothing. While some people experience itchiness when they wear pants not made from 100% cotton.
To counter the itchiness, wash the new pants before you wear them. Wear loose pants rather than tight pants.
Hair Regrowth
You may not see razor bumps on your legs post shave. But you might still experience an itching sensation as the hair begins to grow again. In fact, you may experience this itching up to 48 hours after you’ve shaved your legs. The cause of the itchiness can be dry skin because of shaving or ingrown hairs.
Folliculitis
This is a skin condition that causes inflammation of the hair follicles. And itchy legs is a common symptom. In some severe cases, they form ulcers filled with pus.
Prurigo Gestationis
Prurigo gestationis causes itchy legs when you walk. It’s a relatively harmless skin condition that can cause a rash on your legs. These rashes cause itching ranging from mild to severe. While the cause of Prurigo Gestationis is unclear, it may stem from a hormonal imbalance.
How to Treat Itchy Legs When You Walk
You can treat itchy legs depending on the cause. Some personal care measures can help ease the itchiness. These include applying a moisturizing cream. If you experience itchiness after you shave, use aftershave lotion.
Other over-the-counter anti-itch creams, such as calamine, can reduce itchiness. Antihistamines can also relieve itching caused by an allergic reaction.
If the itchiness doesn’t subside, consult your doctor. They may suggest using a steroid cream to help. This medication might effectively relieve itchiness associated with a skin condition such as eczema.
For severe cases such as folliculitis, you can try an antibiotic. However, your doctor will need to prescribe the medication to treat itchy legs. There are also several home remedies that may ease the itching sensation on your legs.
Apply a cold compress to itchy legs for 20 minutes. This should help relieve any itchiness throughout the day. You can also apply some aloe vera. The anti-inflammatory benefits of aloe vera could help relieve any itchiness caused by dry skin or eczema.
The Bottom Line
Various things can cause itchy legs when walking. It could be an underlying skin condition or dry skin. In any case, you can try at-home remedies.
If the itchiness persists for an extended period, consult your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe medication for severe itchiness. We hope this information has helped explain why your legs itch when walking.
