Itchy skin, no matter where it appears, can be highly distracting. On the legs, however, the constant need to scratch can become intensely frustrating. Luckily, there are ways to stop the condition in its tracks: read on for four habits that you should avoid if you are looking to prevent itchy skin on your legs.
Shaving Too Frequently
Though many women consider shaving an essential part of hygiene, it is possible to shave too often - and doing so can result in itchy, irritated skin all over the legs. Constant scraping of the skin with a razor can not only lead to dermal dryness, but it can also cause razor burn, red bumps along the skin that are itchy themselves and take days to disappear. Although it depends on individual factors, most should shave no more than once every two days.
Scalding in the Shower
Steaming showers can be incredibly relaxing, especially in cold winter months; unfortunately though hot water, is also likely to promote itchy skin. At high temperatures, water absorbed externally is extremely dehydrating, robbing the skin of necessary moisture and encouraging itchy flakes to appear. Ice-cold showers are not required, but lukewarm water is significantly less harsh. Applying moisturizer directly afterward is also recommended.
Ignoring the Material of Your Pants
When shopping, it's easy to forget that fabric quality matters as much for clothes for the bottom half of the body as it does for the top. Instead of going for things that have tight weaves which can be detrimental to skin health and cause itchy skin on legs. Opt instead for cotton material.
Indulging in Junk Food
Itchy skin on legs, as well as itchy skin on other parts of the body, is sometimes caused by a deficiency in vitamins and nutrients that specifically promote the organ's health. Vitamins A and C are important proponents in the production of collagen, (a substance which makes skin plump and less likely to break and flake), while omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for creating a natural oil barrier between the surface and irritants from the outside world.
Junk food provides next to none of these elements. Substituting this food source for more citrus, orange foods - like sweet potato or carrot - and soy can remedy the problem.
No matter what the season, no one has to live with itchy skin on legs forever. Talk to a doctor or dermatologist to make sure that nothing more serious lies behind the problem. In the meantime, by reducing or, better yet, eliminating some of the habits listed above, you will benefit from smooth and hydrated skin in no time flat.
Follow the link below for more information on treating this menopausal symptom.
Sources
- Office of Dietary Supplements. (n.d.). Vitamin C - Quick Facts. Retrieved December 12, 2013, from http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-QuickFacts/
- Vorvick, L.J. (2012). Dry skin: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Retrieved December 12, 2013, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003250.htm