What Causes Eczema On Lower Legs

How Can Parents Help

Help prevent or treat eczema by keeping your child’s skin from getting dry or itchy and avoiding triggers that cause flare-ups. Try these suggestions:

• Kids should take short baths or showers in warm water. Use mild unscented soaps or non-soap cleansers and pat the skin dry before putting on cream or ointment. Teens should use unscented makeup and oil-free facial moisturizers.
• Ask your doctor if it’s OK to use oatmeal soaking products in the bath to help control itching.
• Kids should wear soft clothes that “breathe,” such as those made from cotton. Wool or polyester may be too harsh or irritating.
• Keep your child’s fingernails short to prevent skin damage from scratching. Try having your child wear comfortable, light gloves to bed if scratching at night is a problem.
• Kids should avoid becoming overheated, which can lead to flare-ups.
• Kids should drink plenty of water, which adds moisture to the skin.
• Get rid of known allergens in your household and help your child avoid others, like pollen, mold, and tobacco smoke.
• Stress can make eczema worse. Help your child find ways to deal with stress .

What Are The Benefits Of Sea Moss For Baby Skin

Parents and caregivers should always seek advice from a medical expert on how to treat baby eczema.

Treating baby eczema as early as possible is important to prevent the condition from worsening. Babies with eczema may be more prone to skin infections, as eczema may make it easier for viruses and bacteria to enter through the skin.

A common treatment for eczema is corticosteroids or cortisone cream. Some doctors recommend parents and caregivers not treat children younger than 2 years with hydrocortisone.

According to the National Eczema Association, children who have exposure to excessive amounts of hydrocortisone cream may experience delayed weight gain and slower growth.

Other side effects from hydrocortisone cream can include:

• skin irritation

Emollients For Treating Eczema

Emollient creams add moisture to the skin. Apply moisturisers each day to clean, dry skin. It is especially important to moisturise after showering and bathing, and when living or working in an air-conditioned or heated environment. You may need to try several different brands until you find the emollient that works best for you. Ask your doctor, dermatologist or pharmacist for advice.

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When To See A Doctor For Lower Leg Redness

Treatment depends on the cause of redness. Blocked vessels should be unclogged, pooling blood should be moved, rashes should be treated, and infections should be cured. Some details are covered below however, seeing a medical professional may be necessary for proper treatment.

• Dissolving a clot: If you suspect that your redness is caused by a clot that is infected, you will likely need treatment to treat or dissolve the clot and to treat the underlying infection. To begin these medications, you may need to be admitted to the hospital.
• Compression clothing: If you suspect that your redness is caused by chronic pooling of blood in the lower extremities, clothes that compress the legs are essential tools to channel blood up and out of the vasculature and back toward the heart. They can both prevent swelling and decrease already chronic swelling.
• Rash treatment: Rashes like eczema or psoriasis are frequently treated with steroid creams, by altering the diet or your exposure to allergens, or even anti-itch medications if redness is produced by scratching.
• Antibiotics: Cellulitis and other rashes caused by infection must be treated with appropriate antibiotics that are sufficient to eliminate the causative bacteria.

What Types Of Eczema Affect Your Legs

There are multiple types of eczema. Its not contagious, but it has genetic and environmental triggers.

All types can break out on your legs .

• Atopic dermatitis. Normally, this will take the form of rough patches on the backs of your knees .
• Contact dermatitis. This eczema is caused by contact with irritants or allergens. If you start using a new soap and get itchy red patches that sting like crazy, its contact dermatitis.
• Dyshidrotic eczema. Itchy blisters on your feet ? Its probably dyshidrotic eczema.
• Neurodermatitis. Thick, scaly patches that appear out of nowhere, forming on your legs and the bottoms of your feet, could be neurodermatitis.
• Nummular eczema. If your leg rash is a bunch of red or scaly circles, then its probably nummular eczema. Nummular eczema is typically caused by allergic reactions to insect bites or chemicals.
• Stasis dermatitis. Stasis dermatitis is caused by weakened veins leaking fluid. Its almost exclusive to the legs and is most common in older folks.

In more severe cases, eczema also causes bleeding, swelling, and fluid discharge. Not fun.

Eczema on your legs is common. Eczema symptoms on your legs may reveal the root cause and how to treat it.

Explaining what different kinds of eczema look like can seem a bit pointless since one persons bumpy rough patch is another persons area of leathery skin.

Heres how different flavors of legzema can look.

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Do You Have Nerve Damage Or Neuropathy

Neuropathy can also be related to diabetes, and can sometimes present as itchiness, as well as numbness or pain. Always get any areas of numbness, pain or tingling checked out by your doctor, especially on the feet.

If youre worried about unexplained itching or rashes, make an appointment with your doctor and go through the possibilities.

See our blog on the Best Natural Treatments For Diabetic Rashfor more information on practical strategies for keeping skin healthy and itch-free, including a guide to which Balmonds products work best for looking after diabetic skin!

What Causes Eczema On Legs

Legs eczema is caused by a localized itch, such as an insect bite. It can also be accompanied by skin irritation of the lower leg usually related to circulatory problems. Basically, the condition affects people with the poor circulation of blood. The legs have valves that allow the blood to pump upwards towards the heart as the person grows older these valves weaken and the blood leak out and accumulate in the lower leg that causes swelling and a condition called as venous insufficiency.

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Open Sores And Wounds

Having high blood sugar for a long time can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage. You may have developed these if youve had uncontrolled diabetes for a long time.

Poor circulation and nerve damage can make it hard for your body to heal wounds. This is especially true on the feet. These open wounds are called diabetic ulcers.

Diabetes and feet

• Get immediate medical care for an open sore or wound.
• Work with your doctor to better control your diabetes.

Eczema Coping Tips Avoid Changes In Temperature

Abrupt temperature and humidity changes can sometimes irritate the skin for example, going in and out of air-conditioned buildings on hot days or heated buildings on cold days.Hard physical activity or exercise that makes you sweat heavily can also trigger the itch of eczema.Suggestions include:

• In winter, dont overheat your house. Dress warmly when going outdoors and remove the extra layers as soon as you return.
• In summer, dont over cool your house. Air conditioners can dry out the air and irritate your skin.
• Avoid hard physical activity in hot weather. For example, do your gardening first thing in the morning, or in the evening when the sun is lower in the sky.

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How Is Dermatitis Diagnosed

Your healthcare provider will take a close look at your skin. They will look for classic signs of dermatitis such as a rash, redness, scales, dryness and more. They will ask about the symptoms youre experiencing. Are you itchy? Does your skin feel like its burning? Is your skin dry? Have you come into contact with anything that might irritate your skin?

What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider

• What type of dermatitis do I have?
• How can you tell that its that type of dermatitis?
• If I dont have dermatitis, what other skin condition might I have?
• Is there a specific brand of moisturizer that you recommend?
• Is there a prescription shampoo, cream or lotion that you can prescribe?
• How often should I see a dermatologist regarding this condition?
• What soaps, lotions, makeup, etc. should I avoid?
• What medications do you recommend?
• What at-home treatments do you recommend?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

See your healthcare provider as soon as you start to see symptoms of dermatitis. Feeling itchy and/or in pain all the time affects your quality of life. Its distracting, uncomfortable and can even keep you from having a good nights sleep.

Dermatitis is very normal, but it may make you feel self-conscious in public. It can affect your self-esteem and your social life or relationships. But remember that as many as 15% to 20% of people experience some form of dermatitis at some point in time, so know that youre not alone!

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/29/2020.

References

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What Do The Ecz

Once we identify nummular eczema and treat it appropriately, most people are significantly better within seven to 10 days, and, for patients who dont have another type of eczema, it often never comes back, according to Dr. Peter Lio, founding director of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center. Even in those for whom this is a manifestation of their underlying atopic dermatitis, the nummular aspect seems to disappear quickly and then we can go back to overall management.

• National Eczema Association | 505 San Marin Drive, #B300 | Novato, CA 94945
• 415-499-3474 or 800-818-7546

Do Not Scratch Your Legs

Discomfort and itching can lead you to scratch your legs. You must never scratch areas affected by eczema. No matter how much you feel like scratching, you should resist the temptation. Scratching will make your skin bleed. If you scratch your legs, you may develop another infection because the disease will cause microorganisms.

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How Do I Take Care Of Myself

Reducing your stress is very important. Try these tips:

• Count to ten as you take a deep breath.
• Exercise daily.
• Try not to drink as much caffeine and alcohol.
• Sleep eight hours a night.
• Eat healthy.
• Try to have a positive attitude.
• Journal every day.
• Talk about your life with friends, family and a therapist.

What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider About Eczema

• How can you tell that I have eczema?
• If I dont have eczema, what other skin condition might I have?
• Is there a specific brand of moisturizer that you recommend?
• Is there a prescription cream that you can prescribe?
• How often should I see a dermatologist regarding my eczema?
• What soaps, lotions, makeup, etc. should I avoid?
• What medications do you recommend?
• What at-home treatments do you recommend?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Eczema is very normal, very common, and very, very uncomfortable. It can affect your quality of life. At its worse it can keep you from sleeping, distract you and make you feel self-conscious in public. See your dermatologist or other healthcare provider as soon as you start to see signs of it. Explore at-home remedies and prescribed treatments.

Youre not alone! 15% to 20% of people experience eczema or another type of dermatitis at some point in their lives.

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How Is Dermatitis Treated What Medications Are Used

The type of treatment depends on the type of dermatitis and its location. Step number one is to avoid whatever triggers the dermatitis. That may be stress, a chemical, tobacco smoke and/or a number of other irritants that cause or worsen your dermatitis. Step number two is to try remedies on your own. Step number three is medication prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Where Can Eczema Appear On Your Legs

Most types of eczema can appear anywhere on your legs, including your thighs, your calves, and the backs of your legs.

Eczema is more common on joints and areas where the skin regularly stretches and bends. So, while it can appear anywhere, leg eczema most often pops up on the knees, hips, ankles, and feet.

Eczema is more likely to break out on dry skin, but sweat can also trigger a flare. Basically, eczema is an unpredictable little bugger. Who knows where itll pop up next?

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Steroid Applied To The Skin

If the skin becomes very inflamed, your doctor may prescribe a topical steroid . Topical steroids work by reducing inflammation in the skin. The steroid is applied as an ointment rather than a cream if the skin is very dry. A moderate-strength steroid is usually prescribed unless the skin is very inflamed, in which case a very strong ointment may be needed.

Topical steroids are usually applied once a day . Rub a small amount thinly and evenly just on to areas of skin which are inflamed.

To work out how much you should use for each dose, squeeze out some ointment from the tube on to the end of an adult finger – from the tip of the finger to the first crease. This is called a fingertip unit. One fingertip unit is enough to treat an area of skin twice the size of the flat of an adult’s hand with the fingers together. Gently rub the cream or ointment into the skin until it has disappeared. Then wash your hands.

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.

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What To Do If You Have Eczema And Develop Cellulitis

If you have eczema and notice symptoms of cellulitis, talk to your doctor. Itâs important to treat it before it turns into a more serious condition.

Antibiotics are the most common treatment. But your doctor will decide whatâs best depending on how serious your infection is. They may try draining the abscess. If itâs more serious, you may need to go to the hospital and get intravenous antibiotics.

Once youâve had cellulitis youâre at higher risk of getting it again, even if you treat it and it goes away.

If you get cellulitis three to four times a year, your doctor may recommend taking a daily low-dose antibiotic.

If you keep getting it even when youâre on antibiotics, that could mean itâs not cellulitis, but another skin condition. A dermatologist can help you find out whatâs causing your symptoms.

How Is Stasis Dermatitis Diagnosed

The obvious thing to look for the condition is the positioning of the affected skin on the areas? See, is it on the lower legs, and around the varicose veins? Is it itchy, inflamed and itchy?

Your doctor will physically examine the skin of the legs as the visible signs can indicate the condition and may suggest different tests. These tests may include:

• Blood tests

The doppler ultrasound is the test that uses various sound waves to check the blood flow in the legs.

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General Tips For Coping With Eczema

Other tips to manage your eczema include:

• Keep your fingernails short longer nails are more likely to injure your skin when you scratch.
• If the water in your area is hard or alkaline, consider installing a water-softening device.
• Swim in the sea in warm weather whenever you can seawater is known to reduce the symptoms of eczema.
• Use sun exposure for limited periods for example, when swimming at the beach. This can help relieve eczema symptoms. But be aware that ultraviolet radiation is a risk factor for skin cancer and premature ageing of the skin. Also, if sun exposure causes overheating, this can also aggravate eczema.

Who Gets Varicose Eczema

Varicose eczema is quite common, affecting approximately 70 per cent of people over the age of 70. Varicose eczema can occur in younger people, too, if they have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins. You are most likely to develop this type of eczema if you have high blood pressure or varicose veins, or have had a deep vein thrombosis , phlebitis or cellulitis in the past. Other contributing factors include being overweight, immobility, and swelling caused by prolonged standing or hot weather. Trauma to the skin, such as an injury or bad insect bite, can also be a contributing factor. Varicose eczema is more common in women than in men since female hormones and pregnancy increase the risk of developing the condition.

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