Dermatitis on the legs occurs as often as on the hands, and more often than in other parts of the body. Rashes on the legs most often appear with contact and atopic dermatitis, somewhat less often with allergic. With seborrheic dermatitis, the rash is localized under the knees and in the groin area. There is also such a specific form of the disease as venous (congestive) dermatitis, characterized by dilated veins (often with blood clots), red dry spots in the shins, cracks and ulcers.
Allergic and contact dermatitis on the legs is characterized by reddening of the skin and the appearance of a small rash, fluid-filled blisters and itching may appear. The atopic form is accompanied by severe itching and the appearance of inflamed scaly areas.
Usually, dermatitis on the legs affects first of all the most delicate areas – the inside of the knees and thighs. If treatment is not started on time, inflammation can take up a large area. In addition, dermatitis can also affect the feet.
Causes of dermatitis on the legs
At the beginning of therapy, a dermatologist determines the causes of the disease. It most often manifests itself as a reaction to a food allergen, antibiotics, cleaning chemicals, washing powder, wearing synthetic clothing (trousers, leggings, nylon tights) and ill-fitting shoes. Therefore, people who suffer from flat feet, valgus or with the so-called bone on the foot often complain about dermatitis on their feet.
It is worth noting that a rash in the area of the heels and toes often appears in patients with diabetes mellitus and other endocrine diseases, as well as when infected with a fungus.
The course of inflammation on the legs is also aggravated by sweating of the skin, for example, in the gym or in summer, and the feet often sweat in closed shoes. You can’t use foot deodorants during an illness: an aggressive composition will cause even more itching and irritation. To reduce sweating, it is better to use hypoallergenic baby powder, wear and change socks made of natural fabrics several times a day, and in the hot season, give preference to light clothes made of linen and cotton.
In addition, it is necessary to exclude contact with the allergen: refuse products that provoke a reaction, wash clothes with a hypoallergenic powder, and avoid skin contact with a cleaning agent when cleaning.
Drug therapy for dermatitis on the legs
Then the doctor prescribes drug therapy: antihistamine or antifungal drugs, as well as antifungal or hormonal ointments of the glucocorticosteroid group. This treatment will relieve the acute symptoms of the disease, reduce the intensity of itching, reduce skin inflammation, and slow down cell division. When an infection is attached, the necessary antibiotics are prescribed.
After the removal of the acute condition, external agents are prescribed. If dermatitis on the legs is characterized by weeping rashes, anti-exudative gels and creams are needed. They contain tar, zinc, sulfur and naftalan. Otherwise, the skin needs to be moisturized through creams and ointments with vegetable fats, panthenol and vitamins. Extracts of burdock root, plantain leaves, thyme, chamomile flowers, oak bark, if used systematically, can accelerate the regeneration process. Herbal remedies are applied from several weeks to several months. In the case of dermatitis of the feet, baths or lotions are used.
Losterin cream for the treatment of dermatitis on the legs
During the course of the disease, soap should be discarded, as surface-active substances (surfactants) irritate and dry damaged skin. Improper care slows down healing. For the hygiene of the skin of the legs, it is better to use plain boiled water, herbal decoctions or products intended for the care of inflamed skin. Among such products is Losterin shower gel. It does not contain alkali, so it does not provoke drying and cracking of the skin. Deresined naftalan and Japanese Sophora extract provide an antipruritic effect, and thanks to a complex of vegetable oils, peeling disappears and the regeneration process takes place faster. Cream “Losterin” contains more active substances and is used to relieve symptoms of skin diseases, supportive treatment and prevention.
Also, balneotherapy can affect the inflammatory processes of the skin of the legs. Good results are noted by patients who have completed a course of hydrogen sulfide, coniferous and radon baths.