Back of thighs itch

Most Common Causes and Treatment Options

We’re all probably familiar with having itchy skin. It’s often an irritating sensation, and you have to fight the urge to scratch.

Sometimes, but not always, other symptoms can accompany itchy skin, like a rash, redness, or raised bumps. Itchy skin can also occur all over your body or only in specific areas, such as the arms or legs.

If you have itchy thighs and are wondering what could possibly be causing it, we may be able to shed some light on the matter, along with possible treatment options and home remedies.

There are a wide variety of conditions that can cause itchy thighs. Below, we’ll explore some of the potential causes and the treatments that may help.

Sometimes there’s a simple reason for itchy skin: having skin that’s too dry. Dry skin can occur anywhere on the body, even on the thighs. In addition to being very itchy, you may notice that your skin feels rough or scaly to the touch.

A variety of factors can contribute to dry skin, including:

low humidity
cold weather
age
poor skin care
overuse of certain irritating products, like some soaps

To soothe dry skin, apply a moisturizing cream or ointment to the area, and avoid hot water.

Chafing happens when your skin is injured from friction, such as rubbing against clothing or another body part.

The thighs, particularly the inner thigh, are often affected by chafing. The symptoms of chafing can include:

redness
a burning sensation
itching

Thigh chafing can often happen when you’re being physically active. It tends to happen most often when you’re walking, running, or cycling.

Factors that contribute to chafing include:

having excess thigh muscle or fat
sweating
wearing clothing that doesn’t fit well

Applying a lubricating ointment like petroleum jelly may help relieve symptoms and prevent further chafing.

Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin. You may have heard of two common types of dermatitis, atopic and contact.

Atopic dermatitis is also called eczema. Eczema causes patches of itchy, dry skin. It can occur on many areas of the body. It’s unknown what causes eczema, although genetics may play a role.

Allergic contact dermatitis, a type of contact dermatitis, happens when you have a skin reaction to something you’ve come in contact with. Things like poison ivy or nickel can cause it. Symptoms can include intensely itchy skin, rash, and sometimes fluid-filled blisters.

For example, you could develop contact dermatitis on your thighs if you come into contact with poison ivy while walking in shorts. Some people have even developed it from sitting in a chair with nickel components.

You can treat mild atopic dermatitis with topical steroid creams. Severe cases may call for immunosuppressive therapies or light therapy.

For allergic contact dermatitis, avoiding the allergen and using topical steroids can bring relief and reduce inflammation.

Heat rash happens when your sweat ducts get clogged. This leads to sweat becoming trapped under your skin. Symptoms can include:

redness
bumps or tiny blisters
itching

Like chafing, heat rash often happens in areas where the skin can rub together, like the:

groin
thigh area
armpits
chest
neck

The rash often clears up as you cool down.

Jock itch is a fungal infection. A group of fungi called dermatophytes causes it. These fungi thrive in moist sweaty areas where they can multiply quickly, resulting in jock itch.

Jock itch affects the skin of the inner thigh, buttocks, and genital area. The rash from jock itch can have an itchy or burning sensation. It often appears red, dry, and flaky.

The infection can spread from person to person through the sharing of things like clothing or towels.

Using an over-the-counter antifungal cream can help clear the infection. In more severe cases, prescription antifungal creams or pills may be necessary.

Swimmer’s itch is a reaction to certain microscopic parasites. These parasites are often found in freshwater. If they come into contact with you while you’re in the water, they may burrow under your skin, causing an uncomfortable itchy rash.

Symptoms of swimmer’s itch can include sensations of itching or burning as well as small red bumps or blisters. It can occur on any area of skin that’s directly exposed to water, including the thighs.

The itchy rash typically appears while you’re still in the water, then disappears after a few hours. However, about 10 to 15 hours after the initial rash, the redness and itch return.

The symptoms of swimmer’s itch typically go away in about 1 to 2 weeks without prescription treatments. You can use anti-itch lotions or corticosteroid cream to help ease the redness and itching in the meantime.

Pityriasis rosea, also called Christmas tree rash, is a skin rash that can affect people of all ages. However, it seems to happen more often between the ages of 10 and 35.

What causes it isn’t fully understood, but a virus may be the culprit. In some people, the rash may itch. For others, it may not.

Symptoms like fever, fatigue, and headache may come before the rash. Then, the “herald patch,” a large oval-shaped red spot, appears on the skin. More patches then develop on the torso, arms, and legs.

Although it’s a relatively common rash, pityriasis rosea isn’t always easy to diagnose since it can look like other types of red, itchy skin conditions, such as:

eczema
psoriasis
ringworm

Pityriasis rosea often goes away in 1 or 2 months, although it can persist. If you have pityriasis rosea and it’s itchy, see a dermatologist for treatment suggestions.

Meralgia paresthetica is a condition that affects the outer thigh. It includes symptoms such as:

burning or aching pain
itching
numbness
tingling

In most cases, the symptoms only occur on one side of the body. However, some people develop symptoms on both sides. The symptoms may get worse after walking or standing.

Meralgia paresthetica develops from pressure on the nerve that supplies sensation to the front and side of your thigh. This pressure may occur from:

clothing that’s too tight
scar tissue after surgery or an injury
excess weight
pregnancy

You may be more likely to develop this condition if you have diabetes.

In many cases, you can get relief from these symptoms by:

wearing looser clothing
losing weight
taking an over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
using a topical anti-itch lotion

In more severe cases, you may need:

prescription medication
physical therapy
pulsed radio-frequency treatment

Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), also known as polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, is one of the most common skin conditions that occur during pregnancy.

It most often develops in the third trimester. PUPPP can sometimes also happen following delivery.

PUPPP is characterized as an itchy rash that’s raised and red, but it can take on many forms. It initially develops on the abdomen, often in stretch marks that have appeared during pregnancy. The rash can then spread to other areas of the body, including the thighs.

The condition isn’t serious. It disappears within a couple weeks of delivery. You can treat symptoms with antihistamines and topical corticosteroids.

Make an appointment with your doctor about your itchy thighs if:

the itching is interfering with your day-to-day activities or disrupting your sleep
an itchy rash appears suddenly or affects a large area
symptoms don’t clear up or get worse with at-home care

Seek emergency medical care if you:

have symptoms of a skin infection, including:
- drainage of pus from the affected area
- fever
- chills
are experiencing a severe form of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis

The treatment of itchy thighs will depend on what’s causing the itching. In some cases, you may be able to effectively treat your condition at home. But if the itching doesn’t go away or worsens, it’s important to see your doctor. If you don’t already have a primary care provider, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Depending on the cause, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following to help ease your symptoms. Treatments may include:

topical corticosteroids for inflammation
antibiotics to help treat complications like a bacterial skin infection
prescription antifungal creams or pills for conditions like jock itch
light therapy to help with inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or pityriasis rosea
other prescription medications to help manage specific conditions like eczema

There are several things you can do at home to help with itch relief or before you see a doctor. You could:

Use a moisturizer. Moisturizing products can help ease dry, itchy skin. Try to use moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or petroleum jelly, which can help trap moisture in your skin.
Take a bath. Make sure the water is lukewarm, not hot. You can also add baking soda or oatmeal to your bathwater for extra relief. Moisturize your skin after getting out of the tub. Don’t bathe excessively, though. Aim for once daily for around 5 to 10 minutes max.
Use OTC medications. These medications, like oral antihistamines and topical corticosteroid creams, can help ease the discomfort associated with itching, depending on the cause.
Avoid tight or poorly fitting clothes. Clothing that doesn’t allow your skin to breathe can trap sweat. Ill-fitting shorts, pants, or shirts can cause your skin to chafe.
Use unscented soaps and deodorants. Try to avoid perfumed products, as these may irritate your skin.
Avoid scratching. This can break the skin and increase the risk of infection. Instead, gently tap or pat the affected area.
Avoid irritating products. Use only moisturizers or products recommended by your doctor, like Vanicream or CeraVe.

There are many possible conditions that can cause itching on your thighs. Some of the more common causes include dry skin, eczema, chafing, and jock itch.

The treatment for itchy thighs depends on what’s triggered the itching. Often, you can treat itching at home with moisturizers, good skin care, and OTC medications.

If the itching on your thighs is disrupting your daily life, or if it isn’t getting better or gets worse, make an appointment with your doctor. You may need a prescription medication to treat your condition.

Why Do My Legs Itch? 18 Possible Causes of Itchy Legs

Written by Hope Cristol

Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on April 23, 2021

Diabetes

Diabetes can lead to widespread problems, including pruritis -- the medical term for unusually itchy skin. When you have itchy legs with diabetes, the cause may be:

High blood sugar. This can cause extremely dry skin, which triggers the urge to scratch.
Poor circulation. Common in diabetes, poor circulation can also cause itchy legs.
Nerve damage (neuropathy). Pain and numbness are typical symptoms of diabetic nerve damage, but some people get a sensation called neuropathic itch.
Diabetic kidney disease (nephropathy). Kidney disease is common in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. One symptom is a persistent itch.
Eruptive xanthomatosis. When your diabetes isn’t well controlled, you may have outbreaks of small, itchy, pimple-like bumps. They usually appear on your thighs, the backs of your knees, your buttocks, or the crooks of your elbows.
Skin conditions. Skin conditions can be chronic, which means they stick around for a long time -- possibly your lifetime. They can also last just hours or days. Skin conditions that can cause itchy legs include:
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Scabies
- Insect bites
- Hives

You may have extremely dry, itchy skin without a root cause. This is a skin condition on its own. The medical term is xerosis.

Certain Diseases

Itchiness may be a sign of serious disease -- one you may or may not know you have.

Lymphomas. Itching often happens in people with Hodgkin's lymphoma and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Skin cancer. Many times, the only sign of this cancer is a spot on your skin. It can be new or a mole that changes shape or size. Sometimes it will itch -- this may be what makes you notice it.
Advanced kidney disease. Even if your condition isn’t related to diabetes, an itch is a common symptom when your kidneys begin to fail and you need dialysis.
Liver disease. Does the itch start on your palms or the soles of your feet, then spread outward? There could be a problem with your liver. You may have cirrhosis or a blocked bile duct. Hepatitis C, a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver, can also cause itchy skin. Fortunately, it’s often curable with medications you take for 2 to 6 months.
Thyroid disease. Thyroid problems are another possible cause of itchy skin. In some cases, thyroid disease can cause chronic hives. These look like raised, itchy, red, or skin-colored patches that can come and go.

Allergic Reactions

Take a close look at your itchy legs. Are they red because you’ve scratched them, or is there a rash? Itchy rashes are a sign of an allergic skin reaction called contact dermatitis. These are some common triggers:

Nickel (found in many metals, including zippers)
Fragrances
Shampoos
Latex
Cement
Poison ivy
Laundry detergents
Fabric softeners

Medications

Sometimes an itch is a side effect of medication. It’s especially common with opioid painkillers. The itch from these drugs doesn’t usually come with a rash or hives.

Several cancer medications cause the sensation, too. These drugs may or may not cause skin symptoms.

An itch can also be a sign of an allergic reaction. In fact, skin reactions are the most common form of allergic reaction to a drug. These are some of the drugs that often cause allergic reactions:

Penicillin-based antibiotics
Sulfa drugs
Anticonvulsants
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Chemotherapy

Four Simple Itch Treatments

Some home treatments can reduce or stop the urge to scratch your legs. Here’s what dermatologists (skin doctors) suggest.

Apply cold to the area. Use an ice pack or a cool, wet cloth.
Take an oatmeal bath. Don’t use the breakfast kind, though. The type you want is a fine powder called colloidal oatmeal. It helps clean, moisturize, and protect skin. It’s also an anti-inflammatory.
Keep skin hydrated. Doctors suggest this simple step for itch relief even when there’s a serious cause, such as kidney disease. Be sure to use a fragrance-free moisturizer to reduce the chances of irritation.
Try a pain-relief cream with pramoxine. This ingredient can give you short-term relief from:
- Insect bites
- Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac
- Minor skin irritations
- Rashes
- Very dry skin

When to See a Doctor

You’re never wrong to call your doctor whenever you have a health concern. Itching is no exception. But to help you decide between toughing it out and making an appointment, here’s some advice that can help.

Experts say you should see a doctor if your itch:

Lasts more than 2 weeks despite home treatments
Is severe, distracting, or keeps you up at night
Comes on fast for no clear reason
Affects your whole body
Comes on with other symptoms, including extreme tiredness or fever

Often, treatment of the base cause will give you relief. It can help to get your diabetes under control or stop taking a drug that causes itching.

why there are spots and irritation, fungus

Doctors are often treated with such a complaint as itching on the inside of the thigh. It occurs as a single manifestation or accompanied by other symptoms. There are many reasons for the itching sensation. What can provoke its appearance?

Causes of itching on the inside of the thigh

Itching is usually a symptom of some disease. But the sign may also indicate the impact of the external environment, which is not dangerous for human health. nine0003

Allergies

The most common cause of itching on the inside of the thigh is an allergic reaction. Often, food, dust, pollen, animal hair act as provoking factors.

In case of allergy, in addition to itching, a reddish rash occurs. It looks like blisters or spots on the inside of the thigh in women or men.

Insect bites

Itching on the buttocks occurs in a person when he is bitten by mosquitoes, bees, gadflies, etc. Together with it, puffiness forms on the skin, the site of the lesion swells. Symptoms persist for several days, then disappear without a trace. nine0003

A big mistake is scratching the bite area. This threatens the penetration of infection into the covering of the thigh, which will cause more vivid signs and increase the healing time.

Infection

There are infectious diseases, one of the manifestations of which is itching in the groin, legs and other parts of the body. Such pathologies include fungal skin lesions. It causes redness on the inner side of the thigh, which is flaky, itchy. The cover becomes dry, cracks form. nine0003

You can become infected with the fungus through contact with a sick person or animal, through objects of common use. Infectious pathology affects those people who have a weakened immune system.

Another cause of itchy skin is scabies. This is an infection caused by the scabies mite. When it penetrates the skin, its waste products cause severe itching. Also, infectious diseases that can cause the symptom in question include chickenpox, rubella, measles.

Vascular pathologies

Diseases of the blood vessels often cause itching in the lower extremities. It causes an increase in the concentration of platelets in the patient's blood. Capillaries break, small hematomas appear. Usually, people who are diagnosed with varicose veins or vasculitis suffer from an itchy symptom.

Diseases of the internal organs

Itching and burning of the thigh skin can be caused by diabetes mellitus. The disease provokes a narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels and unpleasant skin symptoms. It can also itch if there is a malfunction in the functioning of the kidneys, liver, gallbladder. nine0003

Skin problems

Skin conditions are common causes of itching. Many diseases are accompanied by this symptom. People complain that the outer or inner part of the thigh itches, with ailments such as dermatitis and psoriasis.

Mental disorders

Skin irritation often occurs after depression, anxiety. Conflicts, stressful situations can provoke a symptom. An unpleasant symptom is formed in a certain area of \u200b\u200bthe skin or spreads to the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe body. nine0003

Diagnosis

To eliminate itching on the skin of the thighs, you need to know its cause. It is impossible to determine it on your own. Therefore, it is necessary to visit a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination.

To find out why the skin of the thighs itch, prescribe different methods, depending on the presence of concomitant symptoms. Allergies, fungus, skin pathologies are detected already at the stage of an external examination by a doctor. For confirmation, only a laboratory study of scrapings, blood, and allergen tests is required. nine0003

If there is a malfunction of the internal organs, blood vessels or the psyche, then the diagnosis is carried out using instrumental methods. These include ultrasound, computed or magnetic resonance imaging, angiography.

Which doctor should I contact?

If there is an itching sensation on the inner side of the thigh without obvious reasons, then it is worth visiting a therapist. He will conduct a skin examination and determine which doctor will continue to see the patient. If the itchy symptom is accompanied by red spots on the inside of the thighs, peeling, then you can go straight to the dermatologist. nine0003

Ways to deal with itching

Skin irritation on the legs is treated differently depending on what caused it. If the matter is an allergic reaction, then it is required to eliminate all allergens from the patient's life and undergo therapy with antihistamines and agents containing glucocorticoids.

Antifungal drugs are used in case of fungal infection of the thigh, antibiotics are used in case of infectious pathologies.

Such diseases are treated with courses that cannot be stopped even after feeling better. nine0003

If the cause of itching on the skin of the thighs lies in vascular diseases, pathologies of internal organs, mental disorders, then the therapy is carried out according to an individual scheme, depending on the specific disease.

Prevention

To avoid irritation on the inside of the thighs, you need to take your diet seriously. It is necessary to use only fresh, high-quality products that do not contain flavors, dyes and other harmful components. If a person is allergic to specific substances, then contact with them should be avoided. nine0003

Also, special care must be taken when choosing clothes, especially for small children. It should be made from natural and high-quality materials that allow the skin to breathe and do not cause irritation.

Do not use other people's clothing or other personal items.

For the prevention of infectious diseases, it is recommended to strengthen the immune system. To do this, you need to drink vitamins, play sports, sleep well, temper. To prevent the development of a fungus on the skin, you should refrain from contact with sick people and animals. nine0003

Personal skin hygiene plays a significant role in prevention. Showering is required once a day (minimum), in hot weather - at least twice.

Irritation of the skin on the inner surface of the thighs is an unpleasant symptom that is caused at any age by both physiological and pathological causes. If he torments regularly, the problem cannot be ignored. You need to visit a doctor to undergo an examination and eliminate the disease.

Why the thighs itch from the inside, outside and sides: Reasons

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An ardent desire to scratch the thigh often occurs at different ages in women and men. Periodically occurring overthrow on one side of the frog, which passes on its own or after scratching it, does not pose a particular danger. Another thing is when the hips itch like hell for a long time, bringing frantic discomfort. In such cases, it is necessary to urgently find out the causes of itching and eradicate the source of the disease. nine0003

Itching as a symptom of other diseases

If the hip itches steadily, replenishing with new symptoms, then a person's life turns into excruciating hard labor. Basically, then people turn to specialists with questions about why various expensive ointments and pills do not relieve itching.

When overthrow occurs, you need to listen to your body, consider not only the frogs, but also other parts of the body. To prevent the quality of life from rapidly deteriorating from scabies of the thighs, you should visit the clinic. nine0003

If your legs, feet, stomach or other part of your body itch continuously, you need to know that this is a symptom of a more serious disease.

Diseases accompanied by itching of the thighs:

Allergic reactions.
Insect bites.
Various infections.
Skin diseases.
Diseases of the blood vessels.
Mental illness.
Diseases of internal organs. nine0100

Sverbezh with allergic reactions

Most often, frogs begin to itch when they come into contact with various allergens. In this case, the following manifestations of allergy can be noted:

the surface of the skin is covered with a rash or blisters;
skin turns red;
spots of various shapes are formed.

Allergies can be caused by various plants and foods, medicines, cosmetics and detergents. Also, allergens can be things (tights, trousers, etc.) made of toxic materials and even water that is oversaturated with pesticides. nine0003

If the inner thighs are covered with a rash and irritated, then most of all, some medication has caused the allergy. In this case, the rash can spread to the area of \u200b\u200bthe knees.

Insect sting itch

Skin irritation, including redness, swelling and itching, is often caused by insect bites.

Scabies from bites can last from a few minutes to a week. Scratching the bites can lead to a bacterial infection.

Features of itching in infections

Bright scurf, localized in the area of the thighs, may indicate fungal skin lesions. Itching due to a fungus is accompanied by the following symptoms:

peeling of the skin;
occurrence of red spots;
appearance of cracks in the skin;
occurrence of moisture in places of cracks;
the appearance of a nasty smell.

Itching may be caused by lichen. This infection is generated by viruses or microscopic fungi. You can catch it through contact with other infected people or animals. With weak immune protection, we can become infected through common objects. nine0003

Sverbezh is also present in other infectious diseases, such as chicken pox, rubella, measles. At the same time, the temperature rises, lethargy and general malaise occur.

Severe itching occurs when infected with scabies pruritus. The parasite lays its paths under the skin, and leaves a tubercle filled with liquid at the place of its exit. Thin stripes can be seen on the surface - this is the appearance of the mite's minks. It deftly gnaws through new channels and lays eggs under the skin. Waste products of the scabies mite cause swollen. nine0003

Scabies is rapidly spreading throughout the body, as are the arthropods themselves. This is a contagious disease, the tick can get inside through contact with infected people.

Skin diseases

Like any part of the body, thighs itch from various skin diseases, such as: psoriasis, dermatitis. Dryness of the skin with dermatitis definitely increases, which is why scabies occurs.

Diseases of the blood vessels

Various diseases of the vessels provoke toppling of the legs and arms. Itching causes the following diseases:
varicose veins;

capillary fragility;
increased platelet count;
vasculitis.

Mental illnesses

Some mental illnesses, severe neurosis, stress are the roots of scabies. After experiencing strong excitement, the whole body sometimes begins to itch. Strong experiences cause a malfunction in the immune system. An imbalance between aggressive and defensive mechanisms in the body activates sensory receptors that transmit a signal to the spinal cord. The signal is transmitted from the spinal cord to the brain. Such irritation of the receptors causes skin itching. After a colossal nervous strain, scabies can gradually turn into a sensation of pain. nine0003

Nervous scabies is common among young children. Because children who are used to getting everything at once can experience extreme stress even from the fact that their parents refused to buy a particular toy. For a long time they can fight in hysterics, and then, having calmed down, begin to itch vigorously.

Diseases of the internal organs

Itching of the thighs is often an external symptom of various internal diseases. The skin of the legs can itch for the following reasons:

for diabetes;
for impaired renal function;
in renal failure;
for malfunctions in the liver;
for impaired functioning of the gallbladder.

How to eliminate the symptom and forget about scabies

Do not self-medicate with itchy thighs. Acquired ointments and tablets in a pharmacy that relieve itching will relieve only an unpleasant symptom for some time. Their constant use will not lead to anything. After some time, you may encounter a recurrence of scabies, which will be more pronounced than before self-treatment. nine0003

To completely get rid of itchy thighs, you need to find out their source. To do this, you should contact a specialist, take tests and fully examine your body. When the doctor establishes an accurate diagnosis, he will prescribe a successful therapy, thanks to which the annoying symptom will no longer bake.

Features of treatment for various causes of scabies:

In case of allergic reactions, intravenous or internal antihistamines and external agents (gels, creams, ointments) are used. nine0100
For insect bites, external agents (ointments, gels, creams) are used. Also, various solutions of soda and vinegar help to overcome itching.
Infectious diseases are eliminated with special antibacterial antiparasitic agents.
For skin problems, see a dermatologist. He will prescribe the right drugs for the treatment of the disease.

The distorted internal environment of the body, provoked by metabolic disorders or vascular disease, can only be corrected by a specific specialist. The doctor will prescribe the required measures to defeat the disease, so that the hips will stop itching. nine0003

Stress-induced itching can be managed on your own. To do this, you need to be less nervous, watch pleasant films in the evenings, drink tea with mint, chamomile or linden at night, and take a walk in the park more often. Reduce contact with people who are annoying. If certain methods do not help, it is better to contact a specialist who will prescribe the necessary sedatives.

Tips to help prevent itchy thighs:

it is important to look after yourself and follow the rules of hygiene;
choose good foods that contain the required amount of vitamins and other nutrients;
contact the clinic in time if any symptoms of the disease occur. The integrity and health of the skin depends on the state of the immune system and internal organs;
stop wearing underwear made of synthetic materials;
you should not wear other people's things and shoes, including allowing others to dress their own things, this also applies to hygiene products.
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