Itchy feet: what are its causes and how to deal with it?

Athlete's foot is a group of fungal diseases that have a common localization and similar clinical manifestations. They are very common and affect people of any age (rarely children), prone to a chronic relapsing course.

Infection occurs in bathhouses, showers, on beaches, gyms, when using someone else's shoes and other household items contaminated with fungal elements.

In the pathogenesis of the disease, the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the skin of the feet, increased sweating, changes in sweat chemistry, metabolic and endocrine abnormalities, injuries of the lower extremities, and vegetative dystonia are of significant importance. Pathogens can remain in a saprophytic state for a long time without causing active clinical manifestations. Athlete's foot has several clinical forms, each of which can be combined with nail damage.

Objective grounds

Itching is a sensation accompanied by the need to scratch the skin. There are several opinions about its occurrence:

• irritation of certain pain receptors;
• occurs independently under the influence of mediators - histamine, serotonin, adrenaline, opioids and others.

The second theory is supported by the fact that itching sensations appear only in the superficial layers of the dermis and the mucous membranes adjacent to it, while pain occurs anywhere in the body. In addition, pain and itching can occur in isolation from each other.

Itching can be localized or spread throughout the body. Due to its occurrence, it is divided into:

• propriocevtive - appears due to a violation of the structure of the dermis;
• neuropathic – observed when the nervous system is damaged;
• neurogenic – without damage to the NS;
• psychogenic – mental disorders.

All types of symptoms differ in intensity, duration and place of occurrence.

Itching of the skin of the body often has objective causes and accompanies any disease. First of all, these include skin diseases :

Another skin condition that causes "scabies" is eczema . It is believed that it occurs against the background of reduced immunity. It can be triggered by stress, nervous tension, as well as hormonal imbalances and allergic reactions.

Eczema is characterized by the formation of foci of rashes in the form of “wet” blisters and pimples, and in some cases dry ones. The itching in this condition is simply unbearable; it is the main symptom of the pathology. The elements are localized on the neck, head, flexor surfaces of the elbows, ankles and knees.

The skin may itch if there are diseases of the internal organs :

1. Kidney - a symptom manifests itself on the skin and in the genital area.
2. Liver - spreads to the face and hands, while the skin turns yellow.
3. Thyroid – dry, flaky and itchy skin on the hands and face.
4. Anemia.
5. Diabetes – the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs begin to itch due to increased blood glucose levels.
6. Oncological diseases.
7. Hormonal disorders - menopause, pregnancy, menstrual syndrome.
8. Viral infections - herpes, AIDS.
9. Dehydration.

Allergy

Itching in the area of ​​the legs, knees, and inner thighs is one of the manifestations of an allergic reaction of the body. The list of allergens is quite extensive. Moreover, it is not common to all people. Each person has their own individual list of allergens. For some it is small, for others it is extensive. Note that susceptibility to allergies also depends on the state of immunity of a particular person. The more actively the body’s defenses work, the less likely it is that allergic reactions will occur.

There are several groups of allergy pathogens:

1. Food. In particular, these are dairy and fermented milk products, citrus fruits, vegetables, sweets, etc.
2. Medical supplies.
3. Animal bites (particularly insect bites).
4. Household allergens. These are household chemicals and cosmetics, synthetic materials, dust, etc.
5. Pollen from flowering plants.

Allergies can manifest themselves not only as itching in the lower leg area. This is constant lacrimation, frequent sneezing, coughing, the appearance of skin rashes in the form of small pimples, etc. The condition brings the patient a lot of inconvenience and worsens his quality of life. Moreover, when scratching, it is easy to introduce an infection into the wound, which will add serious health problems.

Burning sensation and its origin

A burning sensation in the body and limbs manifests itself in the form of tingling, a sensation of heat. It is constantly present throughout the day or has a wave-like character, but, as a rule, does not bother you at night.

The appearance of this symptom is facilitated by damage to the peripheral nerves. This is observed, for example, in diabetes mellitus . In this case, the burning sensation is concentrated primarily in the extremities, followed by tingling and numbness.

Sciatica is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve, accompanied by a burning sensation in the legs up to the foot.

With multiple sclerosis, the burning sensation is combined with tingling. Such an alliance extends to the limbs. One should be wary of their simultaneous occurrence with problems of speech and coordination.

Radiculopathy is damage to the nerve roots of the spinal nerves. In this case, a pathological feeling of heat also occurs in the arms and legs.

Dangerous is the appearance of a burning sensation in one half of the body. Along with other signs, such as unclear speech, headache, blurred vision, delirium, hallucinations, it can be a sign of a stroke .

Heat in the legs often indicates vascular pathology .

Other conditions that can cause this sensation include:

• spider and snake bites;
• poisoning by chemical compounds;
• avitaminosis;
• calcium deficiency;
• burns.

Particular discomfort is caused by itching and burning in a woman’s intimate area (vagina, vulva and perineum).

A burning sensation in the vagina, along with dryness, are manifestations
of menopausal changes or atrophic inflammation . If the cause of the burning sensation is various kinds of discharge, then this indicates candidiasis, inflammatory processes or sexually transmitted diseases .
Moderate itching in the vaginal area may indicate an allergic reaction to latex or medications. The discussed symptoms in the vulva (external genitalia) also appear against the background of sexually transmitted infections . Other reasons may be:

• lice;
• eczema and mycoses;
• tumor-like formations;
• helminthic infestations;
• kidney and liver diseases.

The perineum includes the area around the genitals and anus. The occurrence of unpleasant sensations in it indicates the presence of such conditions :

• helminthic infestations;
• allergy to powder or linen;
• haemorrhoids;
• rectal tumors;
• systemic diseases;
• sexual infections;
• herpes, candida;
• incorrect hygienic approach.

Treatment

How to relieve itchy shins? In this case, conservative (that is, drug) treatment is prescribed. Medicines are selected individually for each case. In particular, the doctor may prescribe the following to the patient:

1. Antioxidant drugs.
2. Vitamin complex.
3. Detoxifying agents.

The main treatment is not aimed at the symptom itself (scabies), but at eliminating its cause - a specific disease or pathology. If itching of the legs due to varicose veins is detected, then medications are prescribed that improve the condition of the veins. Designed for both external and internal use.

If diabetes is the cause of the symptom, the patient is prescribed a certain dosage of insulin and a special diet. If the cause is a nervous disease, sedatives and tranquilizers are prescribed.

Treatment of skin diseases here is more complex and takes place in several stages. At the first stage, drug therapy and the use of external preparations - ointments, creams - are prescribed. At the next stage, an individual diet is drawn up and physiotherapeutic procedures are carried out.

Psychogenic nature of burning and itching

The term “psychosomatics” is quite common these days. It is defined as the occurrence of bodily manifestations based on psychological factors.

If during the examination of the patient it is not possible to find objective reasons causing such impressions, the matter is most likely in the mental sphere of the person. Or rather, in its negative manifestations.

For example, itching and burning sensations in the body develop against the background of a stressful situation . If it was a one-time problem, then after it is eliminated, the unpleasant manifestations also disappear.

As for chronic stress , these symptoms may persist or even intensify. This, in turn, increases nervous tension and aggravates the situation. It turns out to be a vicious circle.

There is an understandable explanation for the appearance of skin paresthesias in psychological disorders. With negative emotions, the body increases the production of serotonin and dopamine. It is these neurotransmitters that provoke the occurrence of itching and burning, usually without visible skin elements. But sometimes a rash, dryness and peeling may appear.

How to get rid of itching below the knees using traditional methods

In addition to the main treatment, you can make home remedies using traditional recipes.

• Mix St. John's wort, chamomile and mint in equal quantities, steam with boiling water and add to the bath. Carry out the procedure daily.
• Lubricate the affected area with castor or sea buckthorn oil
• Make apple cider vinegar lotions 3 times a day.
• Boil the dill seeds. After cooling, take the decoction 3 times a day, half a glass.

It is important to first establish why your legs below the knees itch, and then decide how to cure the disease. You cannot prescribe medications on your own.

Senestopathies

Burning, itchy feelings provoked by mental disorders are classified as simple thermal senestopathies.

Senestopathies are a variety of unpleasant, intrusive and exhausting impressions that are concentrated on the surface or inside the body. This concept was first learned about in 1907 thanks to the scientists P. Camus and Dupre.

The peculiarity of this condition from true burning and itching is the rich and elaborate way of describing them. For example, “there is a fire in the head”, “the chest is on fire”. The localization is characterized by an unusual presentation: “itching in the stomach area”, “a vessel in the abdomen is pulsating”.

Such episodes can be isolated, constant or paroxysmal. Sometimes they are so intrusive that they literally drive the patient crazy.

Their characteristic feature is tactile hallucinations. They often manifest themselves in terms of itching and tingling. A person claims that bugs or mites are crawling under his skin. In some cases, he even sees them, or it seems to him that crumbs or sand are stuck to his body.

Such hallucinations provoke obsessive actions. The patient persistently visits doctors or tries to get rid of intrusive parasites on his own: he constantly washes himself and disinfects his body.

Mental disorders that lead to similar senestopathies:

• hypochondria;
• neuroses and depression;
• psychoses and psychopathy;
• oneiroid;
• paranoia;
• affective and delusional disorders, etc.

Application experience

Under our supervision there were 75 patients aged from 18 to 76 years (34 men and 41 women) with diagnoses of “atopic dermatitis”, “allergic dermatitis”, “chronic eczema in the acute stage”, “lichen planus”, “toxidermia” ( Fig. 2).

Rice. 2. Distribution of patients by nosology

All patients received topical and systemic therapy, including the antihistamine Cetrin (cetirizine) at a dose of 10 mg once a day at night. The duration of therapy is from 14 to 21 days, depending on the diagnosis. Patients assessed the effectiveness of itching relief using a point system: 0 points - no itching, 1 point - mild itching (present, but not bothersome), 2 points - moderate (bothering, but does not interfere with daily activity and/or sleep), 3 points - severe /intense itching (disturbs and interferes with daily activity and/or sleep).

The maximum reduction in itching intensity was observed within 3 hours of taking the drug in the first five days (Fig. 3).

Rice. 3. Average subjective assessment of the intensity of itching after using the drug

Subsequently, a decrease in itching or its absence was noted by the 10th day of therapy, with a simultaneous decrease in the clinical manifestations of the disease (Fig. 4).

Rice. 4. Dynamics of clinical manifestations

The results obtained demonstrate the high effectiveness of Cetrin (cetirizine) in the treatment of chronic and acute dermatoses. Cetrin (cetirizine) has a pronounced antipruritic effect, and also reduces other clinical manifestations of allergic dermatoses (infiltration, erythema). In addition, the drug can also be used for somatic diseases as symptomatic therapy.

Bibliography:

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Itchy and “hot” sensations in neuroses

Neurosis is a psychogenic nervous disorder associated with emotional, behavioral and somatovegetative disorders. What distinguishes it from other mental illnesses is that the patient is fully aware of the severity of his condition and strives to get rid of it.

A distinction is made between mental and physical neurosis. Physical neurosis, along with psychogenic disorders, also has physical symptoms. There are several varieties of it.

Skin neurosis is manifested by burning and itching of the skin against the background of its bluish, marbled tint. The skin of the joints and legs becomes rough and tightens.

This condition is characterized by changes in sensitivity. It can be reduced or, conversely, increased when unpleasant sensations appear at the slightest touch. With physical neurosis, the skin itches and “burns” in certain areas or throughout the body, becomes wet or dry. Tactile hallucinations are characteristic.

The patient is so bothered by these manifestations that he scratches his body until it bleeds, leaving wounds and abrasions.

The reasons for this condition are:

• mental and physical stress;
• stress;
• conflict situations;
• brain injuries;
• hormonal disorders;
• infections.

Muscular neurosis . This condition is preceded by physical overexertion, as well as prolonged monotonous activity.

The disease is accompanied by a burning sensation throughout the body or in certain areas against a background of muscle tension and spasms. Another characteristic symptom is pain in the chest, neck and face.

Neurosis of the genital organs . The main manifestations of this syndrome are itching and burning in the genital area, which occur after sexual intercourse, during the menstrual period and for a number of other reasons.

The culprits of the disease are:

• mental infantility;
• chronic fatigue;
• conflicts in the family.

Features of facial skin infections

The blood supply to the organs of the head, face, and membranes of the brain is closely connected. Incorrect treatment and squeezing of pimples is dangerous due to the spread of bacteria through the blood and lymph. You can achieve an increase in the area of ​​the affected area, such dangerous complications as meningitis, abscesses and phlegmon, and inflammation of the eyes.

Before deciding on cosmetic procedures - cleansing, peeling, mesotherapy - undergo an examination by a dermatologist to determine the cause of the pustular rash and receive treatment.

Other mental and nervous disorders

It is worth noting that these unpleasant sensations in the intimate area also appear with other types of neurosis.

Here is a case described in psychotherapeutic practice. A young woman aged 22 went to a psychiatric hospital. Because of this, their sexual and marital life is destroyed, the couple is on the verge of divorce.

During the survey, it was found that the girl got married at the insistence of relatives at the age of 19. And her husband is 18 years older than her. She developed normally, and at the time of coming to the center she was physically healthy, including gynecologically.

Conclusion: hysterical psychopathy , a symptom of hysterical genitalgia. This symptom developed due to the girl’s negative attitude towards her husband and sex life in general. Pain and burning in the vagina in this case act as an unconscious pathological adaptation mechanism for avoiding sexual intimacy with the husband. The symptom was eliminated with the help of hypnosis, but the dislike of sexual relations remained.

Thus, in this situation, a burning sensation in the intimate area became a manifestation of exclusively mental disorders, despite physical health.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia can also be accompanied by sensations of heat and itching in the body. The reason for this is an imbalance in the functioning of the nervous system. This disorder leads to changes in cardiac activity, which is why the condition is often accompanied by a burning sensation in the chest. It is accompanied by other symptoms such as arrhythmia, shortness of breath, heart pain, pressure surges, dizziness and loss of consciousness.

Vascular diseases

Varicose veins on the legs in men and women can also begin to manifest themselves with itching in the lower leg area. With this disease, the venous walls lose their elasticity, the ability to narrow and stretch. The integrity of the venous valves may be compromised, causing pressure in the vessels to increase and blood stagnation to occur.

The causes of varicose veins on the legs in men and women are usually the following:

1. Hard physical work.
2. Wearing uncomfortable shoes.
3. Systematic lifting of weights.
4. Excess weight.
5. In the male line - genetic predisposition.
6. Sedentary, sedentary lifestyle.
7. Wrong diet.
8. High blood viscosity.
9. Having bad habits.
10. Diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

At the initial stages, the disease may manifest itself with itching in the lower leg area. But it is rarely the only symptom. The patient also complains of the following:

1. Feeling tired in the legs.
2. Feeling of heaviness in the lower extremities.
3. Swelling after exercise.
4. Feeling of "swelling" in the legs.
5. Decreased sensitivity of the skin of the lower extremities.
6. Feeling as if the legs are full of fluid.
7. The appearance of vascular networks.

What can itching and feeling of heat in the body lead to?

These symptoms are so uncomfortable that it is simply impossible to ignore them. All attention is concentrated on them, which is why a person becomes inattentive, absent-minded, disruptions appear in his professional activities, and his performance decreases.

Irritability and tension reach a peak state. Depression and nervous breakdowns are possible. Such overexertion leads to mental imbalance. The patient's sleep is disturbed and insomnia develops. As a result, during the day he feels exhausted and sleep-deprived.

Severe itching in the intimate area sometimes leads sufferers to the point that they use various objects that injure the mucous membrane and skin in this area.

Scratches on the skin and mucous membranes can become infected, inflamed and suppurate, spreading the process to larger areas.

Diagnosis of the condition

If you are very worried about itching in the lower leg area, and the problem returns to you periodically, then you need to visit a dermatologist. Medical care begins with diagnostic measures:

1. First of all, the doctor gets acquainted with the patient’s medical history, his outpatient card. Based on this information, it is easier to understand what exactly triggered the itching.
2. Visual inspection of the affected area.
3. Questioning the patient about the symptoms that bother him, describing his general condition, diet, lifestyle, etc.

If necessary, laboratory tests are carried out:

1. General and biochemical blood test.
2. Urine and stool analysis.
3. Laboratory examination of scrapings from the itchy area.

In some cases, instrumental diagnostics will be required:

1. Ultrasound.
2. X-ray.
3. Endoscopic procedures.
4. CT.
5. MRI.

The above is prescribed if there is a suspicion of serious pathologies - diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, varicose veins.