Itchy Shins: Why they Happen and When to Get Help (2024)

Itchy shins are marked by an urge to scratch the lower legs and accompanying redness or bumps on the skin at times.

Having itchy shins can be uncomfortable but is not usually a cause for concern. However, there are a number of health conditions that can cause itchiness on the shins or other areas of the skin. Identifying these issues can help you find relief.

This article examines the potential causes of itchy shins, how you can ease the itching on your own, and when to see a healthcare provider.

Itchy Shins: Why they Happen and When to Get Help (1)

Causes of Itchy Shins

There are several potential reasons why a person might have itchy shins, ranging from dry skin to hormonal changes to chronic conditions like diabetes.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is the result of water and oil loss from the skin. This affects the structure of the skin’s layers, making it less protective against the environment, including triggers like allergies and chemicals. As a result of dryness, skin is more likely to be cracked, scaly, and itchy.

Cold Weather

Not only does cold weather dry out skin, but it also causes skin reactions like hives, which are red bumps that can sometimes be itchy. Hives usually disappear on their own within hours to weeks.

Cold weather can also cause chilblains (perniosis), an inflammation of the small blood vessels. Chilblains can cause itchiness, bluish-red discoloration, and blisters.

Age

As we age, our skin becomes thinner and less protective. This can lead to dryness, sensitivity, and a higher likelihood of infection. Skin conditions like eczema can also worsen with age.

Changes in Hormones

If you are going through menopause, your skin can become drier as hormones change; this can lead to rashes and itchiness. Skin conditions like eczema can also worsen with menopause.

Skin Conditions That Could Cause Itchy Shins

Common skin conditions, like eczema or psoriasis, may cause itchy shins.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, occurs when the skin reacts to the environment or emotional stress. Symptoms of eczema on shins could include redness, dryness, and itchiness.

Psoriasis occurs when the immune system overreacts to triggers and produces extra skin cells. Symptoms include redness, flakiness, scaliness, and itchiness.

Allergic Reactions

If your skin reacts to an allergen—like pollen, detergents, dander, perfumes, insects bites, and certain plants⁠—you may develop hives, rashes, or swelling. If the rash, itching, or swelling spreads rapidly beyond your shin or also includes swelling of the throat, seek emergency care.

Medications

Itchiness and rash can be side effects of some medications. In 5% to 10% of those cases, the reaction indicates an allergy.

If your itchy shins occur when taking medication, speak to your healthcare provider as soon as possible about the possibility of an allergic reaction. Be aware that a quickly spreading rash could require emergency care.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland, a gland in the neck that produces hormones to regulate metabolism and functions like heartbeat and breathing, does not produce enough hormones.

Dry skin, bumps, and rashes can all be symptoms of hypothyroidism for some people. If your shins feel itchy for longer than a few weeks and you have dry skin, seek a consultation with a healthcare provider.

Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when the body isn’t able to properly process glucose (sugar), causing high levels of sugar in the blood. Diabetes increases the likelihood of skin irritation, including dry skin, itching, and infections.

How to Deal With Itchy Shins

You can usually find relief for itchy shins with home remedies and self-care. Common ways to manage itchiness include the following:

  • Avoid scratching or picking at the itchy shins.
  • Avoid perfumes, dyes, and harsh chemicals in soaps, body products, or detergents.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water throughout the day.
  • Apply a cold compress on the itchy area.
  • Moisturize a few times a day, especially after bathing.
  • Take lukewarm instead of hot baths or soak in an oatmeal bath.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
  • Avoid exposure to heat.
  • Avoid humidity.

These methods might relieve itchiness immediately, but it could also take days or weeks to correct common dryness and irritation that leaves your shins itchy. Be consistent in following these tips to ensure that the skin is healthy and itchiness doesn’t come back.

What to Look for in Moisturizers and Creams

You can often relieve itchiness by applying a high-quality moisturizer. Products that contain emollients effectively create a barrier to protect skin. You may also see products labeled “humectants,” which prevent skin from drying out. These types of moisturizers may contain some of the following ingredients:

  • Oatorshea butter
  • Aloe
  • Glycerin
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Petrolatum
  • Vitamin E
  • Niacinamide

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you don’t find relief with at-home care and the discomfort persists for six weeks, it’s considered chronic itchiness. At that point, you should see a healthcare provider to determine what’s causing the itchiness.

Based on other symptoms and the appearance of your shin skin, you may undergo a blood test to determine if the condition is related to hypothyroidism or diabetes.

An allergy test may be done to identify possible triggers for an allergy-related rash and itching.

Depending on the exam and test results, your provider may recommend a hydrocortisone cream or over-the-counter antihistamine for mild conditions. If an underlying illness such as diabetes is confirmed, you may require prescription medication to help you manage that condition.

When to Seek Emergency Care for Itchy Skin

It’s advised to seek emergency care for itchy skin in the case of:

  • A sudden rash that is spreading quickly, especially if a person’s breathing is affected
  • A fever with a rash
  • A rash that blisters or is painful
  • If a rash is infected, which might include pain and swelling or yellow-green fluid

Summary

Having itchy shins is usually a harmless condition that should go away on its own. The likely causes of itchy shins can include dry skin, age, hormonal changes, skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis, allergies, or medication.

At times, itchy shins may indicate an underlying issue like hypothyroidism or diabetes, both of which dry out the skin.

Relief for itchy shins may be found by using anti-itch creams, moisturizing to heal dry skin, avoiding skin irritants like harsh detergents or perfumes, taking antihistamines, and managing underlying health issues.

Itchy Shins: Why they Happen and When to Get Help (2024)

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