Leg Itching and Burning
Itchy Skin & Legs in the Greater San Jose area
Everyone occasionally experiences itchy skin. However, if you have chronic itchy skin and legs and a burning feeling in the same area, you might have an underlying venous disease or condition. Itching and burning legs can be an unexpected side effect of a vein-related problem, and the sooner you visit a specialist, the better. At California Vein & Vascular Centers, our board-certified physicians specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of vein and vascular disorders, including itchy skin and legs, in Los Gatos and Salinas, CA. Call us if you think your itching or burning legs are a symptom of something more serious.
Why Are My Legs So Itchy?
There are many possible reasons for itchy skin and legs, and most of them are benign. If you have constant or recurring itchy skin that keeps you up at night or makes it hard to focus on your daily routine, or if you have itchy legs that also burn or have other symptoms, you may have a more serious underlying medical condition. The most common causes of itching legs include:
- Dry skin
- Allergies
- Skin rashes
- Contact dermatitis
- Irritation from fabrics or clothing
- Insect bites
- Sunburn
- Side effects from medication
- Anxiety
However, there are some more serious causes of itching and burning legs, including:
- Complications from diabetes
- Eczema or psoriasis
- Scabies
- Hives
- Chemical exposure
- Lymphomas
- Skin cancer
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease or failure
- Thyroid disease
- Hepatitis
- Impacted gallstones
- Vein or vascular issues
What Are Itching & Burning Legs a Symptom of?
Itching and burning legs can be a symptom of an underlying venous issue. If you do have a venous or vascular issue, you will experience other symptoms along with itchy legs and a burning sensation, such as:
- A throbbing ache in your legs or feet
- Swelling or edema in your legs, ankles, or feet
- A heavy sensation or achiness in your legs
- Thickening skin
- Discoloration of the skin
- Leg cramps that recur or get worse over time
- Varicose veins
- A numb or tingling feeling in your legs, feet, or toes
- Symptoms that get worse after standing or walking and subside when you are resting with your legs elevated
What Causes Itching Skin On Legs?
Our team of board-certified specialists can determine if your itchy legs are caused by something more serious. In some cases, itching and burning skin on your legs can be caused by vascular or venous issues like:
- Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
- Venous ulcers or arterial ulcers
- Varicose veins
- Circulatory problems
What Causes Itching That Moves Around the Body?
You may sometimes experience an itch that seems to move around your body. When you scratch in one place, the itch instantly seems to migrate somewhere else. In some cases, this could indicate an underlying health problem like diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, anemia, thyroid problems, or cancer. However, a migrating itch could also be a symptom of dry skin, allergies, contact dermatitis, a rash, an insect bite, hives, or anxiety.
Do I Need Treatment for Itching Legs & Burning Legs?
You should not ignore itchy skin, itchy legs, and a burning sensation when these symptoms are combined with other symptoms like the ones listed above. While your symptoms may have a benign or non-dangerous cause, it’s always best to get a professional evaluation. The sooner you get treatment, the less likely you are to suffer from permanent problems or complications.
Our Treatment Options for Itching & Burning Legs
We offer highly individualized treatment options for itching and burning legs. Your treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your symptoms, your overall health, your age, any other conditions you have, and your lifestyle. The most effective treatment options for venous conditions that cause itchy and burning legs are:
- Compression stockings or bandages
- Sclerotherapy to treat varicose veins and other vascular issues
- Thermal vein closure
- VenaSeal procedure
- Microphlebectomy
- Endovenous ablation
- Lifestyle modification, including changes to your diet, getting more exercise, losing weight, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, managing health conditions like diabetes, spending less time sitting down, and modifying physical activities at home and work
Schedule a Consultation With Our Specialists
At California Vein & Vascular Centers, we can perform diagnostic testing and a physical examination to determine if your itching and burning legs are a symptom of a more serious health condition or disorder. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists. Our board-certified physicians are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins, leg wounds, arterial and venous issues, vascular and arterial ulcers, diabsetic wounds, and other venous and vascular conditions. We serve the greater San Jose area, including the cities of Campbell and Saratoga.