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Original poster

DD 12 itchy legs in evening - thoughts?

29 replies

SarfE4sticated · 16/10/2019 22:13

Hi all, I know that this isn't a health board, but I just wanted general advice as it's only a nuisance rather than a big health worry...

So my DD for the last 3 weeks has been suffering form itchy thighs in the evenings, the top of her legs above the knee caps, not inner thighs really, but generally all over. Fine in the morning and all through the day (unless wearing wooly school tights), still happens at sleepovers, no rash or bites or spots. I've given her antihistamine tablets, and anti-itch cream, but I can't work out what it is.
Any thoughts?
Off to bed now, so will answer any questions in the am, but would grateful of some ideas of how to treat, or ideally, to stop.
Thanks!

We do have a cat, her flea treatments are up to date, and she doesn't go into DD's room either. Same washing liquid.

OP posts:
AforEffort9 · 16/10/2019 22:17

I used to get itchy legs when standing in REALLY hot showers. Is she doing this?
Different washing powder?
Dry skin?
New body wash/body lotion?
Stolen mum's razor to sneakily shave legs?

Shessobrave · 16/10/2019 22:37

Ok I'm sorry if this seems like I'm catastrophising here but are there any other symptoms? Any yellowing of the eyes/skin? Had a blood test recently?

Shessobrave · 16/10/2019 22:38

Only asking as this was my very first symptom of liver issues

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SunshineAngel · 16/10/2019 22:46

I had something similar to this when I was anaemic. Solved the problem when I went on iron tablets.

AlwaysCheddar · 17/10/2019 06:48

I used to get this ... not sure if cause. Sometimes cooling moisturiser like e45 would help.

GeorgiaGirl52 · 17/10/2019 07:18

I get that every autumn and winter. Doctor said it was dry skin, caused by hot showers, tights, and lack of moisture in the air. I use an over-the-counter non-oil lotion after shower and at bedtime. It disappears in the spring!

Original poster
SarfE4sticated · 17/10/2019 08:28

Thanks everyone- I’ll get her some multivitamins to solve the anemia suggestion, will also respray with flea treatment. Poor thing it’s getting her down now 😩

OP posts:
Fatshedra · 17/10/2019 08:47

Does she get outside, it's very wet and damp autumnal weather here. My face changes when the central heating is put on.

Original poster
SarfE4sticated · 17/10/2019 18:10

Thanks everyone- it’s all still a mystery- I have bought multivitamins and piriton. She does spend an hour a day walking to and from school and is pretty healthy generally- I think she gets into a scratch and itch cycle. Boots had a massive selection of creams but I didn’t really want to splash out on something that didn’t work.
Really appreciate all of your help - thanks 😊

OP posts:
Franklymydearidontgiveadam · 17/10/2019 18:14

I'm constantly on antihistamines due to hives.

Had bloods, came back normal.

Can be stress, dust allergies etc.. Dry skin... Best go for bloods just in case as if it's anemia they can possible perscribe gentle iron and it will be free as she is under 18 xx

LittleSwede · 17/10/2019 18:16

I had this around the same age, I think it was down to dryness. I remember phoning my mum at work in hysterics as my legs were so itchy! Almond oil/other mild body oil or Aveno lotion might help.

I still get this if I've had a hot shower but it's no where near as bad as when I was a kid. I do have to use oil or dry skin lotion every day on my legs after a shower though or he itchy legs!

Does it coincide with the central heating coming on by any chance? Makes the air dryer I think.

LittleSwede · 17/10/2019 18:17

Drier, not dryer...

Original poster
SarfE4sticated · 17/10/2019 18:39

The heating is on, but we live in a very draughty Victorian flat, so not too hot or dry in here. Radiator off in her room. I could try to see the doctor about it, but would feel like I was wasting their time, and it would freak her out.
I will also buy some more flea spray, because maybe it is fleas. Weird that we don't get bitten though.

OP posts:
georgialondon · 17/10/2019 18:46

I've had this all my life. It's just something I have. Always worse in the winter. I take a daily antihistamine and moisturise my legs each evening to sooth it

Rose1605 · 17/10/2019 18:52

Does she shave? My daughter had this and went to the Dr and he said it was probably down to shaving her legs. She got it worse at night when she got hot. Eurax cream helped manage the itch

verytiredallthetime · 17/10/2019 18:55

Not drinking and peeing more than usual or lost any weight, has she?

Franklymydearidontgiveadam · 17/10/2019 19:00

I know you don't want to take her to the doc as it may freak her out. It very more than likely isn't anything to worry about but it's better to double check all is well and put her out of her itching xx

StillSurviving · 17/10/2019 19:02

I get really itchy arms (upper arm mostly, but can spread) and legs (exactly as you say, front of thigh) after showering in the winter. Doesn't happen after a bath. So, I shower less, bathe more, and use moisturiser. It used to hurt so much I would rub my legs with a hairbrush. As an adult, I know that makes it worse and do everything not to itch it. But deepest sympathy.

HavelockVetinari · 17/10/2019 19:07

Dry skin - get her some good moisturiser like Aveeno. I had itchy legs as a child due to dry skin and still get it if I forget to moisturise.

Also, if it's anaemia the tiny, poorly-absorbed dose of iron in multivitamins won't help much, get something like Floradix to treat it properly then use the multivitamins as maintenance to stop it returning. I'd get a blood test if I were you.

HavelockVetinari · 17/10/2019 19:08

@StillSurviving I've used a hair brush on occasion too! Grin makes it worse but feels soooooo much better for a few mins

BlackTrousers · 17/10/2019 19:33

DD gets itchy legs and nosebleeds this time of year. We reckon it's a combination of weather changes (nice sunn afternoon followed by cold nights) heating going on and not drinking enough water. A good moisturiser helps her.

LemonPrism · 17/10/2019 19:39

I have eczema and even when not showing a rash I itch like crazy on an evening. Like ants under my fucking skin

LER83 · 17/10/2019 19:45

You've not got a new sofa or anything? I remember my mum&dad getting a new leather sofa which brought me out in a terrible rash, but only on the parts that touched the sofa.

NaturalBlondeYeahRight · 17/10/2019 19:48

I also had this from about 12, eventually had all the tests but they came back with nothing. I think mine was hormonal as once I had children at 25 it more or less went. Mine was worse in summer. Oliatum for bath helped a bit. Sharp razors if shaving and the gel type shaving creams (not foams)

myidentitymycrisis · 17/10/2019 19:52

It's a long shot, but could it be due to hormonal changes?
Because I get itchy skin and I have put it down to menopause. Mine's in a particular place on my body and I have never had it before.