What Causes Rough, Itchy Calves?
Disease description:
What causes itching and roughness of the skin on the lower legs?
Itchiness of the skin on the lower legs is a relatively common dermatological condition, especially prevalent during autumn, winter, and spring. Several factors contribute to this issue:
- Cold, dry weather: The skin on the lower legs contains fewer and thinner sebaceous glands, resulting in reduced natural oil production and consequently dry, itchy skin.
- Slowed skin metabolism: This impairs the skin’s ability to adapt to environmental changes. During the dry autumn and winter months, decreased sweat gland activity further exacerbates skin dryness and itchiness.
- Poor hygiene: Infrequent washing of the legs may allow pathogenic microorganisms to invade, triggering skin itchiness.
- Harsh cleansing agents: Soaps and shower gels can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and pruritus.
- Prolonged exposure to damp environments: Moist air increases susceptibility to bacterial infection, which may cause itching. Additionally, using excessively hot water or scrubbing too vigorously during bathing are significant contributors to lower-leg pruritus.