How to treat skin dermatitis on the legs. Dermatitis on the legs and its treatment. What is dermatitis on the legs

Dermatitis on the legs is one of the types of skin inflammatory processes. Depending on the causes of occurrence, there are 2 main types of dermatitis on the legs: toxicoderma (appears as a symptom of diseases of internal organs or after infections on the skin) and contact (resulting from exposure to an irritant).

Dermatitis is not a contagious disease; The prognosis for the patient’s recovery with the right approach to treatment is favorable.

Photo of dermatitis on legs

Causes of dermatitis on the legs

Many factors can trigger the symptoms of dermatitis. All of them are grouped according to the type of impact on the body: exogenous (external factors) and endogenous (the cause is inside the body).

Exogenous factors include:

• Mechanical irritants– for example, friction or pressure from clothing during work or sports.
• Chemical– cosmetics, soap, rubber shoes, as well as any acids, salts and alkalis, poisons.
• Physical– exposure to high or low temperatures, sunburn, x-rays.
• Biologically e – poisonous or allergenic plants, fungi, bacteria, viruses.

Endogenous factors:

1. Disorders of the endocrine system, for example, diabetes.
2. Taking medications.
3. Metabolic disorders, disruptions in the immune system, decreased immunity.
4. Food allergies
5. Stress, emotional fatigue, diseases of the nervous system.
6. Heredity.

Symptoms and signs of dermatitis on the legs

Depending on the type of dermatitis, symptoms of the disease can vary from mild redness to weeping eczema. Most often, the following types of dermatitis appear on the skin of the legs:

It appears after an allergen enters the body. The skin turns red and becomes covered with a small rash. With a high degree of intoxication by the irritant, cracks or blisters with liquid contents may appear. External signs are accompanied by severe itching of the skin of the legs.

Neurodermatitis. The onset of the disease is characterized by severe, persistent itching, while there may be no external manifestations on the skin area. Next, a rash appears, connecting into groups of inflamed areas, sometimes covered with scales. The skin becomes very dry, flaky, covered with dry cracks and seals. During the acute phase, the patient may feel weakness, apathy, or, conversely, irritability and anger. Blood pressure and glucose levels often drop.

Usually the disease worsens during the winter season.

Coin-shaped and varicose eczema, psoriasis, lichen and erysipelas. These diseases are often similar in symptoms, provoking factors, course and external manifestations to dermatitis, but are more difficult to treat.

Treatment of dermatitis on the legs

After contacting a dermatologist, the disease is diagnosed. Immunological tests are performed to identify an allergen that can cause dermatitis. Blood is also taken for general and biochemical analysis, and scrapings are performed from the inflamed surface of the skin.

In case of underlying diseases or their exacerbations that can provoke dermatitis on the legs, consultation needed gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, neurologist with the appointment of treatment for these diseases.

Treatment regimen for allergic and contact dermatitis on the legs next:

1. Elimination of further allergen exposure into the body. If this is foot jewelry, shoes or clothing, then wearing these things is prohibited. The same applies to personal protective equipment - suits, shoes used in the work process. In case of an allergy to detergents and cosmetics for personal hygiene (washing powders, soaps, shower gels), they must also be removed from use, and in case of contact with the skin, rinse quickly with water. It is best to use special hypoallergenic washing and hygiene products.

Patients with leg dermatitis are recommended to eat a diet that excludes all possible allergens. First of all, these include citrus fruits, chocolate and coffee, nuts, fish and seafood, smoked meats and marinades, mayonnaise and all spices, herbs and seasonings. Strawberries, melons, pineapples, honey, tomatoes, eggplants, eggs (only quail eggs), and mushrooms are also prohibited.

Products containing nickel often provoke further development of dermatitis on the legs: oatmeal, millet, soybeans, lentils, seeds, liver.

2. The basis of the course of treatment for dermatitis is taking antihistamines. Both drugs of previous generations that cause drowsiness - Tavegil, Suprastin, and drugs of the latest generation - Zyrtec, Zodak, Erius, Telfast are approved for therapy. The dosage of modern antihistamines is 1-2 tablets (5-10 mg) per day.

3. In case of severe itching, rash or blistering manifestations, it is necessary to supplement treatment with hormonal ointments - topical corticosteroids. Most often, the doctor prescribes Advantan, Locoid, Elidel. Such ointments should be used with caution, applying a thin layer and only to the inflamed area, without involving healthy skin. The duration of treatment with corticosteroids is no more than 3-5 days.

4. In the acute phase of the disease, desensitizing drugs in the form of injections may be recommended, for example, calcium gluconate intramuscularly 10 ml.

5. For very dry skin on the feet, especially after the acute inflammatory process has resolved, it is necessary to use salicylic or boric petroleum jelly topically 2-3 times a day in a thin layer. For swelling of diseased areas, you can make baths or lotions with 3 percent boric acid.

6. Autohemotherapy is recommended to improve immunity along with vitamin complexes, microelements, and immunomodulators. In some cases, a course of physiotherapeutic procedures, hydrogen sulfide, mud or radon baths is prescribed.

If the patient’s diagnosis of “neurodermatitis” is confirmed, then the course of treatment is supplemented by taking sedatives, consultations with a psychologist, and tranquilizers. Antibiotics may be prescribed to relieve inflammation, especially if the area of ​​spread on the skin of the legs is large enough.

Treatment of dermatitis on the legs with folk remedies

Traditional medicine recommends applying lotions to areas affected by dermatitis from infusions of the following herbs:

Take 50 grams hops and string, mix. Pour 500 ml of herbs. boiling water and let it brew for 6-7 hours in a thermos. A compress from this infusion can be left overnight on inflamed areas.

Oak bark decoction prepared in this way: bring 50 grams of oak bark and 300 ml to a boil. water, then leave to brew for 2-3 hours.

Burdock root, collected in late summer or autumn, wash well, chop, then brew 1 teaspoon of raw material 500 ml. boiling water After the product has been infused overnight, apply compresses to the sore spots, and also take 100 grams orally 3 times a day.

Mix in equal parts flowers chamomile, valerian root, sage leaves, St. John's wort and celandine herbs. Take 100 grams of herbs, pour 5 liters of boiling water and leave for 1 hour. Then make lotions, or even better, foot baths.

Traditional medicine offers a number of other ways for the treatment of leg dermatitis:

• Take 2 tablespoons of viburnum berries and grind them in a wooden mortar. Pour 200 ml of viburnum. boiling water, let it brew for 4 hours. Drink 100 ml infusion. 3-4 times a day.
• Fresh cranberry juice can be used to wipe sore areas of the skin. Within 4-5 days, the symptoms of dermatitis on the legs will decrease significantly.
• Sea buckthorn oil, purchased at a pharmacy or prepared independently, is an excellent remedy for dermatitis. It is recommended to drink 2 ml. every morning and evening. You can also lubricate the inflamed skin of your feet with oil.
• Take fresh rose hips, crush them well in a mortar, and apply as a compress to the skin.
• Another infusion for oral administration will help cope with dermatitis on the legs. To prepare, you need to take 10 grams of sage, plantain, nettle, 5 grams of wormwood and 20 grams of corn silk and juniper berries. Pour boiling water (1 liter) over the raw material and leave it in a thermos overnight. Drink 100 ml. 3 times a day.
• Combine 20 grams of dandelion root, chicory herb, fennel berries, buckthorn bark. Pour 500 ml of mixture. boiling water, leave for several hours. The course of administration is 10 days, 70 ml. 2-3 times a day.

Prevention of dermatitis on the legs

The most important point in preventing relapse of the disease is to exclude all contacts with possible allergens. We must also remember that stress and climate change can cause exacerbation of dermatitis. If possible, you should avoid irritating cosmetics and hygiene products, replacing them with hypoallergenic ones.

The skin on areas of the legs prone to dermatitis must be moisturized daily and thoroughly dried after taking water procedures. You can also use herbal compresses and lotions for prevention.

It is also necessary to follow a diet that excludes allergenic foods, as well as those that irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines.

Dermatitis is an inflammatory skin lesion that occurs under the influence of various factors. Dermatitis on the legs is the most common type of this disease; it can develop as a result of contact with an irritant, or act as a symptom of infection or diseases of the internal organs. The effectiveness of treatment for this pathology will largely depend on the type of dermatitis and the cause that provoked the disease. In this article we will talk about the factors leading to the appearance of dermatitis, its types, manifestations and treatment methods.

Many reasons can provoke the appearance of inflammatory reactions on the skin of the legs. They are usually divided into external (exogenous) and internal (endogenous).

Regardless of what factor leads to the occurrence of dermatitis on the legs, the disease requires timely diagnosis and treatment. When the first unfavorable symptoms appear, you should consult a dermatologist.

Types of dermatitis: characteristic symptoms

Symptoms of the disease largely depend on the type of dermatitis; they can manifest themselves only with slight redness and irritation of the skin or manifest as severe lesions, even weeping eczema. Experts identify the following types of dermatitis of the lower extremities:

1. 
   . This type of dermatitis develops against the background of congestion in the blood vessels and varicose veins of the legs. The main cause of the pathology is impaired blood circulation in the vessels of the lower extremities, which provokes inflammatory phenomena on the skin. Symptoms of venous dermatitis are swelling, peeling and redness of the skin, accompanied by pain, burning and itching in the extremities. Most often, manifestations of dermatitis are observed in the area of ​​deformed veins; in these areas, the skin becomes dry, red, flaky and even covered with microcracks. With the deterioration of the condition and the further development of varicose veins, long-lasting trophic ulcers form on the skin of the legs. Venous (stagnant) dermatitis affects women more often; it has a chronic course and is often inherited.
2. Contact dermatitis on the leg often classified as the simplest type of this disease. Inflammation of the skin occurs immediately after contact with the irritant. The inflammatory reaction can be provoked by any physical, chemical or mechanical factors (friction, pressure, environmental influences, acidic and alkaline irritants, contact with plants or insects). Symptoms of simple contact dermatitis often appear as redness and irritation of the skin. But in some situations, the condition is complicated by swelling and the appearance of an itchy blistering rash, which can spread and cover large areas. If, at the first unfavorable symptoms, the main irritant is identified and eliminated, then the symptoms of dermatitis disappear very quickly, literally in a couple of days.
3. 
   Allergic dermatitis on the legs(toxicoderma). Inflammatory reactions on the skin of the legs appear as a result of any allergen entering the body. These can be food products or medications, substances contained in household chemicals (detergents, washing powder) or industrial hazards. In this case, the allergen enters the body through the digestive or respiratory tract; in the case of medications, the irritant can enter as a result of subcutaneous or intramuscular injections. With allergic dermatitis, the symptoms of the disease do not appear immediately, but after some time after contact with the allergen. The main symptoms of toxicoderma are skin hyperemia, itching and multiple rashes. In this case, the simultaneous appearance of different types of rash is possible: pustular, vesicular, papular or bullous elements. Depending on the degree of intoxication and the severity of the lesions, a deterioration in the patient’s general condition is often noted.
4. Atopic dermatitis on the legs(neurodermatitis). These are manifestations of dermatitis of a neuro-allergic nature. The disease occurs in a chronic form. The main symptom of neurodermatitis is intense, incessant itching, which intensifies at night and haunts the patient for a long time. With the recurrent nature of the pathology, the rash either disappears or appears again, but the itching does not disappear. It causes scratching and damage to the skin, as a result of which weeping eczema often appears on the skin. This can lead to serious complications, since the infection easily enters the body through scratched skin. Bubble rashes after opening also leave areas of weeping, which over time become covered with a dry crust that looks like scales. The skin becomes excessively dry, rough, cracked and flaky. During an exacerbation, the patient’s well-being deteriorates significantly. There is weakness, apathy, decreased blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Or, on the contrary, constant itching leads patients to a nervous breakdown. They become irritable, aggressive, suffer from insomnia and nervous breakdowns.

All types of dermatitis can affect not only the thighs, legs, but also the skin on the feet. Dermatitis on the toes manifests itself with similar symptoms: burning, itching, hyperemia, blistering rashes, dryness and flaking of the skin. In the interdigital area, the skin is the most delicate and thin, so manifestations of the disease cause increased discomfort.

After opening the blisters, weeping erosions are formed, which in advanced cases degenerate into eczema. The disease becomes chronic and difficult to cope with. Treatment will be long and will require persistence and strict adherence to medical recommendations.

In order for the treatment of dermatitis to be effective, it is necessary first to identify the main cause that provokes the inflammatory process. To do this, it is recommended to undergo a full examination with the involvement of specialists such as an endocrinologist, neurologist, gastroenterologist. After clarifying the diagnosis, the dermatologist will select the optimal treatment regimen and advise on how to treat dermatitis on the legs.

The pathology is treated by a dermatologist. The treatment regimen is selected after identifying the main provoking factor and specifying the type of dermatitis.

The main point in the treatment of any type of dermatitis is to eliminate contact with the irritant or allergen. For simple contact dermatitis, it is enough to avoid wearing shoes or clothing, or using cosmetics or detergents. For allergic types of the disease, it is necessary to identify and remove the allergen.

It is recommended to use hypoallergenic cosmetics and household chemicals, and switch to a diet based on products with a low degree of allergic activity. If the cause of skin irritation is specific foods (chocolate, citrus fruits, fish, nuts, eggs, etc.), they must be completely excluded from the diet.

The basis of therapy for dermatitis of the lower extremities is the following therapeutic measures:

If the skin on the legs is excessively dry, then after relieving the acute inflammatory process, it is recommended to use boric or salicylic petroleum jelly. The preparations should be applied in a thin layer twice a day. If large watery blisters appear on the skin, they are punctured, after the liquid contents have flowed out, the surface of the wound is treated with Burov's liquid every 2-3 hours.

If weeping erosions form, lotions and healing ointments are used. When a bacterial or fungal infection occurs, antibacterial or antifungal drugs are prescribed. After the inflammatory process subsides, patients are recommended to undergo a course of physiotherapeutic procedures based on taking hydrogen sulfide, mud or radon baths.

Treatment with folk remedies

At home, in addition to the main treatment, you can use folk remedies. It is recommended to do this after consultation with your doctor. To treat skin areas affected by dermatitis, lotions based on infusions and decoctions of medicinal herbs are used.

To soften the skin, you can use sea buckthorn or olive oil. It is recommended to warm the oils slightly and then apply them to the affected area. Treatments using natural oils will eliminate dryness and flaking of the skin. Rubbing the affected skin with fresh viburnum juice and taking warm baths with a decoction of hop cones or string gives a good effect.

Prevention

Preventive measures to prevent the appearance of dermatitis on the legs are based on eliminating possible irritants and preventing contact with allergens. Get rid of low-quality cosmetics, use hypoallergenic detergents, and follow a certain diet recommended by your doctor. Wear comfortable shoes made from natural materials, avoid socks or tights made from synthetics. Remember that exacerbation of dermatitis can be triggered by constant stress or climate change. Treat diseases of internal organs and other pathological conditions in a timely manner.

Dermatitis on the legs refers to a heterogeneous group of skin diseases, common to which is inflammation and damage to the skin under the influence of external or internal factors.

It may be based on a hereditary predisposition, and the provoking factors may be constant stress and decreased immunity.

What it is

This disease refers to a heterogeneous group of skin diseases, common to which is inflammation and damage to the skin under the influence of external or internal factors.

It may be based on a hereditary predisposition, and the provoking factors may be constant stress and decreased immunity.

Etiology

The etiology, or cause of skin rashes, including on the legs, can be different. There are several classifications of etiological factors of the disease.

The first classification considers the causes based on their internal or external effects on the body:

1. Endogenous

• food allergens ingested;
• medications;
• lack of vitamins and microelements;
• decreased immunity;
• metabolic disorders;
• disturbances in hormonal systems;
• diseases of internal organs that occur with self-intoxication of the body;

1. Exogenous

• chemical factors (alkalis, acids, salts of heavy metals, toxic substances);
• physical factors (mechanical friction, pressure, exposure to high or low temperatures, ultraviolet, x-ray, radioactive radiation);
• biological factors (viruses, bacteria, fungi, secretions of plants, insects, animals);

The second classification divides the causes according to the frequency of reactions to them:

1. obligate (mandatory) factors- those that, with a certain strength and time of exposure, will definitely cause a reaction in any person. These include:

• very aggressive liquids (concentrated acids, alkalis);
• intense radiation;
• supra-threshold high and low temperatures;
• super strong allergens;

1. optional (optional) factors- those that will cause a reaction only under certain conditions and not in every person. It can be:

Types and their symptoms

The division of dermatitis into individual types is very complex and multifaceted. There is no exact and unambiguous classification.

The disease can be classified according to the following criteria:

1. location of the skin lesion(legs, palms, genitals, folds, face, perioral);
2. place of influence of the causative factor(contact, atopic);
3. contact dermatitis is usually divided into simple and allergic;
4. etiological factor(allergic, toxicoallergic, inflammatory, infectious, fungal, stagnant and others);
5. duration of the process(acute and chronic);
6. like a rash on your skin(erythematous, vesicular, bullous, scaly);
7. the nature of the main clinical manifestations(dry, weeping, itchy, purulent and others);

The external manifestations of the disease are different, but the basis of the disease is the inflammatory process in the skin. Therefore, it is possible to identify the signs that form the backbone of the symptoms of the disease.

Classic signs of inflammation:

• hyperemia of the skin, that is, its redness at the site of the lesion;
• puffiness, swelling that occurs due to congestion of small vessels of the skin;
• local increase in skin temperature of the affected area, but with a widespread process there may be general hyperthermia;
• local feeling of heat;
• skin itching or burning;
• There may be skin thickening, trophic disorders;
• heterogeneous rashes: papules, blisters, scales, blisters, cracks, ulcers;
• secondary infection and suppuration may join the primary elements of the rash;

These external manifestations can be limited to one area of ​​the body, for example, appear only on the legs, or they can spread throughout the body.

Extensive distribution of the rash often occurs with allergic and toxicoallergic dermatitis.

Diagnostics

In diagnosis, careful history taking is of great importance. You need to clearly know what preceded the appearance of the rash and pain.

Was it eating any foods uncharacteristic for humans, or contact with detergents, taking medications, using new cosmetics, or something else.

An external examination of the affected area will provide the bulk of the necessary information.

And to accurately determine the cause of the rash, allergy tests and skin scrapings can be carried out with further microscopic examination.

Objective information will be provided by a general and biochemical blood test.

Methods for treating dermatitis on the legs

Effective treatment is determined by the cause of the symptoms of the disease. When the etiology is precisely established, a clear pattern of action emerges.

The main general directions of treatment of dermatitis without taking into account its specifics:

1. elimination of the factor causing damage (removal of the allergen, neutralization of the chemical reagent, elimination of temperature effects);
2. following a hypoallergenic, gentle diet;
3. antihistamines;
4. actions aimed at desensitization, that is, reducing the body’s sensitivity to the pathogen;
5. antibacterial therapy if this is an infectious variant or there is a secondary infection;
6. anti-inflammatory drugs, including hormonal ones;
7. local therapy - the use of antihistamine, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and healing ointments as necessary, powder or special creams for weeping dermatitis;
8. compliance with bed rest or optimal physical activity;

Venous

The main manifestations here will be:

1. redness;
2. dryness;
3. skin thickening;
4. the appearance of scales;
5. in severe cases of skin ulcers.

The cause is insufficiency of the venous system of the lower extremities. Most often this is due to varicose veins.

Therefore, treatment of venous dermatitis on the legs comes down to treating the underlying venous disease.

Here are the main directions:

1. surgical or conservative treatment of varicose veins as prescribed by a doctor;
2. reducing the load on the legs– you cannot stand or walk for a long time, wear tight, uncomfortable shoes;
3. giving the legs an elevated position during rest to facilitate venous outflow;
4. maintain a drinking regime and control the amount of salt in food;
5. local use of heparin and anti-inflammatory ointments, including corticosteroids, in areas of varicose veins (they are selected by a doctor);
6. moisturize the skin of the feet with creams, use antiallergic ointments to relieve itching;
7. follow a hypoallergenic regime so as not to further irritate the skin;

Allergic

Allergic dermatitis is caused by the action of an allergen. The first requirement is to identify this agent using samples and completely eliminate it. Without this, symptomatic treatment will be ineffective.

Symptomatic remedies are as follows:

Kholodovoy

Cold dermatitis is caused by a vascular reaction of the skin to low temperatures, spasm of capillaries and impaired blood flow. The second reason is a change in skin proteins and the body’s reaction to them as to a strong allergen.

Treatment methods follow from the causes of the disease.:

Infectious

Infectious dermatitis is most often a manifestation of an underlying infectious disease (for example, measles, chickenpox, syphilis), although it can also be an independent nosological entity.

It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi.

Etiological treatment is aimed at combating the primary infection.

To alleviate symptoms, use:

• anti-inflammatory;
• antihistamines;
• antibacterial drugs.

When body temperature rises, anti-inflammatory drugs will ease the general condition.

Treatment can be either local - with ointments, creams, compresses, or general - with tablets, injections.

Zastainogo

The congestive variant is a type of venous. Changes appear in the skin due to disturbances in the outflow of blood and lymph through the vessels.

The skin becomes dense, swollen, very itchy, redness, cracks, and ulcerations appear.

In this condition, the skin does not receive sufficient nutrition and is susceptible to secondary lesions, including allergic and infectious ones.

Treatment involves:

Ointment therapy

Local treatment is an integral part of therapy as a whole. Ointment for dermatitis on the legs should be selected by a doctor, but does not require use under constant supervision.

There is no one universal ointment for dermatitis. Each individual case requires an individual approach.

The ointment, like the tablets, should be aimed at destroying the root cause or precisely at some symptom.

Without a medical prescription, you can use moisturizing and nourishing ointments and creams to eliminate dryness and cracking of the skin.

Review of drugs

All medications for the treatment of dermatitis can be divided according to the place of application and pharmacological group.

By place of application:

• are common;
• local;

By group:

• antibacterial;
• antiviral;
• antifungal;
• anti-inflammatory (steroidal and non-steroidal);
• antihistamines;
• desensitizing;
• general strengthening;
• improving microcirculation;

General-action drugs can be used both in tablets orally and in intramuscular and intravenous injections.

Local medicines are presented:

• ointments;
• creams;
• powders;
• talkers;
• solutions for external use.

The most used groups of drugs are antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs. Moreover, their most effective use is both internally and locally.

The newest antiallergic drugs:

1. erius;
2. Telfast;
3. peat;
4. Zyrtec;
5. zodak;
6. Claritin;
7. astelong and many others.

These drugs, unlike the first generation drugs (suprastin, fenkarol, fenistil and others), do not cause sedation and drowsiness. They are accepted in courses.

The same substances exist in the form of ointments. Among the effective anti-inflammatory ointments are advantan, acriderm, sinaflan, and hydrocortisone ointment.

Ointments with wound healing, regenerating effect:

• bepanthen;
• panthenol;
• solcoseryl.

Tetracycline, levomekol ointment is suitable for treating the infection.

The role of nutrition and diet

Compliance with the principles of proper balanced nutrition will facilitate the treatment and prevention of dermatitis.

A healthy diet will ensure the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, the balance of microflora, strong immunity, and therefore prevent the occurrence of the disease or make its treatment easier.

For allergic dermatitis, a strict hypoallergenic diet is indicated, because any allergen, not even the one that caused the initial reaction, will aggravate the course of the disease.

Drinking plenty of fluids is also recommended to relieve sensitization of the body and maintain water balance.

Prevention

It is much easier to prevent a disease than to treat it. To avoid its occurrence, you need to follow the correct diet and give the body optimal physical activity.

And also monitor adequate intake of vitamins and take measures to strengthen the immune system. Knowing that you are allergic to something, you need to diligently avoid contact with allergens.

You should maintain foot hygiene to prevent skin problems, use mild detergents, and avoid wearing uncomfortable, tight shoes.

It is better to choose socks and pants from natural fabrics, and wash clothes with hypoallergenic products. Soften and moisturize the skin, especially in winter.

It is important to promptly identify and treat foci of infection and diseases of internal organs, especially to prevent the aggravation of chronic diseases, for example, diabetes, kidney diseases, and varicose veins.

Remember that even a minor manifestation of a skin disease that is easy to ignore can be a harbinger of serious problems.

Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor in time, find out the cause of the disease and eliminate it. Self-medication is not only useless, but also dangerous.

Timely treatment of leg dermatitis lies not only in the beauty and health of the skin, but also in the health of the entire body as a whole.

Dermatitis on the legs is a skin pathology that can develop under the influence of internal and external factors. This disease is not contagious, so there is no need to isolate patients. If characteristic symptoms are detected, patients should contact medical institutions for consultation. If they undergo a course of drug therapy in a timely manner, they will be able to quickly eliminate the external manifestations of skin pathology and recover from the disease.

Types of allergic dermatitis on the legs in adults

Modern medicine distinguishes two forms of dermatitis that develops in people on the lower extremities:

1. Contact. Occurs under the influence of external irritants.
2. . It develops under the influence of an infection that has entered the skin, or as a concomitant symptom of pathologies of internal organs.

Dermatitis affecting the skin of the lower extremities is classified as follows:

Dry

This form of pathology develops mainly in the cold season. It affects elderly people, whose feet and lower extremities are primarily affected, and the following symptoms appear (photos can be viewed in medical reference books):

1. The skin dries out greatly, causing cracks to form on it.
2. Severe itching appears.
3. Inflammation begins in places where flaky spots are localized.

Allergic

This form of the disease develops under the influence of external factors, for example:

• cosmetics;
• food;
• pollen of domestic and wild plants;
• animal hair, etc.

Pathology develops only after human contact with any allergen. The localization of lesions is the skin not only on the face, but also on the lower extremities. This form of dermatitis is accompanied by swelling, severe itching and red spots.

Contact

This form of pathology develops after close interaction with an allergen. For example, if a person has an increased sensitivity to synthetics, then putting on something made from such material, he will immediately experience characteristic symptoms: redness on the skin and severe itching.

Seborrheic

Seborrhea on the legs is accompanied by pathological changes in the composition of the sebaceous glands. The disease can be provoked by pathogenic microflora, which is present in the body of every person and feeds on dead organic matter. When these microorganisms cease to perform their functions, then a person shows signs of seborrheic dermatitis. This pathology is accompanied by characteristic symptoms:

• a purulent rash appears;
• scales appear.

Weeping

This form of dermatitis develops under the influence of internal factors. The reasons can be considered:

• impaired functioning of the kidneys and liver;
• regular stressful situations;
• disruption of the immune system, etc.

In children, the disease manifests itself a little differently than in adults (in the photos posted in specialized sources you can see what dermatitis looks like on the legs of children). In adult patients, lesions are localized in the armpits, face and lower extremities. Initially, a rash appears on the epithelium, after which inflammatory processes begin, forming ulcerative lesions.

Varicose

This form of dermatitis develops in those people who experience congestion in the veins, due to which the skin ceases to receive proper nutrition. The disease develops as follows:

• heaviness appears in the lower extremities;
• the legs begin to swell greatly;
• the skin acquires a bluish tint;
• pain occurs;
• itching appears;
• brown pigment spots appear on the epithelium;
• the skin begins to exfoliate;
• blisters appear.

Causes

The development of dermatitis is influenced by various factors, both internal and external:

Domestic

• drug and food reactions;
• constant lack of sleep;
• disruptions in the functioning of the endocrine system, which lead to the development of various pathologies, in particular diabetes mellitus;
• systematic stressful situations;
• disturbances in the functioning of the immune system;
• bad heredity;
• severe fatigue, etc.

External

1. Biological. The disease can occur under the influence of pathogenic microflora, in particular various fungi and bacteria.
2. Physical. Skin pathology occurs due to contact of the epidermis with low or high temperature conditions.
3. Chemical. The disease can appear after contact with chemicals, alkalis, acids, cosmetics, and shoes made of rubber.
4. Mechanical. Synthetics, such as tights or any other clothing made from such material, provoke the appearance of skin pathologies.

Stages of development

This pathology has several stages of development:

How to treat dermatitis on the legs?

Once a person notices characteristic signs of dermatitis on his lower extremities, he should immediately make an appointment with a dermatologist. The specialist will first conduct a personal examination of the patient, after which he will prescribe a number of diagnostic measures:

1. Blood is given for analysis.
2. Tests are carried out to identify the allergen.
3. Scraping is done from damaged areas of the skin, after which the biological material is sent for histology.
4. If the dermatologist has an assumption that the disease is a symptom of pathologies developing in the internal organs, then the patient is referred for consultation to other specialized specialists, for example, a gastroenterologist, neurologist, endocrinologist, etc.
5. Dermatitis is differentiated from other skin pathologies that have identical symptoms.

After the primary diagnosis has been confirmed by the results of clinical studies, the dermatologist will develop an individual treatment regimen for dermatitis on the legs for the patient:

1. First of all, contact of the patient with the allergen is excluded.
2. Patients are advised to go on a special diet that excludes all harmful foods and foods that can cause allergic reactions in the body.
3. Experts prescribe medications from the antihistamine group. When carrying out therapy, medications of previous generations may be used, for example Suprastin or Tavegil tablets. Modern medications are also prescribed, such as Telfast, Erius, Zodak, and Zyrtec tablets. The dosage for each patient is determined individually.
4. If the pathological condition is accompanied by skin rashes and severe itching, then dermatologists prescribe topical products containing hormones. This form of dermatitis is treated with the following ointments: Elidel, Lokoid, Advantan. The medication should be applied only to the lesions, without affecting healthy areas of the epithelium. The course of corticosteroid therapy is a maximum of 5 days.
5. In the case when the patient’s allergic process occurs in an acute form, he is prescribed injections of special drugs. For example, Calcium Gluconate should be administered intramuscularly (single dose 10 ml).
6. If the patient's lower extremities have severely dry skin, it is recommended that he use Vaseline or salicylic ointment for external treatment. These remedies can be used after all inflammatory processes have stopped.
7. For severe swelling, it is recommended to do foot baths with boric acid. Or use this product as a lotion (3%).
8. To boost the patient’s immunity, dermatologists prescribe vitamin and mineral complexes and also prescribe autohemotherapy. Taking immunomodulators is also indicated.
9. When conducting drug therapy for people who have been diagnosed with dermatitis on the lower extremities, specialists give directions for various physical procedures. A good therapeutic effect is achieved after a course of baths: radon, mud or hydrogen sulfide.
10. If a patient’s illness develops due to stress or constant psycho-emotional stress, then he is prescribed sedatives. He is also referred for consultation to a psychologist or psychotherapist.
11. In the case when a secondary infection has joined the skin pathology, the patient is prescribed antibiotics.

Folk recipes

When carrying out complex therapy for dermatitis, experts recommend that patients use traditional recipes as an additional method.

A good result is achieved by using the following “old-fashioned” methods:

1. Oak bark is brewed: the peels (50g) are poured into a saucepan and boiling water (300ml) is poured into it. The contents of the container must be brought to a boil, then removed from the stove and left for 3 hours.
2. Seed grass (50g) and hops (50g) are poured into a saucepan. The dry ingredients are mixed and poured with boiling water (500 ml). The mixture is poured into a thermos, in which it must be infused for 7 hours. After this, the contents of the glass flask are filtered and can be used for compresses, which are recommended to be done at night.
3. The burdock rhizome (you need to dig it up either in the fall or in the summer) needs to be washed well and then chopped. Fragments of the plant (1 tsp) need to be brewed with boiled water (500 ml). The mixture must be infused throughout the night. After this, it is filtered, and the collected liquid is used for compresses. They must be applied to the affected areas of the skin. This infusion can also be taken orally. The recommended daily dosage is 300g, which should be divided into three doses.

Preventive actions

To prevent recurrence of skin pathology, patients should regularly take preventive measures:

1. It is imperative to exclude from the patient’s life all provoking factors that could lead to an exacerbation of the disease.
2. You should minimize stress and monitor your psycho-emotional state.
3. It is not recommended to suddenly change climatic conditions.
4. When using cosmetics, it is recommended to give preference to those manufacturers who use primarily herbal ingredients in their production.
5. For prevention purposes, herbal lotions and compresses should be applied to the skin.
6. You should only buy clothes that are made from natural fabrics.
7. When washing things, you must use either laundry soap or special powders.
8. This category of patients is recommended to adhere to a diet that excludes all foods that can irritate the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and provoke allergic reactions.

Dermatitis on the legs is an inflammatory process that develops as a result of the influence of various physical and biological factors on the skin of the lower extremities. Dermatitis is not transmitted from a sick person to other people. Timely and properly selected treatment contributes to a speedy recovery.

Clinical symptoms

Symptoms of the development of dermatitis on the legs depend on the form of the disease. Most often, they appear in the form of a skin rash.

With allergic dermatitis, redness, a weeping rash, and swelling of adjacent tissues are observed.

In some cases, dryness, peeling, and weeping erosions may occur. In advanced cases, pain is present.

There are several types of dermatitis that are localized specifically on the lower extremities. Atopic dermatitis, which is of an allergic nature, is quite common. All types of the disease affect the feet, toes, legs, and thighs. Rashes on the toes, where the skin is very sensitive, cause particular discomfort.

In advanced cases, the development of eczema is observed. If the disease has become chronic, the treatment will be long-term and the patient will need to strictly follow all the dermatologist’s recommendations.

Types of diseases on the legs:

How is the treatment carried out?

Treatment of the disease depends on the cause that triggered the onset of the disease. If dermatitis on the legs was caused by an external irritant, it is necessary to identify and eliminate it.

Therapy should be comprehensive: the use of external agents, desensitizing and sedative medications.

Therapeutic measures carried out for dermatitis of the lower extremities:

Varicose dermatitis

Therapy for the disease is aimed at restoring blood circulation in the legs, improving lymphatic drainage and strengthening the walls of blood vessels.

The main methods of treating pathology that will help get a positive result:

Allergic dermatitis

The main requirement is to identify and eliminate the allergen, otherwise symptomatic therapy will not be effective.

Prescribed medications with antiallergic effects, desensitizing therapy, and in severe cases, administration of steroids. Hormonal ointments are used to reduce itching.

Infectious dermatitis

The disease is caused by fungi, viruses, and pathogenic bacteria. In most cases, it is a sign of ongoing infectious diseases. Therapy is aimed at eliminating the primary infection (antibacterial, antifungal or antiviral drugs, immunomodulation). Anti-inflammatory and antihistamines are prescribed in the form of tablets, ointments, and injections.

Positive effects of diet

Excluding foods that cause dermatitis on the legs from the diet significantly facilitates the course of the disease and promotes a speedy recovery. For dermatitis, a hypoallergenic diet and plenty of fluids are recommended. All possible allergens are excluded from the menu, even those that were not the cause of the rash.