The rash is an inflammation or irritation of the skin characterized by causing abnormal changes in the texture and color of the skin. It is also known by the name dermatitis.
On the legs, generally, the rash usually begins with red or purple pinpoint patches on one or both extremities, sometimes itchy. Initially, flat lesions can transform into blisters with scaly areas and extend to the feet.
Because its causes can be multiple, not all rashes will be the same; their appearance can vary and depend on the origin of the inflammation. It is essential to determine what causes it to relieve your symptoms adequately. If you want to know more about the rash on the legs: causes and treatment, at FastlyHeal, we invite you to continue reading the following article.
Table of Contents
Why does a rash appear on the body?
Changes in the texture and color of the skin occur because the cells of the immune system, responsible for protecting and defending our body from bacteria, viruses, and fungi that want to invade it, release a molecule called histamine when they detect foreign substances in the body called allergens.
Histamine acts in the inflammation processes, causing vasodilation (enlargement of the blood vessels), redness, and itching, the three main characteristics of any rash.
Causes of leg rash
The rash may be accompanied by fever; if this occurs, it may be a more severe disorder, but do not worry; most of the lesions disappear quickly without receiving treatment. However, in patients who have chronic conditions, such as lupus or psoriasis, rashes on the legs tend to be longer-lasting and recur.
Among the leading causes of a rash on the legs, we find:
Irritant substances
The substances that can trigger dermatitis or eczema on the legs are numerous and vary from one person to another. Lesions usually appear as red, raised, fluid-filled, or flat spots that are itchy, accompanied by scaly patches.
Among the central irritants are:
- Soaps and detergents.
- Some cleaning products.
- Animal hairs.
- The heat and sweat.
- Latex.
- Stress.
- Cold climates.
- Dryness of the skin.
Viral or bacterial infections
As we mentioned, when viruses or bacteria come into contact with our body, the immune system can trigger skin eruptions, causing the appearance of spots, blisters, or rashes accompanied by fever.
The most common viruses that cause these lesions are chickenpox, measles, dengue fever, and hand, foot, and mouth disease in children. In dengue, it is characteristic that areas with red spots that cause a lot of itching, known as skin rash, appear on the hands and legs after the fever.
Vasculitis
Vasculitis or inflammation of the blood vessels causes a decrease in blood flow that causes redness or rashes with small red or purplish spots on the legs and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as pain.
Its cause may be due to an allergic reaction, or in some cases, it is the initial symptom of a more severe illness. If you have noticed that red dots appear on your legs without having any other associated disease, perhaps it could be a vasculitis.
Insect bites
When an insect bites you, you notice a small red bump on the skin that can spread out or clump together in a single area. There is inflammation around it, and some lesions may itch, contain pus if infected, and be painful. The most common bites are by mosquitoes, ants, fleas, and bed bugs, among others.
Poorly controlled diabetes
The rash on the legs can also cause the complication of other diseases; for example, poorly controlled diabetes causes alterations in the microcirculation, which can cause changes in the skin due to an inadequate blood flow in the extremities.
Rash on the legs: treatment
Since the causes of rash are varied, the first thing your doctor should find out is what type of dermatitis you have and then medicate you. Most are self-limited and improve over time; others can last a lifetime, disappearing seasonally.
For rashes that are extensive or are accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath or swelling, seek immediate medical attention.
Some measures you can take at home to relieve symptoms are:
- They were putting cold compresses on the affected areas.
- Apply refreshing and hydrating lotions to the legs, such as creams containing calamine or chamomile.
- Take an over-the-counter antihistamine, preferably prescribed by a specialist, such as loratadine, cetirizine, or diphenhydramine.
- Prescription corticosteroid creams for insect bites or more severe cases.
- If the skin is infected, you should include antibiotics indicated by your trusted doctor.
- Avoid hot areas and sudden weather changes.
- Reduce the use of harsh chemical soaps or detergents.
- In cases of rash due to viral causes, there is no specific treatment, but if you have a lot of itching, it is advisable to take anti-allergy drugs that can help reduce it.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Rash on the legs: causes and treatment , we recommend that you enter our category of Skin, hair and nails .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.