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Blotchy Skin on Legs

Suvamita Ghosh
Like most conditions that are characterized by rashes or pigmentation of the skin, blotches on the legs are also a cause of cosmetic concern. Medical assistance must be sought if the blotches persist, and are accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, redness, inflammation, etc. This write-up provides information on treatment and remedies for this.
Blotchy skin could be characterized by itching, reddening of the particular area, or rashes. The skin is the largest organ of the human body that is exposed to the environment. Therefore, it could easily come in contact with the irritants or allergens that are present in the environment.
This could lead to the development of rashes or blotches on the skin. Any part of the body could get affected. Irritant contact dermatitis, which is a form of dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), often affects the part of the body that comes in contact with the irritant. Blotches could appear on the legs, if the irritant comes in contact with the legs.

Causes

Red rashes could appear on the legs or other parts of the body due to an allergic reaction. For instance, exposure to plants such as poison ivy or poison sumac while walking through woods can cause an allergic reaction. Contact dermatitis could also occur, if you wear clothes made from a fabric that you might be allergic to.
In dry and cold weather, your skin has a tendency to lose extra moisture, which in turn could make you susceptible to certain skin conditions. Various skin conditions could put you at a risk of developing rashes on the legs. These include:
  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Varicose eczema
  • Discoid eczema
  • Rosacea
  • Psoriasis
  • Folliculitits
  • Vasculitis
  • Tinea corporis
  • Cellulitis
The symptoms of some of these skin disorders could worsen on being exposed to the sun. The blotches could be accompanied by itching and redness.

Treatment

If the blotches don't fade away despite the use of OTC drugs, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist at the earliest. If the underlying cause is identified, the symptoms can be resolved with the use of the right type of drugs.
For instance, an allergic reaction can be treated with the help of antihistamines. Topical application of antifungal creams can alleviate the symptoms of fungal infections. Also, steroids or NSAIDs could be prescribed for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions.
Also, you can follow a few simple measures to prevent the condition from worsening:
  • Refrain from scratching over the affected skin, as that could make you susceptible to secondary infections. Make sure that you wash your hands after touching the affected skin.
  • Do not use cosmetic products (soaps, creams, shower gels) that might contain harsh chemicals.
  • It's advisable to use medicated soaps that have been recommended by the dermatologist.
  • Minimize exposure to the sun.
  • Wear clothes made from breathable fabrics. Don't wear tight pants.
  • Add a pinch of turmeric in warm milk, and drink it at least once daily.
Do follow the aforementioned self-care measures, and follow the advice given by your dermatologist. Also, follow a healthy diet and stay well hydrated at all times.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.