Dry skin may also signal an underlying condition. For example, dry skin is a symptom of both eczema and psoriasis. When the dryness is a result of an environmental factor, such as prolonged exposure to the sun or very dry air, a person can typically treat it with moisturizers. In most cases, this should alleviate the itch. Overexposure to the sun can result in skin that is painful and itchy.
The itchiness tends to begin as a rash starts to heal and peel. Once the healing is complete, the itchiness should go away.
Aloe vera creams can help the healing process. Protection from the sun, through clothing or sunscreen, can prevent the skin from burning. Liver problems may result in a feeling of itchy ankles. When the organ is diseased or injured, it releases a substance called bilirubin into the blood. Raised levels of this compound can cause itchy ankles, though the connection is not yet entirely clear. Liver issues can only be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.
If itchy ankles accompany any of the symptoms above, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. A person with diabetes cannot regulate their blood sugar levels without assistance.
If these levels are not well regulated, it can lead to short-term and long-term health problems. Peripheral neuropathy , skin infection, and poor blood circulation become more likely as the disease progresses. Dry skin may also occur. When caused by diabetes, itchy ankles may indicate that the feet are not receiving sufficient blood flow. Tell the doctor about new or continuing feelings of itchiness in the outer extremities. Diabetes can often be managed with insulin and proper diet and exercise.
Psoriasis is a common skin condition, and the associated rashes occasionally appear on the ankles, causing them to itch. Preeclampsia is a life-threatening condition that can occur during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, or up to 6 weeks after giving birth.
Preeclampsia is characterized by dangerously high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches , changes in vision, weight gain, and edema. It requires urgent medical treatment. Treatment may include medications to prevent seizures and lower blood pressure.
Delivering the baby is the most effective treatment, although some women may experience worsening symptoms before they get better. Lymphedema is a type of swelling that affects the soft tissues in the arms or legs, including the ankles. It is due to a buildup of a fluid called lymph. This is mainly composed of white blood cells, which help fight infection. Lymphedema occurs when there is a blockage or some other damage to the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of infection and keep fluids in balance. Lymphedema can result from infections, cancer , and surgical removal of the lymph nodes. Some hereditary conditions can also cause lymphedema.
Damage to the lymphatic system is irreversible, so treatment aims to reduce swelling and prevent other symptoms. Heart failure occurs when the heart can no longer pump blood as effectively as it should. There are three different types of heart failure: left-sided, right-sided, and congestive heart failure. In right-sided and congestive heart failure, there is a reduction in blood flow out of the heart, causing blood to back up into the veins.
This may lead to a buildup of fluid in tissues, including the legs and ankles. Heart failure also affects the kidneys , reducing their ability to remove salt and water from the body. This further contributes to edema. A doctor may prescribe diuretic medications and suggest monitoring and reducing fluid intake. Both of these treatments can help reduce swelling in the ankles and legs. Chronic kidney disease refers to permanent kidney damage, which can worsen over time.
A person may not experience any symptoms until they are in the late stages of the disease, called kidney failure or end-stage renal disease ESRD. Healing from a sprain or wound can cause itchiness, especially if you have to wear some sort of cast, wrap, bandage, or compression tape.
Itchiness can also happen as a result of the skin stretching when the area is swollen. Mild and severe sunburns can become itchy as your skin starts to peel during the healing process. The itching will usually clear up once the skin has healed. Severe burns that result in blisters will need to be monitored even more closely as blisters can burst and become infected, which can lead to further itching.
Parasites are organisms that live off the expense of other organisms. When certain parasites make a home of your ankle, it addition to itchiness, it can cause:. Because of their constant contact with the ground, ankles and feet can be an environment that provides easy access to certain kinds of parasites, such as lice , bed bugs, and fleas. When these ectoparasites cause local irritation in the ankles, this leads to itching and scratching.
Problems with the liver, such as certain types of liver disease , biliary tree obstruction which could be caused by gallstones , and liver cancer may result in a raised level of bilirubin in the bloodstream. The most symptomatic sites of this particular itch are the palms and soles of the feet, but the pruritus tends to occur all over the body.
Other symptoms of liver problems are:. Diabetes is a disease that results in too much sugar in the bloodstream. It can often lead to itching sensations. High blood sugar can cause dry skin, and those with diabetes are also more likely to have skin infections, peripheral neuropathy, and poor blood circulation that can lead to further itchiness. Feet are prone to poor circulation, which can be a common cause of itchiness in the feet. If your blood begins to pool in your lower extremities, you can damage your veins.
Your skin can start to swell, which leads to itchiness. This also makes your feet more prone to developing sores, which can get infected and develop an itch. If you have an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the cells of the skin, this can cause itching.
Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis , in particular, are known to cause symptoms of itchiness. Though rare, there are some instances where itching can be caused as a result of cancers. Cancers of the blood, lymphatic system, liver, kidney, and skin can result in generalized itchiness.
Additionally, cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can cause itching sensations in the skin. Most causes of itchy ankles are harmless, but there are some circumstances where itchy ankles indicate a much more severe health issue. In severe cases of stasis dermatitis, the skin breaks down with oozing, crusted areas and ulceration.
White, shiny scars are often left after healing. In long-standing cases, there may be significant thickening and darkening of the skin from rubbing.
The most important step is to correct the underlying problem causing the fluid buildup. It is also important to understand that the condition is usually a chronic one requiring ongoing care for the rest of one's life. If the stasis dermatitis is mild and clearly related to leg swelling, which is minimal upon arising in the morning but worse after a day of standing, simple measures can assist the veins and reduce the chance of progression of the disease, requiring medical care.
These steps include: Wearing elastic support hose worn to at least knee height should be put on in the morning upon arising. Many non-prescription and attractive styles are available for men and women. Although they are initially tight, discomfort is less as the swelling is controlled. Raising the legs above the level of the heart when sitting reduces fluid buildup.
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