People with atopic dermatitis, a common type of eczema, can have symptoms and flare-ups anywhere on their bodies. You might notice it showing up in different spots, or repeatedly showing up in the same area whenever something triggers a flare.

If you have a flare of atopic dermatitis on your legs, it’s important to understand what’s going on so you can seek the right treatment and get your symptoms under control. Here’s what you should know if you have atopic dermatitis on your legs.

Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis on the Legs

Atopic dermatitis can cause a variety of symptoms. Certain areas of the legs may be more prone to atopic dermatitis than others. Areas where the skin creases and rubs together can be especially susceptible. This means that on your legs, it is more likely to appear behind the knees and possibly on the back of your lower legs.

Many symptoms of atopic dermatitis on the legs overlap with symptoms of other types of eczema. They include:

• Dry skin
• Scaly skin
• Itchy skin, which can get severe
• Inflamed skin that is red, pink, dark brown, purplish, or ashen gray
• Sensitive skin
• Swelling
• Skin that appears rough
• Sores that ooze or crust over

People with atopic dermatitis on their legs and other parts of the body may find that the skin condition impacts their quality of life. For example, people with atopic dermatitis may struggle to get a good night’s sleep, though this is usually due to itching — the sleeplessness itself isn’t necessarily a separate symptom.

What’s It Like To Live With Atopic Dermatitis on the Legs?

The experience of atopic dermatitis on the legs varies from one person to another. Some people notice a change in skin color, like one member of MyEczemaTeam who shared, “I’m diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. Legs, feet, and hands turning red.”

Others emphasize symptoms like dryness, including one MyEczemaTeam member who explained, “Still seeing a dry state of skin on my arms and legs.”

Several people with atopic dermatitis on their legs experience significant itching and pain. “It’s SO bad right now. My leg feels like it’s on fire,” one member said. Another noted, “Feels like a hot needle is being stuck in my leg.”

Others experience fewer symptoms, or symptoms that appear, disappear, and reappear. “Flare up, trying to find some relief. It is on one leg and comes and goes,” a member said.

“I’m diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. Legs, feet, and hands turning red”

— A MyEczemaTeam member

If you can relate to these member quotes, talk to a health care provider or dermatologist about your symptoms. They will work with you to understand your symptoms and determine a treatment plan. It may take some trial and error, but there are many different treatment options for atopic dermatitis.

Treating Atopic Dermatitis on the Legs

The first step to treating atopic dermatitis on most parts of the body, including the legs, is to establish a gentle skin care routine and moisturize regularly. If these practices don’t help, a dermatologist may prescribe treatments like:

• Topical (applied to the skin) corticosteroid creams
• Medical moisturizing creams
• Creams with a calcineurin inhibitor
• Other topical products

If your atopic dermatitis continues to flare regularly, there are some more advanced treatment options available to you. Phototherapy is a treatment that exposes affected areas of skin to the sun or artificial ultraviolet light to help treat symptoms.

Several injectable biologic medications are safe for people with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis who don’t respond to other treatment options. Sometimes, health care providers will prescribe oral anti-inflammatory medications to help with persistent symptoms.

Additionally, you may need to take antibiotics in case of a skin infection related to your atopic dermatitis. Antihistamines can help if your itching is severe or if doctors think that allergies might be triggering your atopic dermatitis.

Often, a combination of treatments is required to get atopic dermatitis under control. These may include prescription treatments, over-the-counter moisturizers, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies. Always talk to a health care provider before you start or stop any treatment, including natural or alternative therapies, to get their medical advice and make sure you avoid harmful drug interactions.

Lifestyle Changes for Atopic Dermatitis on the Legs

There are a few things you can do to help manage your atopic dermatitis symptoms at home. You can implement many of these skin care practices and lifestyle changes alongside prescription treatments from your health care provider.

Use Gentle Products

Some common ingredients in skin care products, soaps, and detergents can irritate your skin and trigger atopic dermatitis flare-ups. These ingredients include lanolin and other products that are known to be strong or harsh, such as fragrances. Some products are recommended for skin with eczema, and you can usually use them to treat atopic dermatitis. You can find these over the counter or on the shelves at your local pharmacy or store. Some creams are designed specifically for atopic (eczema-prone) skin. Look for labels that say things like “For Atopic Skin,” “For Eczema-Prone Skin,” “Hypoallergenic,” “Fragrance-Free,” “Unscented,” or “Clinically Tested for Sensitive Skin.”

Some common ingredients in skin care products, soaps, and detergents can irritate your skin and trigger atopic dermatitis flare-ups.

If you’re not sure where to start, ask your doctor for suggestions about how to treat the atopic dermatitis on your legs. Many dermatologists keep lists of gentle products that you can try. You may need to test each product before you use it extensively, since it might trigger your atopic dermatitis or contain allergens.

Avoid Irritating Clothing

Some fabrics used to make clothes are more likely to irritate your skin than others. Cotton and silk may be better for your skin, though some people don’t find that to be true. Traditional wool can cause itching, but very fine merino wool can be a good alternative. Some newer, emerging fabrics help your skin feel better. It may take some trial and error to figure out which fabrics help your legs feel better, but there are a lot of options out there, and your doctor can probably tell you where to start.

Create a Daily Moisturizing Routine

Keeping your skin moisturized can help keep the atopic dermatitis on your legs under control. One MyEczemaTeam member found this to be true: “Feeling much better than I was last night. Moisturizing and elevating my leg. Hoping to be similarly improved tomorrow.”

When you moisturize, use a product like petroleum jelly that is free of irritants like scents, fragrances, dyes, parabens, alcohol, and anything else your doctor tells you to avoid. Apply the moisturizer two or three times each day, or according to your doctor’s instructions. Be sure to moisturize your skin with lotion, ointment, or cream after you bathe to trap the moisture.

Try an Oatmeal Bath

If you’re struggling with itching, try an oatmeal bath. It works for some members of MyEczemaTeam, one of whom said, “I soak my legs in a colloidal oatmeal/Epsom salts mixture in the tub … it will take the itch away for a day or more, but sometimes it only takes it away for a few hours.”

To make an oatmeal bath, you’ll need to buy or make colloidal oatmeal. Then add about one cup of it to your bath water. Soak for at least 15 minutes for maximum effect.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you’re living with atopic dermatitis on your legs, talk to a dermatology provider about your symptoms. They should be able to help you find the solutions you need so you can feel good and thrive, without always dealing with itchy skin, blisters, and inflammation on your legs. It might take some trial and error, but treatment should help address your symptoms.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyEczemaTeam is the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones. On MyEczemaTeam, more than 54,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with eczema and atopic dermatitis.

Are you wondering what else you can do to help manage itching on your legs caused by atopic dermatitis? Have you found something that works for you? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.