Rashes affecting the lower legs — extra information
Dermatitis
Scaly rashes of the lower legs
Infections
Redness of the lower legs
Lower leg ulcers
Management
Dermatitis
Most often, a rash affecting the lower legs is a type of dermatitis. The terms ‘dermatitis’ and ‘eczema’ are often used interchangeably. Acute dermatitis presents as red, swollen and blistered plaques. Chronic dermatitis accompanied by rubbing and scratching results in darkened (hyperpigmented), and thickened (lichenified) plaques.
There are several different types of lower leg dermatitis:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Discoid eczema
- Varicose dermatitis
- Gravitational dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Autonomic denervation dermatitis
- Lichen simplex
- Pretibial pruritic papular dermatitis
- Prurigo nodularis
Scaly rashes of the lower legs
Scaly conditions affecting the lower legs include:
Infections favouring the lower legs
Redness of the lower legs
Other red or purplish conditions favouring the lower legs include:
Lower leg ulcers
Management of lower leg rashes
Management depends on making a correct diagnosis. General advice should include:
- Avoid and treat dry skin, using non-soap cleansers and thick simple emollients. Avoid exposing the legs to direct heat or the hot air of the heater in a car.
- Minimise swelling – avoid standing for prolonged periods, take regular walks, elevate the feet when sitting or overnight and wear special graduated compression stockings long term.
- Prescription treatments may include oral antibiotics for secondary infection and topical steroids of varying potency – weak products can be used long term if necessary but potent topical steroids should be used once or twice daily for short courses of one to four weeks.
Avoid topical antibiotics, topical antihistamines and multi-ingredient fragranced or herb-containing emollients because of the risk of provoking contact allergy.
On DermNet
Books about skin diseases
Other recommended articles
