Why are my lower legs so itchy? Common causes and vein-related clues

Itchy lower legs are a surprisingly common complaint—and while it’s easy to dismiss it as dry skin or an allergy, persistent itching below the knees may be your body’s way of telling you something more is going on. In some cases, it can even be an early symptom of underlying vein issues, including chronic venous insufficiency.

In this article, we’ll explore what causes itchy lower legs, why the area below the knees is often affected, and when it’s time to seek medical advice.

Why are my lower legs itchy?

The skin on your lower legs is prone to dryness and irritation because it has fewer oil glands than other parts of your body. That makes it more sensitive to environmental triggers, especially in colder weather or with frequent shaving. However, if your itching is ongoing, worsening, or accompanied by changes in skin colour or visible veins, it could be something more complex.

Common causes of itchy legs below the knees include:

• Dry skin (xerosis) – especially in winter months
• Allergic reactions to soaps, detergents, or lotions
• Shaving irritation or ingrown hairs
• Insect bites
• Eczema or dermatitis

But when none of these apply, or if the itch is chronic, a vascular cause may be involved.

Itchy skin and vein problems: what’s the connection?

If you’ve noticed that your itchy lower legs come with heaviness, swelling, or visible veins, you may be dealing with early signs of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This occurs when the valves in your leg veins don’t function properly, allowing blood to pool and pressure to build up.

As pressure increases in the veins, fluid can leak into surrounding tissue, triggering inflammation and skin irritation. This is especially common around the lower calves and ankles, which are furthest from the heart and most affected by gravity.

In fact, one of the early skin changes seen in venous disease is something called venous stasis dermatitis—a condition that causes itching, redness, and a scaly rash, often just above the ankles.

If this sounds familiar, it's a good idea to get your veins checked.

Learn more about the early signs in our article on early stage varicose veins symptoms.

When should you be concerned?

Occasional itchiness is nothing to panic about. But certain signs can point to something more serious. See your GP or a vein specialist if you notice:

• Persistent itchiness that doesn’t improve with moisturiser
• Skin thickening, discolouration, or flaking
• Heaviness or aching in the legs
• Visible bulging veins
• Swelling around the ankles
• Skin ulcers or slow-healing wounds

These may be signs of venous insufficiency or other circulatory issues, and treating the underlying cause is key to long-term relief.

Read more about the condition in our guide to venous insufficiency: symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Tips to relieve itchy lower legs

Here are some practical steps you can take to soothe the itch while also supporting your vein health:

• Use fragrance-free moisturisers daily, especially after bathing
• Avoid hot showers, which can dry out your skin
• Wear compression stockings if you have swelling or heaviness in your legs
• Elevate your legs regularly to improve circulation
• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy weight

If itching persists or gets worse, it's worth exploring whether your vein health is playing a role.

Treating the root cause: not just the symptoms

If your itching is linked to vein problems, the good news is that effective treatments are available. Modern vein care focuses on minimally invasive procedures like foam sclerotherapy and endovenous laser ablation, which target the malfunctioning veins and relieve symptoms such as itching, swelling, and heaviness.

Discover your options in our guide to removing varicose veins.

Take the next step

If you’re living with persistent itching in your lower legs and suspect it could be more than dry skin, you're not alone—and you're not imagining it. At UK Vein Care, we specialise in diagnosing and treating the vein-related causes behind these symptoms.

Book a consultation to get a clear diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your needs.