Leg atopic dermatitis is most common in infants, but it’s also often present in older children and adults. There are different types of atopic dermatitis on the legs, depending on age, occupation, and various other factors.

For instance, infants often develop diffuse dermatitis on their legs and knees, while preschool and school age children have their leg atopic dermatitis localized only on their legs, and sometimes feet.

Adults, such as people who work as farmers, may often develop contact dermatitis on their legs due to various allergens, including animal fur and grass. Another common type of leg atopic dermatitis is stasis eczema, which affects the lower legs, and is often related to varicose veins and other circulatory problems. This type of dermatitis may look brownish or reddish. Adults may also develop nummular (coin-like) atopic eczema on their lower legs, which often look like rounded patches that have crusts, scaling, and are extremely itchy. And yet another type of dermatitis that often affects the legs (feet in particular) is dyshidrotic eczema, which generally involves the hands and palms, but may also involve the feet and soles. This type of dermatitis is characterized by irritated skin and deep clear blisters that burn and itch.

What treatments can you use for atopic dermatitis on the legs and the soles? The problem is that the skin in these areas is very thick, which may render useless common atopic dermatitis treatments (Protopic and Elidel), since they work best on the thin areas of the skin. The same is true for the mild and medium topical steroids. However, more potent topical steroids are known to be very helpful for the people with various rashes on their legs, feet and soles.

Other common suggestions include: regular skin moisturizing, special anti-bacterial treated bed clothes, and trying to avoid any suspected skin allergens.

If it’s a very severe case of leg dermatitis, you may need a course of oral steroid treatment. Generally, it’s a 5-7 day course that will help to stop the persistent inflammatory cycle. Oral topical steroids are known to have dangerous side-effects (skin thinning, stretch marks, fragile skin, sleep disturbance, etc.), but they are also known to be very helpful and quite safe for short treatment courses.

Leg atopic dermatitis is a very bothersome, painful and itchy condition. However, proper self care, avoiding irritants and allergens, and proper treatments can really help to make the life of the sufferer better.

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