Shaving is one of the fastest ways to get silky smooth legs. Unfortunately, it can also cause red bumps, serious irritation and unbearably itchy skin. If your legs itch like crazy after a shave, you may have dry skin or razor burn. Resist the urge to scratch and treat your skin with an itch-relief product instead. Some natural products -- such as aloe and oatmeal -- soothe itching as well as commercial items or medications do.
Apply pure aloe gel or a lotion containing aloe to your itchy legs. Aloe soothes itchiness and cools burned skin.
Mix plain oatmeal with a few drops of water and then soak a washcloth in the mixture. Drape the oatmeal-covered cloth over your itchy legs and hold it there for 15 minutes, then rinse with clean water. Some companies also make oatmeal-based lotions that you can use when you don't have time to soak.
Combine 2 teaspoons of table salt with 1 liter of cool water. Dampen a washcloth in the salt water, then apply it to your legs. When the itching stops, rinse your legs with clean water.
Apply a light coating of calendula cream, freshly mashed avocado, tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar to your legs. These natural items all help ease itchiness. After 15 minutes, rinse your legs and pat them dry with a clean towel.
Crush two uncoated aspirins and combine them with 1 teaspoon of lukewarm water. Mix to form a paste. Apply the aspirin paste to your legs and let it soak in for up to 15 minutes. Rinse your legs and pat them dry with a clean towel.
Take short showers with lukewarm water and mild soap. Don't bathe in hot water as it can irritate skin. After showering, pat yourself dry with a towel. Don't rub or scrub your skin.
Forgo shaving until your skin stops itching. Shaving will only irritate your legs more.
Tip
You can usually avoid itchy legs by shaving properly. Shave after you've been in the shower for a few minutes. Apply a thick layer of shaving cream, then shave against your hair's growth. After rinsing off your legs, pat them dry with a towel. Apply a moisturizer while your legs are still slightly damp.
Warning
Talk to your doctor before taking any medications for itchy legs.
Avoid using a dull razor to shave. You'll need to press down harder, so you're more likely to nick yourself and cause irritation.
References
Writer Bio
Melissa King began writing in 2001. She spent three years writing for her local newspaper, "The Colt," writing editorials, news stories, product reviews and entertainment pieces. She is also the owner and operator of Howbert Freelance Writing. King holds an Associate of Arts in communications from Tarrant County College.