Feet Itching: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis

By Medicover Hospitals / 18 Jan 2021

An uncomfortable and itchy sensation that creates an urge to scratch can affect any part of the body. The itching can have causes that are not due to an underlying disease. Examples include hair regrowth, sunburn, insect bites, dry skin, or healing wounds.

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What is Feet Itching?

Itching, an uncomfortable sensation, can occur anywhere on the body due to non-disease factors like hair regrowth, sunburn, insect bites, dry skin, or wound healing.

Itchy foot, medically known as pruritus, presents as an irritating tingling sensation, often accompanied by a persistent urge to scratch. While scratching may provide temporary relief, it can exacerbate irritation or lead to infection. Various factors contribute to itchy feet, including insect bites, allergies, infections, and trauma. Conditions like chickenpox, eczema, contact dermatitis, scabies, and pinworms can also induce itching. Athlete's foot, caused by a fungal infection (tinea pedis), is a common culprit, thriving in warm, moist environments and spreading through contact with contaminated surfaces. Treatment typically involves topical creams, but persistent infections may signal underlying health issues, especially in individuals with diabetes, HIV, or frequent antibiotic use. While most cases are mild, sudden, severe itching warrants medical evaluation, particularly for potential anaphylactic reactions, which pose serious health risks and require immediate intervention.

Causes for Feet Itching

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the body's peripheral nervous system, per the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Nerve damage can lead to itching, numbness, and pain, affecting body parts like the feet.

Dry skin

Age
Living In A Dry Climate
Regular Exposure To Water.
Swimming In Chlorinated Water.
Dry Skin On The Feet Can Cause Itching, Alleviated By Applying Creams, Lotions, Or Oils.
If Regular Moisturizers Fail, A Pharmacist May Suggest Effective Over-The-Counter (Otc) Options.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis causes sore, red, and scaly skin, often affecting the feet and causing intense itching and pain.
It occurs when a person's immune system begins to attack healthy skin cells.
Treatments generally include creams and lotions that may contain tar, salicylic acid, corticosteroids, or a combination.

Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition that is generally characterized by very dry and itchy skin.
The cause of eczema is uncertain, but it likely involves a mix of environmental and genetic factors, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Dyshidrotic eczema is a type that often appears on the sides and soles of the feet.
People can treat the itching that results from mild dyshidrotic eczema by soaking their feet in cold water or applying cool.
If the eczema is more severe, a doctor may prescribe creams or recommend over-the-counter solutions.

Athlete's foot

Athlete's foot is a fungal skin disease that usually develops between the toes, although it can affect other parts of the foot as well.
Athlete's feet can cause itching and a burning sensation in the infected area.
Fungi thrive in warm, humid, and dark conditions, such as inside athletic shoes.
Antifungal medications, which come in the form of pills or lotions.

Allergic reactions

Skin allergies, often itchy, may stem from conditions like eczema or psoriasis, or contact with substances like latex or pollen.
Antihistamines, available as pills or creams, can manage allergic reaction symptoms.

Hookworm infections

Hookworm, a parasitic infection found in human intestines, is contracted by walking barefoot in areas with larvae. Infections are rare in hygienic environments.
CDC notes itchiness at the entry site of hookworm larvae into the body.
Doctors can treat hookworm infections with drugs that target parasites.

Diabetes

Diabetes affects insulin resistance and energy conversion from food, leading to high blood sugar levels with serious health risks.
Diabetes can cause diabetic neuropathy, which can lead to tingling, itching, and numbness, especially in the feet.
Poor circulation due to diabetes can also cause itching. Also, having diabetes can increase a person's risk of getting bacterial and fungal infections

Burns

Even after they have healed, severe burns can cause lasting damage and itching.
In a 2013 study, over 90% of participants experienced itching post-burn, with more than 40% reporting long-term persistence.

Diagnosis for Feet Itching

Your doctor may run tests that include:

Skin Scraping
Culture
Biopsy
Blood Test

Treatment for Feet Itching

Your doctor will treat itchy feet based on the cause.Treatments that can relieve itchy feet include the following:

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), an H1-blocking antihistamine, can relieve itching, but may cause sedation and other side effects. Older adults should use caution with these medications.
If you have an athlete's foot, antifungal sprays or creams can help.
Topical anti-itch medications, emollients like petroleum jelly, and steroid creams can help reduce localized itching on the skin's surface.

When to see a Doctor?

See your doctor if your itchy feet do not improve with home care or if your symptoms get worse over time.

Have you recently started taking any new medications?
Have you been exposed to possible irritants?
Do you have any chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus or eczema?
Has a family member, friend, or teammate recently experienced a skin-related concern?

Home Remedies

Tips for treating itchy skin at home include:

Applying Cool, Damp Cloths Or Ice Packs To The Itchy Area
Make An Oatmeal Bath By Grinding 1 Cup Of Powdered Oatmeal And Adding It To Warm Bath Water
Using Moisturizers Regularly
Testing Topical Anesthetics Containing Pramoxine
Applying Menthol Or Calamine To The Affected Area, Which Can Provide A Cooling Sensation
A Person Should Try To Avoid Scratching, Which Can Often Make Itching Worse Rather Than Better. Scratching Also Increases The Chance Of Infection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are my feet itchy but not rash?

Dry skin is a common cause of itchy skin without any rash. In most cases, dry skin feels soft. This can result from environmental conditions, such as low humidity and hot or cold weather, and practices that can decrease skin moisture, such as bathing in hot water.

2. Are itchy feet a sign of diabetes?

Itchy feet, legs, or ankles is a common complaint in people with diabetes that can occur because of a period of too high blood sugar. The itching can range from annoying to severe. The itching can be relieved with treatment and can be eliminated if the underlying cause is treated.

3. When should I see a doctor for itching on my feet?

If the itching persists despite home remedies, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms like pain, swelling, redness, or discharge, it's advisable to consult a doctor. Persistent itching can be a sign of an underlying condition that requires medical attention.

4. Is an athlete's foot Infectious?

Yes, an athlete's foot is a fungal infection that can spread through direct contact with infected skin or indirectly through contaminated surfaces such as floors, towels, or shoes. It's important to take precautions to prevent spreading the infection to others.

5. Can pregnancy cause itching on the feet?

Yes, pregnancy-related hormonal changes can sometimes lead to itching on the feet, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. This itching, known as pruritus gravidarum, is usually harmless but can be uncomfortable. Consulting a healthcare provider is advisable for proper management.