Itchy Feet: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Symptoms of Itchy Feet

• Persistent Itching:Continuous itching sensation on the feet, often worse at night.
• Redness and Swelling:The affected area may appear red and swollen due to constant scratching.
• Dry and Cracked Skin:Skin may become dry, cracked, or scaly, especially in conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
• Blisters or Sores:Small blisters or sores can develop, particularly with conditions like dyshidrotic eczema or athlete's foot.
• Burning Sensation:A burning feeling may accompany the itch, which is common in fungal infections or peripheral neuropathy.

Itchy Feet at Night

• Struggling with itchy feet at night can disturb your sleep.
• Common causes includedry skin, eczema, orfungal infections.
• Identifying the cause is key to effective treatment.
• Regular moisturizing and good foot hygiene can help.
• If itching continues, see a healthcare professional for advice.

Causes for Itching Feet

Underlying reasons for itching feet can include:

Peripheral Neuropathy

• Peripheral neuropathyis damage to the peripheral nervous system.
• It can cause sensations like itching,numbness, and pain in the feet.

Dry Skin

Dry skin can be itchy. Risk factors include:

• Age
• Living in a dry climate
• Regular exposure to water
• Swimming in chlorinated water

If regular moisturizers don't work, a pharmacist may recommend effective OTC products.

Psoriasis

• Psoriasis causes sore, red, and scaly skin, which can be very itchy and painful.
• It occurs when the immune system attacks healthy skin cells.
• Treatments often include creams with tar, salicylic acid, or corticosteroids.

Eczema

• Eczema causes very dry and itchy skin.
• Dyshidrotic eczema appears on the sides and soles of the feet with small, deep, itchy blisters.
• Treatment includes soaking feet in cold water or applying cool, wet compresses.

Athlete's Foot

• Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that causes itching and burning between the toes.
• Antifungal medications in the form of pills or lotions are effective treatments.

Allergic Reactions

• Skin allergies can be itchy and caused by conditions like eczema or contact with substances like latex.
• Antihistamines can help control symptoms.

Hookworm Infections

• Hookworms are parasites that live in the intestines, contracted by walking barefoot in infected areas.
• They are rare in areas with good hygiene practices.

Diabetes

• Diabetes can cause diabetic neuropathy, leading to tingling, itching, and numbness in the feet.
• Poor circulation and increased risk of infections also contribute to itching.

Burns

• Severe burns can cause lasting damage and itching even after healing.

Conditions that Cause Itchy Feet

• Contact Dermatitis:Allergic reaction to substances like soaps, footwear materials, or cosmetics that results in redness, rash and itching.
• Scabies:Mites crawl into the skin, causing extreme nocturnal itching and tiny red lumps.
• Liver or Kidney Disorders:Toxin buildup due to poor liver or kidney function can result in generalized body itching, including the feet.
• Cholestasis in Pregnancy:A liver condition that causes severe itching in the feet and hands, particularly at night during pregnancy.

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.
• Your doctor will take a complete medical history and perform a physical exam to diagnose the causes of your itchy feet.

Diagnosis and Tests for Feet Itching

Your doctor may advise tests that include:

• Skin scraping
• Culture
• Biopsy
• Blood test

Some tests can check areas in or on the skin for germs, such as a fungus.

Treatment and Management for Itching Feet

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

• Your doctor will treat itchy feet based on the cause. For allergic reactions, avoiding the product or products that cause the allergic reaction can help reduce itching.
• Treatments that can relieve itchy feet include the following:
• An H1-blocking antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can help relieve itching. Antihistamines can have sedative and other unexpected side effects. Older adults may need to avoid their use.
• If you have an athlete's foot, antifungal sprays or creams can help. Chronic fungal infections may require a doctor-prescribed antifungal treatment.
• Topical anti-allergic medications, emollients like petroleum jelly, and steroid creams can help reduce localized itching on the skin's surface.
• Additionally, prescription medications such as SSRIs, gabapentin, or tricyclic antidepressants may be beneficial in certain patients.

Prevention

Practicing good foot hygiene and care can prevent itchy feet:

• Wear clean, dry socks and change them daily
• Use antifungal foot powder if prone to sweating
• Moisturize feet regularly to prevent dryness
• Avoid contact with known allergens or irritants
• Get regular checkups, especially if you have diabetes or a skin condition

Home remedies for treating itchy skin

Try these gentle remedies to ease symptoms at home:

• Apply a cold compress to reduce itching and inflammation
• Soak your feet in an oatmeal bath to calm irritated skin.
• Moisturize feet daily with fragrance-free lotion or petroleum jelly
• Add menthol or calamine lotion for a soothing effect.
• Avoid scratching to prevent skin damage or infection

Lifestyle Changes

Simple lifestyle adjustments can help to manage itchy feet:

• Keep your feet clean and dry, especially after bathing or sweating.
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas.
• Use hypoallergenic soaps and lotions.
• Wear breathable footwear and cotton socks.
• Keep toenails trimmed to prevent the buildup of dirt and bacteria.