What are the Causes, Symptoms and Treatment for Itchy Feet?
Do you often find yourself scratching your feet, unable to get relief from that persistent itch? Foot itching can be both annoying and disruptive. However, understanding its causes and exploring effective remedies can help ease the discomfort.
What is Itchy Feet?
Pruritus, commonly known as itching, is an unpleasant sensation on the skin that makes you want to scratch. It's important to identify the underlying causes to address itchy feet properly. An itchy foot is a tingling, irritating feeling that triggers the urge to scratch. It can be identified with the signs such as:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Peeling
- Scarring
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Get A Second OpinionItchy Feet at Night
- Struggling with itchy feet at night can disturb your sleep.
- Common causes include dry skin, eczema, or fungal 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 neuropathy is 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.
Symptoms of Itchy Feet Symptom
- 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.
Treatment 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 sedatives 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.
Diagnosis 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 the presence of germs, such as a fungus.
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Book an AppointmentWhen 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.
Remedies for treating itchy skin 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.
- Applying menthol or calamine to the affected area 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.
