Itchy Feet: Causes, Conditions, And Treatments

• Itchiness in the feet may lead to a strong urge to scratch, potentially causing skin problems like redness, cracks, and swelling.
  
  
• Various medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, can be underlying causes of itchy feet.
  
  
• Home remedies, antihistamines, lotions, and alcohol-free antifungal creams are effective treatments for relieving itchy feet.
  
  
• While most cases of itchy feet are typically not severe, seeking medical attention is essential if the itch disrupts your sleep, you are pregnant, persists, or affects a significant portion of your body.

Fungal infections can cause itchy feet. Fungal spores are all around us and are usually harmless if inhaled.

However, people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to severe fungal infections, which can even be fatal.

The CDC reports over 75,000 hospitalisations due to fungal diseases each year, with approximately 7,199 fungal-related deaths in 2021.

Walking barefoot exposes our feet to irritants like fungi, bugs, and allergens, leading to itching. Enclosed in socks and shoes, our feet can become hot and moist, creating a breeding ground for infections.

Common causes of itchy feet include contact dermatitis, fungal infections (like athlete's foot), and bug bites from scabies, mosquitoes, or bed bugs. These conditions may also result in a scaly rash or blisters.

Certain medical conditions, such as kidney or liver disease and diabetes, can affect the nerves in the feet, leading to itching.

What Are The Symptoms And Signs Of Itchy Feet?

Itchy feet are often harmless but can indicate an underlying skin issue or a more profound internal problem. Knowing which symptoms to watch out for is crucial.

The sensation of itchy feet is often described as tickling, dryness, or feeling like something is crawling under the skin, prompting the urge to scratch.

Persistent scratching may lead to various skin changes, including:

• Blisters
  
  
• Cracked and open areas
  
  
• Dry plaques, which are raised, red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead, scaly skin cells
  
  
• General itching
  
  
• Rash
  
  
• Redness
  
  
• Swelling
  
  
• White spots

It's also possible to experience foot itching without any noticeable physical changes on the skin's surface.

What Medical Conditions Can Cause Itchy Feet?

Itchy feet can be a symptom of underlying health issues, including kidney disease. When the kidneys are not functioning correctly and fail to remove toxins from the body efficiently, it can lead to a buildup of waste and fluids, resulting in intense itchiness, particularly in the legs and feet.

Several medical conditions may be associated with itchy feet, including:

• Liver disease
  
  
• Cholestasis is a condition where the flow of bile from the liver slows or stops
  
  
• Cancer
  
  
• Peripheral neuropathy, a common condition linked to diabetes mellitus
  
  
• Polycythemia rubra vera
  
  
• Thyroid gland disease

Pruritus gravidarum is a severe generalised itchiness that occurs in late pregnancy.

Causes Of Itchy Feet

Itchy feet are a prevalent issue that can vary in severity, causing discomfort. It commonly stems from various causes such as contact dermatitis, fungal infections like athlete's foot, infestations like scabies, or insect bites from mosquitoes or bed bugs. These conditions may manifest as scaly rashes or blisters on the affected area.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection you can pick up by walking barefoot in places like locker rooms, around indoor pools, or using gym mats.

It shows up as a red, itchy rash on your feet or between your toes, often with flaky or peeling skin.

While it usually targets the soles of your feet, it can also pop up on the tops of your feet, between your toes, and even affect your toenails.

Eczema     

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is marked by a red, itchy, and scaly rash that can appear on your feet.

While eczema is a frequent skin issue in childhood, it can also affect adults. In grown-ups, it typically shows up on the hands and feet and is called dyshidrotic dermatitis.

Eczema occurs in individuals deficient in specific molecules responsible for skin hydration. This leads to water loss from the skin, causing itching and making the skin more susceptible to irritants and allergens.

Contact Dermatitis:

Contact dermatitis is when your skin reacts to something irritating or triggering an allergic response. This can lead to symptoms like a red, itchy rash, scaly skin, raised bumps, and sometimes blisters. Along with these skin changes, you may experience swelling, a burning sensation, and tenderness. There are two main types of contact dermatitis: irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.

Dry Skin:

If you're experiencing itchy hands and feet with red or flaky skin, it could be due to dry skin, which often feels rough and itchy. Sometimes, nighttime itchiness in the hands and feet may also be linked to natural estrogen fluctuations during menopause.

Psoriasis:

Autoimmune diseases arise when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its cells, making it unable to distinguish between self and foreign cells.

 

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that can impact any part of your skin, including the soles of your feet. When it affects the feet, it can also manifest on the palms of your hands, known as palmoplantar psoriasis.

Symptoms vary depending on the type of psoriasis you have and may include:

• Red, itchy patches on your feet
  
  
• Pustules on the soles of your feet
  
  
• Thick, silvery scales
  
  
• Thick, yellow, and brittle nails
  
  
• Joint or back pain

Hives

Hives, also known as urticaria, are raised, itchy swellings on the skin. They can be triggered by various factors such as specific foods, medications, viral infections, or autoimmune conditions, but sometimes the cause is unclear.

Hives can develop on any area of the skin, including the soles of the feet. Common symptoms of hives include itchy skin, a rash with pink or red colouring, raised welts, and a sensation of burning or stinging.

Scabies

Scabies is a skin condition found worldwide but is particularly common in tropical regions, especially with a high population density. Approximately 10% of children may be affected by scabies in resource-poor areas.

Scabies occur when tiny mites infest the skin, burrowing into it. This infestation leads to red bumps on the skin and intense itching.

Scabies are highly contagious and can spread when you have close contact with groups of people who are infected. Due to its contagious nature, washing your clothing and linens in hot water is crucial to prevent its spread.

The skin bumps associated with scabies can also affect the soles of your feet. Other commonly affected areas include the spaces between fingers, around the waist, and armpits.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a condition characterised by nerve dysfunction, and it can manifest in various parts of the body but frequently impacts the hands and feet.

In cases of neuropathy, the immune system may release cytokines that can irritate the nerves and lead to itching.

Common symptoms of neuropathy include:

• Numbness, itchiness, or tingling sensations in the soles of the feet.
  
  
• Sharp, jabbing, throbbing, or burning pain.
  
  
• Decreased coordination, which can result in falls.
  
  
• Increased sensitivity to touch.

Liver And Kidney Disease

Itchy soles can be indicative of primary biliary cirrhosis, which is a persistent liver condition. Those with chronic kidney disease may also encounter intensely itchy skin, along with various other symptoms.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that disrupts the body's ability to convert food into energy. Typically, it indicates elevated blood sugar levels, which can result in severe health complications.

One of the consequences of diabetes is diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage. Elevated blood sugar levels can harm nerves across the body, with diabetic neuropathy predominantly affecting nerves in the legs and feet. This can lead to sensations of tingling, itching, and numbness.

Additionally, diabetes-related poor circulation can also contribute to itchiness.

Key Point: Does Pregnancy Cause Itchy Feet?

Pregnancy can lead to itchy feet due to hormonal changes that can dry out the skin and cause swelling in the feet. These symptoms can result in discomfort and itchiness, and various treatments like topical creams and oral medications might be available to alleviate the discomfort.

In some cases, itchy palms and feet during pregnancy may be a sign of pruritus gravidarum, a condition characterised by intense itching that can occur in up to 20% of pregnancies.

Another potential cause of itchy feet during pregnancy is intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, which affects the release of bile from liver cells. This condition can cause bile to accumulate in the liver and flow into the bloodstream, leading to itchiness.

If you experience itchy feet during pregnancy, it's advisable to consult a doctor who may perform a blood test to check your liver enzymes. Elevated levels may necessitate early delivery to prevent complications.

How To Prevent Itchy Feet

Identifying and addressing the underlying cause is crucial to prevent itchy feet. Here are some helpful tips and foot care practices to reduce itching and prevent various causes:

• Wear waterproof shoes or flip-flops in shared shower facilities or at the gym to minimise the risk of fungal infections like athlete's foot.
  
  
• Practice good foot hygiene, which can reduce the likelihood of fungal infections. Clean your feet with mild soap and water, paying special attention to the areas between your toes.
  
  
• After showering, apply a soothing oil-based moisturiser or calamine lotion to your feet to keep the skin hydrated.
  
  
• Ensure your feet are completely dry before wearing socks or shoes to prevent moisture-related issues.
  
  
• Opt for moisture-wicking socks made from nylon or polyester, which help transfer sweat away from the skin.
  
  
• Consider wearing wool socks, particularly those made from Merino wool, as they absorb moisture, dry quickly, have natural antibacterial properties and can reduce foot odour.
  
  
• Choose well-ventilated shoes to minimise the risk of itchiness. Some materials like leather or rubber may exacerbate the problem.
  
  
• If you frequently experience athlete's foot, apply antifungal powder to your feet and inside your shoes as a preventive measure.
  
  
• You can use topical steroids or antihistamines to reduce discomfort in case of inflammation and itching. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using any medications.

Following these foot care measures and maintaining good hygiene practices can help prevent itchy feet and address potential causes effectively.

Key Point: Treating Hives, Scabies, And Neuropathy

Hives, generally not a cause for major concern, usually respond well to antihistamines as a treatment option. However, it is crucial to know that they can sometimes indicate a severe allergic reaction. If you are concurrently experiencing symptoms like swelling of the lips or tongue, breathing difficulties, or diarrhoea, seeking immediate medical attention is imperative.

Scabies necessitate treatment with antiparasitic medications like permethrin or ivermectin, complemented by topical steroids to relieve the associated itching.

Neuropathy can be managed effectively with topical pain relief medications such as capsaicin cream or lidocaine, which numb the affected nerves and reduce itchiness. Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe oral medications designed to alleviate nerve pain.

Home Remedies To Relieve Itchy Feet

For alleviating irritated skin and itchy feet, you can explore various home remedies:

• Soak your feet in cold water or an ice bath, or use apple cider vinegar.
  
  
• Create an oatmeal bath by adding 1 cup of ground oatmeal to warm bathwater.
  
  
• Keep your feet well-moisturised with a gentle, alcohol-free cream.
  
  
• If you have rashes, consider using topical steroids, or for athlete's foot, apply antifungal creams like Lamisil.
  
  
• For allergies, take antihistamines such as Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec.
  
  
• Apply a menthol-based cream like Sarna lotion multiple times a day.

Remember, it's crucial to resist the urge to scratch your itchy skin, as scratching not only exacerbates the itch but also increases the risk of infection.

How Are The Causes Of Itchy Feet Diagnosed?

Many individuals with mild foot itching don't require a doctor's visit. However, if your itching becomes severe or persists over time, it is advisable to seek medical advice to investigate potential underlying causes of your discomfort.

To reach a diagnosis, your healthcare provider will thoroughly examine your feet, checking for any signs of rashes or swelling. If there are unusual skin discolourations, the doctor may opt for a biopsy, skin scrape, or culture to further investigate. Additionally, you might be asked to provide a blood sample for additional testing.

When Should I See A Doctor For Itchy Feet?

There are instances when itchy skin might indicate a potentially serious underlying medical issue.

If you are dealing with persistent itching, an itchy rash or blisters, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to assess whether further medical intervention is necessary.

Consulting a doctor is recommended if:

• The itching is so severe that it disrupts your daily activities and interferes with sleep.
  
  
• Foot itching emerges during pregnancy.
  
  
• The itch persists for more than two weeks, even with over-the-counter treatments.
  
  
• OTC treatments fail to improve a rash on your feet.
  
  
• The itch extends to affect other areas of your body.

Mobi Doctor can provide valuable assistance in addressing medical concerns through convenient virtual consultations with healthcare professionals.