Why are my feet itchy?

Our Tarrant County Podiatrists Share Ways to Treat the Top 10 Causes of Itchy Feet 

You may wonder why your feet feel itchy and irritated. Itchy feet can be caused by a variety of different factors, ranging from minor injuries, such as an insect bite or sting, to any number of medical conditions. The experienced podiatrists at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists understand that the problem of itchy feet can be distracting and problematic. They know that because your feet tend to be placed in sweaty situations, they’re particularly vulnerable to moisture, dry skin, and irritants. Here, Dr. Richard Nichols and Dr. Joseph Harvey discuss the top 10 causes of itchy feet and how they can help treat them. 

Common Causes of Itchy Feet: What You Need to Know

Pruritus is the medical term for that itchy feeling that makes you want to scratch. That irritating sensation can occur anywhere on your skin, especially your feet. There are many possible causes for this annoying and uncomfortable sensation, including the following:

Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that commonly affects the skin of the feet and thrives in warm, moist conditions. In addition to itching, symptoms of athlete’s foot may include a burning sensation or red, scaly, flaking, or cracked skin between the toes or on the soles of the feet. Treatment may involve topical antifungal creams, powders, or prescription medications.

Eczema

Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can affect many parts of the body, including the feet. This condition often causes itching and redness. Common eczema symptoms include dry, itchy patches of skin that can blister and ooze. This condition is often treated with topical corticosteroids and moisturizers, and you need to be careful to avoid contact with substances that trigger outbreaks.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis occurs when a person has an allergic reaction to substances that come into contact with the skin. It can be triggered by soaps, lotions, or materials in shoes. A red, itchy rash is a common symptom of contact dermatitis. This rash is sometimes accompanied by blisters. Treatment usually involves topical steroids, antihistamines, and identifying and avoiding the irritant.

Diabetic Neuropathy

The term diabetic neuropathy is used to describe nerve damage from diabetes. This condition can cause a person’s feet to itch and tingle. Additional symptoms of diabetic neuropathy may include numbness and burning sensations in the feet. Treating itching caused by this condition typically involves medication for nerve pain, diligent foot care to prevent complications, and blood sugar management through medication and/or lifestyle adjustments.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulatory problem in which patients experience poor circulation to their extremities, often due to narrowed blood vessels. This condition, which is common in people who smoke or who have diabetes or high blood pressure, often causes itchy, dry, and discolored skin. In severe cases, PAD can lead to the development of foot ulcers. Treatment requires improving underlying medical conditions and improving blood circulation.

Dry Skin

Dry skin, also referred to as xerosis, is a common cause of itchy feet. Dry skin often occurs in people who have diabetes or PAD, but it can also result from environmental factors, such as cold weather or excessive washing. The signs of dry skin include itching, flaking, and peeling. It is usually treated by moisturizers and by reducing exposure to drying elements. It’s also important to treat any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to dry skin.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that accelerates the production of skin cells, leading to the development of thick, scaly patches. It can appear anywhere on the body, including the feet, where it can cause the skin to itch, become painful, thicken, redden, and become scaly. Both systemic medications and topical treatments can be used to provide relief from psoriasis.

Chilblains

Chilblains are itchy, swollen areas that develop on the skin when blood vessels become inflamed and constrict as a result of exposure to cold, resulting in reduced blood flow to the affected area. Chilblains often develop on the toes but can also occur on other parts of the body. In addition to itching, symptoms of chilblains include swelling and redness or purple coloration, especially after coming indoors from the cold. Keeping the feet warm and avoiding cold exposure can help prevent and improve this condition. Medication to improve circulation is sometimes needed.

Scabies

Scabies is a skin infestation caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. Scabies can affect many parts of the body, including the soles of the feet. This condition is characterized by intense itching, especially at night, and a pimple-like rash. Prescription scabicide creams are ordinarily prescribed to treat this cause of itching.

Insect Bites or Stings

Bites or stings from insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or bedbugs can cause localized itching on the feet or any other affected area. Symptoms typically include swelling and redness. The itching may be constant or intermittent, depending on the type of insect that bit or stung you. Treatments for insect bites or stings usually include topical antihistamines and/or soothing creams. Corticosteroids may also be necessary to provide relief.

How a Podiatrist Can Help With Your Itchy Feet

Because foot itching can be caused by a variety of factors, it can be tough to know how to best treat the discomfort you are experiencing. A treatment that works for one condition isn’t likely to work for itching brought on by a different cause, and many treatments must be administered or prescribed by a doctor. Working with a podiatrist is a great way to get help finding relief for your itching feet.

After conducting a thorough examination and considering your medical history and environmental exposures, your podiatrist can diagnose the cause of itchy feet and develop a treatment plan to target your discomfort at its source, helping to provide relief for the symptoms you are experiencing and help prevent further complications.