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Itchy feet can be caused by infections, skin irritations, and blood vessel disorders. Diagnosis is aided by accompanying symptoms. Treatments vary depending on the underlying cause, and may include topical creams, foot slapping, and medication.
Itchy feet can be associated with infections, skin irritations, and skin and blood vessel disorders. As a diagnostic clue by itself, itching isn’t very helpful, but it is often accompanied by redness, sores, and other signs that can be helpful in finding a diagnosis. A general practitioner is usually the first stop for someone with itchy feet, and if a referral to a specialist such as a podiatrist or dermatologist is needed, it can be provided after an initial assessment of the patient.
Foot infections can include fungal infections, with athlete’s foot being the most common, along with bacterial and parasitic infections. In a condition called pitted keratolysis, bacteria infect the skin and a strong odor usually develops. Cellulite is another potential cause. People who go barefoot outdoors can get scabies, as well as worm and flea infections known to get into their feet. Those who have itchy feet due to an infection will usually notice redness, swelling, a foul odor, and pitting or cracking in their feet.
In the phenomenon called sweaty sock syndrome, young people, usually children, develop itchy areas of redness and irritation on the soles of their feet for unknown reasons. Itchy feet can also be caused by dermatitis and psoriasis. These conditions can cause redness, blisters, and bumps, along with itching. Sometimes they are painful, especially if left untreated for a long time.
In a condition called acroangiodermatitis, the blood vessels inside the feet grow excessively, cutting off the blood supply to the feet and causing itchiness. Another potential cause of itchy feet is nerve damage, also known as peripheral neuropathy. When the nerves in the feet are injured, strange sensational signals can be sent to the brain, and some people feel itchy feet even though there is no physiological cause.
Treatments for itchy feet vary depending on the underlying cause. Treating the source of the itch should help resolve the issue. If the itching is unbearable, some patients find foot slapping helpful, which relieves the itching without damaging the skin as repeated scratching does. Topical creams can help too; sometimes reliving the dryness with a moisturizer, for example, will significantly reduce the itching. Keeping your feet clean and dry is also usually helpful. Doctors may prescribe medications for some patients, especially if the itching seems to cut off sleep or cause extreme discomfort.
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