Itchy Feet: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Home Remedies

Itchy feet can range from a minor annoyance to an extremely bothersome condition. An itch that comes and goes is usually nothing to worry about. However, chronic or severe itching of the feet may indicate an underlying medical issue that requires treatment. This article explores some of the common causes of itchy feet, symptoms to look out for, medical and home treatments, and remedies to relieve itchy feet.

What Causes Itchy Feet?

Itchy feet can have many different causes, from minor skin conditions to more serious medical diseases. Here are some of the most common reasons feet might become irritatingly itchy:

• Athlete's Foot: This fungal infection on the feet is very common, especially among active people using public showers and locker rooms. The fungus causes a red, blistering rash on the feet along with cracked and scaly skin that itches intensely. It spreads easily in damp areas.
• Eczema: Eczema, also called dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that makes the skin extremely dry and itchy. It can occur all over the body but frequently affects the hands, feet, inside of elbows, and behind the knees. Eczema is not contagious but is a persistent condition that flares up and subsides.
• Psoriasis: An autoimmune disorder that accelerates skin cell growth, psoriasis causes raised thick patches of skin covered in silvery scales. These scaly plaques most often occur on the scalp, knees, elbows, lower back, face, and feet. The plaques are usually itchy.
• Bug Bites: Mosquitoes, fleas, and other biting insects can cause very itchy feet. The bites cause the body to release inflammatory chemicals and histamine, leading to itching and swelling. Bites may also become red, irritated, and fluid-filled.
• Dry Skin: Chronically dry, flaky skin on the feet is a common cause of itchiness. Underlying medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease can all contribute to excessively dry skin that feels itchy. For some people, dry skin may simply result from genetics.
• Scabies: An infestation of microscopic mites that burrow into the outer layers of the skin produces severe itching in those affected. Scabies often affect the hands and feet along with the head, neck, and trunk. In infants and children, scabies frequently appear between the toes and soles, where itching is intense, especially at night.
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: This itchy rash on the feet is caused by an allergic reaction to something touching the skin. Common allergens include dyes or fabrics in socks and shoes, fragrances in lotions or soaps, and rubber or latex materials. The rash usually includes redness, swelling, bumps, and severe itching.
• Kidney Disease: Advanced kidney disease can lead to generalised itchy skin, including on the feet and hands. As kidney failure progresses, it allows toxins to build up in the bloodstream and tissues, causing chronic itching.
• Thyroid Problems: Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland, can manifest with symptoms like chronically dry, flaky, itchy skin. The itching may occur all over without any accompanying rash and is related to the effects of thyroid hormones on the skin.
• Pregnancy: Some pregnant women develop a condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, which causes severe full-body itching. Also called pruritus gravidarum, it most often affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Though very uncomfortable, it is not harmful to the mother or baby.
• Diabetes: Chronically high blood sugar levels can lead to several skin-related problems. Itchiness and dry skin on the feet are common with diabetes. Poor circulation and nerve damage in the feet increase the risk of bacterial infections, sores, and ulcers - all of which can cause itching.
• Cancer: In rare cases, severe unexplained itching all over the body can be an early sign of an internal cancer like leukaemia or lymphoma. Itching can also result from certain cancer treatments, such as medication side effects of chemotherapy.

Symptoms of Itchy Feet

Itchy feet may cause some or all of these symptoms:

• Strong urge to scratch the skin
• Red bumps or rash
• Skin blisters
• Cracked, dry or scaly areas on feet
• Swelling around ankles
• Visible irritation and redness
• No visible changes to skin
• Itching worsening at night

How to Stop Itchy Feet?

Depending on the cause, doctors have many options for treating itchy feet:

• Antihistamine tablets like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can provide relief from itching, but may cause unwanted side effects like drowsiness.
• Antifungal sprays, powders and medicated creams applied to the feet treat fungal athlete's foot infections. Oral prescription antifungals are used for severe or recurrent cases.
• Hydrocortisone and other topical steroid creams and ointments reduce inflammation and itching when applied to affected skin.
• Emollient moisturisers like petroleum jelly help hydrate excessively dry skin that is prone to itching.
• Medications like antidepressants and immunosuppressants can help chronic itching in some individuals when other treatments fail.
• Identifying and avoiding triggers like skin irritants, allergens, or conditions causing dry skin may be helpful to prevent recurrence.

Home Remedies

Along with medical treatment, these home care tips can provide comfort from itchy feet:

• Cold compresses, ice packs, and cool water soaks can instantly soothe itchy skin.
• Colloidal oatmeal baths are commonly used to reduce skin inflammation and itchiness.
• Applying thick emollient moisturising creams right after bathing helps hydrate dry skin.
• Natural products containing menthol, camphor or eucalyptus provide a cooling sensation on itchy skin.
• Avoid excessive hot showers or baths, harsh soaps, and scratching, which further dries and damages skin.

Conclusion

In summary, itchy feet can result from many dermatological causes like fungal infections, dry skin, allergies, and autoimmune conditions. It can also indicate internal diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid imbalance, or rarely cancer. 

While occasional mild itching may be normal, chronic or severe itching warrants medical evaluation. A variety of proven treatments like antifungals, steroid creams, moisturizers, and anti-itch medicines are available for relief. Identifying and avoiding triggers can prevent recurrences of itchy feet.