Itchy Feet: Causes, Conditions, and Treatments

The contraction of a fungal infection can lead to itchy feet. Fungal spores are prevalent in the environment and we are usually able to inhale them without getting ill.

However, if a person has a weak immune system, they are more likely to become infected by the spores and this can result in serious illness and even death.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established that fungal disease results in more than 75,000 hospitalizations every year. In 2021, there were an estimated 7,199 deaths from fungal diseases.

When we walk barefoot, our feet are exposed to irritants such as fungus, bugs, and allergens, all of which may lead to itchiness. When our feet are enclosed in socks and shoes, they’re also subject to hours in a hot and potentially moist environment, and this can be a breeding ground for infection.

Common causes of itchy feet are contact dermatitis, fungal infections like athlete’s foot, or bug bites from scabies, mosquitos, or bed bugs. These conditions may also cause a scaly rash or blisters.

Certain medical conditions such as kidney or liver disease and diabetes can affect the nerves and make the feet feel itchy.

What are the Symptoms and Signs of Itchy Feet?

While having itchy feet is not usually a cause for concern, it can indicate an underlying skin condition or a deeper internal ailment. It’s important to understand what symptoms you should and should not be worried about.

Itchy feet will make you want to scratch, and people suffering from this condition describe the feeling as tickling, dryness, and the uncomfortable sensation of something crawling under the skin.

Constant scratching could result in changes to your skin, such as:

• Blisters
• Cracked, open areas
• Dry plaques—raised, red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead, scaly skin cells
• Itching
• Rash
• Redness
• Swelling
• White spots

It’s also possible for your feet to itch with no accompanying physical skin surface changes.

What Medical Conditions Can Cause Itchy Feet?

Itchy feet can be linked to serious health conditions such as kidney disease. If the kidneys are not functioning well and are not removing toxins from the body efficiently, it results in a buildup of waste and fluid. This leads to intense itchiness, notably in the legs and feet.

The following are some of the medical conditions that may result in itchy feet:

• Liver disease
• Cholestasis: a condition in which the flow of bile from the liver stops or slows down
• Cancer
• Peripheral neuropathy: a condition commonly associated with diabetes mellitus
• Polycythemia rubra vera
• Thyroid gland disease
• Pruritus gravidarum (generalized, severe itchiness in late pregnancy)

Causes of Itchy Feet

Having itchy feet is a common ailment that ranges from mildly irritating to severe. Common causes of itchy feet are contact dermatitis, fungal infections like athlete’s foot, scabies, or bug bites from mosquitos or bed bugs. These conditions may also cause a scaly rash or blisters.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot — which is also known as tinea pedis — is a common fungal infection that you can get from walking barefoot in public areas such as a locker room, the area around an indoor pool, and from using gym mats.

Athlete’s foot appears as a red, itchy rash on the feet or between the toes, and is accompanied by flaky or peeling skin on the feet.

Although it usually affects the sole of your feet, it can also occur on top of your feet, in between the toes, and even in the nails.

Eczema

Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis, is characterized by a red, itchy, scaly rash on your feet.

Although eczema is a common childhood skin condition, adults can get it too. In adults, eczema usually develops on the feet and hands, and is referred to as dyshidrotic dermatitis.

Eczema arises in people who lack particular molecules that keep the skin hydrated. Water escapes from the skin, resulting in itching and making your skin more vulnerable to irritants and allergens.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction to an irritant or allergen, and symptoms include a red, itchy rash, scaly skin, bumps, and blisters. These symptoms are accompanied by swelling, burning, and tenderness. There are two types: irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.

Dry skin

If you have itchy hands and feet, and red or flaky skin, you could be suffering from dry skin, which can feel both scaly and itchy. Itchy hands and feet at night can also be a symptom of naturally-occurring estrogen fluctuations due to menopause.

Psoriasis

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's natural defense system can't distinguish between your own cells and foreign cells, causing the body to mistakenly attack normal cells.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that can affect any area of the skin, including the soles of your feet. When psoriasis affects the feet, it can also develop on the palms of your hands. This is called palmoplantar psoriasis.

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

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

Hives

Hives, or urticaria, are itchy swellings on the skin. They can be caused by a particular kind of food, medication, viral infection, or autoimmune disease, but there is often no obvious reason.

Hives can occur on any part of the skin — including the soles of the feet — with symptoms such as itchy skin, a pink or red skin rash, welts, and a burning or stinging sensation.

Scabies

Although scabies occurs worldwide it is prevalent in tropical countries, particularly in areas where there is a high population density. In resource-poor areas, approximately 10% of children are affected by scabies.

Scabies occurs when an infestation of tiny mites burrows into the skin. This results in red bumps and severe itchiness.

Scabies is contagious and is spread when you come into close contact with groups of infected people. Because it is so contagious, it’s important to wash your clothing and linens in hot water.

The bumps that appear on the skin can also include the soles of your feet. Other areas that are commonly infected include those between the fingers, around the waist, and in the armpits.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a dysfunction of the nerves. It can occur anywhere in your body, but it often affects the hands and feet.

When you have neuropathy, your immune system releases substances (cytokines) that can irritate the nerves and cause itching.

Symptoms include:

• Numbness, itchiness, or tingling in the soles of the feet
• A sharp, jabbing, throbbing, or burning pain
• Falling due to decreased coordination
• Sensitivity to touch

Liver and kidney disease

Itchy soles are a symptom of primary biliary cirrhosis, a long-term liver disease. If you have chronic kidney disease, you may experience extremely itchy skin, among other symptoms.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a long-term condition that affects how the body changes food into energy. It is usually a sign that a person’s blood sugar levels are too high, which can lead to serious health problems.

Diabetes can cause diabetic neuropathy — a form of nerve damage. High blood sugar levels can harm nerves throughout the body. Diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in the legs and feet, which can lead to tingling, itchiness, and numbness.

Poor circulation resulting from diabetes can also cause itchiness.

How to Prevent Itchy Feet

In order to prevent itchy feet, the cause of the problem must be identified and addressed. You may find it helpful to always wear waterproof shoes or flip-flops in shared shower facilities or at the gym.

Good foot care habits can help reduce itchy feet and prevent some causes, such as fungal infection.

Since fungi can survive in shoes and socks, it’s important to wash your socks in hot water. Wearing protective shoes in public showers or public pool areas will also help to keep athlete’s foot at bay.

You can also practice these foot care measures:

• Cleaning your feet with mild soap and water, paying careful attention to the areas between your toes.
• Applying a soothing oil-based moisturizer or calamine lotion to your feet after you shower.
• Ensuring that your feet are totally dry before putting socks or shoes on.
• Wearing moisture-wicking socks that are made from fabrics such as nylon or polyester which transfer sweat away from the skin.
• Wearing wool socks that absorb moisture. Merino wool socks dry quickly, have a natural antibacterial, and help to reduce foot odor.
• Wearing well-ventilated shoes. Certain shoe materials such as leather or rubber can worsen the itchiness.
• Applying antifungal powder to your feet and inside your shoes if you experience regular episodes of athlete’s foot.
• Rubbing on a topical steroid or an antihistamine to decrease inflammation and itching.

Home Remedies to Relieve Itchy Feet

If you want to find relief for your irritated skin, there are plenty of home remedies for itchy feet, such as:

• Soaking your feet in cold water or an ice bath, or in apple cider vinegar.
• Making an oatmeal bath by adding 1 cup of ground oatmeal into warm bath water.
• Regularly moisturizing your feet with a gentle, alcohol-free cream.
• Using topical steroids for rashes or applying antifungal creams (Lamisil) for athlete’s foot.
• Taking antihistamines such as Benadryl, Claritin, and Zyrtec for allergies.
• Applying a menthol-based cream like Sarna lotion several times a day.
• Avoid scratching as far as possible because not only does it make the itch worse, it also increases the likelihood of infection.

How are the Causes of Itchy Feet Diagnosed?

Most people who experience mildly itchy feet do not have to see the doctor.

If your itching is severe or persistent, however, you should consult your doctor to determine if there are any underlying conditions that might be causing your discomfort.

To make a diagnosis your doctor will examine your feet for any rashes or swelling. If you have unusually-colored skin, the doctor may perform a biopsy or skin scrape, or collect a culture. You may also be required to provide a blood sample for further testing.

When Should I See a Doctor for Itchy Feet?

There are times when itchy skin may be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical condition.

If you are experiencing a persistent itch, or if you develop an itchy rash or blisters, you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider to see if you need further medical treatment.

You should see a doctor if:

• The itching is severe enough to distract you during the day and keep you up at night.
• The foot itching occurs during pregnancy.
• The itching lasts longer than 2 weeks despite OTC (over-the-counter) treatments.
• A rash on your feet isn’t getting better with OTC treatment.
• The itch affects other areas of your body.

Where Can I Learn More About Itchy Feet?

If you are experiencing some of the symptoms in this article or are concerned about your persistent itchy feet, you can talk to a board-certified doctor or nurse practitioner from your home using your smartphone, computer, or tablet. Head over to LifeMD to make a video appointment.