Itchy feet can be a little irritation or a serious problem. An intermittent itch is usually not cause for concern. However, prolonged or severe itching of the feet may signal an underlying medical condition that necessitates treatment. This article delves into some of the most frequent reasons for itching feet, including signs to watch for, medical and home treatments, and methods to relieve itching feet.
What Causes Itchy Feet?
Itchy feet can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from simple skin disorders to significant medical diseases. Here are some of the most prevalent reasons why feet can become irritatingly itchy:
Athlete’s Foot: This fungal infection of the feet is quite common, particularly among active people who use public showers and locker rooms. The fungus causes a red, blistering rash on the foot, as well as cracked and scaly skin that is extremely itchy. It spreads easily in wet locations.
Eczema: Eczema, commonly known as dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that causes excessive dryness and itching. It can occur anywhere on the body, although it most commonly affects the hands, feet, inside of the elbows, and behind the knees. Eczema is not communicable; however, it is a chronic disorder that flares up and subsides.
Psoriasis: Psoriasis is an autoimmune illness that creates elevated, thick patches of skin with silvery scales. These scaly plaques most commonly appear on the scalp, knees, elbows, lower back, face, and feet. The plaques are typically itchy.
Bug Bites: Mosquitoes, fleas, and other biting insects can make your feet exceedingly itchy. The bites trigger the body to release inflammatory chemicals and histamines, resulting in stinging and swelling. Bites can also become red, irritating, and fluid-filled.
Dry Skin: Itchy feet are often caused by chronically dry, flaky skin. Diabetes, renal illness, and liver disease are examples of underlying medical disorders that can cause abnormally dry, itchy skin. Some people’s dry skin may simply be due to heredity.
Scabies: Severe itching is caused by an infestation of tiny mites that burrow into the skin’s outer layers. Scabies frequently afflict the hands, feet, head, neck, and trunk. Scabies most commonly form between the toes and soles in newborns and children, causing extreme itching, particularly at night.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis: This itchy rash on the foot results from an allergic reaction to something contacting the skin. Common allergies include dyes or textiles in socks and shoes, perfumes in lotions or soaps, and rubber or latex materials. The rash is frequently characterized by redness, swelling, pimples, and extreme itching.
Kidney illness: Advanced kidney illness can cause generalized itchy skin, particularly on the feet and hands. As kidney failure advances, toxins accumulate in the bloodstream and tissues, resulting in chronic itching.
Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland, can cause symptoms such as chronically dry, flaking, and itchy skin. Itching can occur all over the body without a rash and is caused by thyroid hormones acting on the skin.
Pregnancy: Some pregnant women experience a condition known as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, which causes intense whole-body itching. It is also known as pruritus gravidarum and typically affects the palms and soles of the feet. Although it is extremely unpleasant, it is not dangerous to the mother or baby.
Diabetes: Chronically elevated blood sugar levels can cause a variety of skin disorders. Diabetes often causes itching and dry skin on the feet. Poor circulation and nerve loss in the foot raise the possibility of bacterial infections, sores, and ulcers, all of which can cause itching.
Cancer: In rare situations, acute, inexplicable itching all over the body might be an early indicator of an internal disease such as leukemia or lymphoma. Itching can also occur as a side effect of certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy.
Symptoms of Itchy Feet
Itchy feet can produce one or more of the following symptoms:
- Strong need to scratch the skin
- Red lumps or rashes
- Blister like symptoms on skin blisters
- cracked, dry, or scaly patches on the feet
- swollen ankles
- Itching probably worsens at night
How to Stop Itchy Feet?
Doctors can cure itchy feet in a variety of ways, depending on the cause:
1. Antihistamine medications, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), might relieve itching but may cause drowsiness.
2. Antifungal sprays, powders, and lotions can effectively cure fungal athletes’s foot infections. Oral prescription antifungals are used to treat severe or recurring infections.
3. Topical steroid creams and ointments, such as hydrocortisone, can relieve inflammation and itching on afflicted skin.
- Emollient moisturizers, such as petroleum jelly, can moisturize dry skin and reduce irritation.
5. Certain medications, such as antidepressants and immunosuppressants, can alleviate chronic itching in cases where other treatments fail.
6. Identifying and eliminating triggers such as skin irritants, allergies, or dry skin conditions, might help prevent recurring symptoms.
Home Remedies
In addition to medical treatment, these home care measures can provide relief from itchy feet.
- Cold compresses, ice packs, and cool water soaks can relieve itchy skin. • Colloidal oatmeal baths can reduce inflammation and irritation.
- Use thick emollient lotions after bathing to moisturize dry skin.
- Natural products like menthol, camphor, or eucalyptus offer a cooling effect for itching skin.
- Avoid hot showers, strong soaps, and scratching, which can dry and harm skin.
Conclusion
To conclude further, itchy feet can be a result of any one of the conditions mentioned above. It is necessary to consult your doctor to understand the underlying cause of itchy feet. Taking care of your feet is extremely essential, and now it has become easy with Made with an Ayurvedic blend of potent ingredients, this foot care cream repairs cracked heels, soothes dryness and irritation, and moisturizes as well. Grab this product online from Healing Pharma Online & Amazon.in at a discounted price!
