Itchy feet are often brought on by dry, irritated skin.
Yet many skin conditions, such as a fungal infection oreczema, also can lead to itchy feet.
Scratching may give temporary relief.
Illustration by Daniel Fishel for Verywell Health
They include:
You may also notice that your feet become drier as you age.
Your feet don’t have anysebaceousglands, which produce oil to keep skin moisturized.
The skin is thicker than on other parts of your body as well.
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What to do about it: Regular use of creams orlotionsmay prevent skin cracking and relieve itchiness.
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It causes an itchy, discolored, scaly rash.
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It can be all over your feet or just between your toes.
An acute key in of athlete’s foot causes a discolored, inflamed rash with blisters.
Scratching can burst the blisters and cause more irritation.
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What to do about it: Athlete’s foot is treated withanti-fungal medicationsand sometimestopicalcorticosteroidsto reduce inflammation and itching.
They all cause discolored scaly patches that itch a lot.
The cause is unknown.
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Researchers think genetics and environmental factors both contribute.
Eczema on the feet, toes, and fingers is calleddyshidroticeczema.
It’s intensely itchy.
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It also causes discolored scaly areas of cracked skin with tiny blisters.
Everyone has different triggers for eczema outbreaks.
Light-skinned people will likely have red or pink discoloration.
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Dark-skinned people may have darker or purplish patches.
What to do about it: Eczema is treated with topical skin creams and ointments.
Topical corticosteroids can help with inflammation.
It can appear anywhere on the body, including the feet.
When you have psoriasis, your immune system mistakenly attacks your skin cells.
The scales and rash occur as your body overproduces skin cells as a result of this immune response.
Active ingredients in these products may include retinoids, salicylic acid, and/or corticosteroids.
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Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitisis a discolored, itchy, often blistering rash.
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Scabies
Scabiesis because of tiny mites that burrow into the skin.
What to do about it:Scabies is treated with topical creams that contain mite-killing insecticides.
The first line of treatment is usually a 5% permethrin cream.
If permethrin isn’t effective, your healthcare provider may prescribe a .5% malathion lotion or oral ivermectin.
It can also cause itching elsewhere, such as the palms or even all over the body.
What to do about it:Avoid scratching, since this can cause irritation.
Excess scratching may even break the skin and lead to infection.
Using a humidifier in your home might also help.
Over-the-counter topical creams that contain corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors can help ease itching.
Some people with liver-related itching are diagnosed with a hereditary condition calledAlagille syndrome.
Symptoms includecholestatic pruritis(severe itching).
Treatment includes Livmarli (maralixibat), approved for this use by the Food and Drug Administration in 2021.
Obstetric Cholestasis
Obstetric cholestasisis a punch in of liver disease that occurs only during pregnancy.
It causes itching that’s typically worse on the palms of hands and soles of feet.
Cholestasis usually resolves by itself after pregnancy and causes no lasting complications to the parent.
Pruritus Gravidarum
Anotherpregnancy-related condition that can lead to itchy feet is calledpruritis gravidarum.
In some cases, it is associated with cholestasis, but it also can occur separately.
What to do about it:Skin lotions and steroid creams can help.
Some people also are treated with soothing baths, phototherapy, and other interventions.
Some people also find Botox injections to be helpful.
Diabetes and Itchy Feet
Diabetes can cause itching, including itchy feet.
It may signal that you’re at risk for nerve damage.
If you have diabetes and develop a persistent itch, talk to your healthcare provider.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease causes a build-up of waste products in the blood.
This can lead to itchy skin rashes.
Topical creams may also help.
If not, ask your healthcare provider about medication such as Gralise (gabapentin).
Additionally, chronic kidney disease can cause thyroid andparathyroidchanges that contribute to itching problems.
What to do about it:Some experts recommend thyroid function tests when diagnosing symptoms of itching.
Treating any underlying condition affecting the thyroid can improve symptoms.
Talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options for thyroid-related pruritis.
Cancer
Cancer can be a reason for pruritis, including itchy feet.
Cancer treatments also can make the skin itch.However, other causes of itching are much more common.
Pat but don’t rub your skin dry.
Keep rooms cool, wear loose-fitting clothes, and stay hydrated to avoid itching.
Talk to your cancer care team, because there are over-the-counter and prescription drugs that can help.
Summary
Itchy feet can come from several causes.
Sometimes your skin is just dry.
Other times, you may have a condition like athlete’s foot, eczema, or contact dermatitis.
Moisturizers, antifungals, or corticosteroids can help clear up many problems and stop your feet from itching.
Check with your healthcare provider if your foot itching persists or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatment.
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