Scratching may give temporary relief. Unfortunately, though, it can lead to a bacterial infection—which also causes itching.
This article looks at the most common causes of itchy feet and how you can relieve the itch.
Low humidity Cold temperatures Weight-bearing stress Aging Nutritional deficiencies Harsh skin cleansers
Your feet don’t have any oil (sebaceous) glands. The skin is thicker than on other parts of your body as well.
When you add prolonged pressure and friction from standing or walking, the skin can get especially thick and hard.
What to do about it: Regular use of creams or lotions may prevent skin cracking and relieve itchiness.
An acute type of athlete’s foot causes a discolored, inflamed rash with blisters. Scratching can burst the blisters and cause more irritation.
What to do about it: Athlete’s foot is treated with anti-fungal medications and sometimes topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching.
The cause is unknown. Researchers think genetics and environmental factors both contribute.
Dyshidrotic eczema forms on the tips or sides of your toes and fingers. It’s intensely itchy. It also causes discolored scaly areas of cracked skin with tiny blisters.
Everyone has different triggers for eczema outbreaks. Typical triggers include:
Irritation from staying dampOverly dry skin from excess heat and low humidity
What to do about it: Eczema is treated with topical skin creams and ointments. They rehydrate skin, balance the skin’s pH (acidity), and protect skin from dryness and sweat.
Topical corticosteroids can help with inflammation.
Those irritants and allergens can include:
Glues or chemicals found in shoesAntibiotic ointments containing neomycinPoison ivyAdhesivesPerfumesChemicals in skin and nail products
Your healthcare provider can order a patch test to see what’s bothering your skin. Avoiding those substances is key to feeling better.
What to do about it: Contact dermatitis is treated with oral or topical corticosteroids and soothing topical products like calamine lotion.
Moisturizers, antifungals, or corticosteroids can help clear up many problems and stop your feet from itching.
A Word From Verywell
If you have itchy feet, you’re not sure why, and you don’t know what to do about it, see a healthcare provider. They can diagnose the problem and help you find the right solution.
Some skin problems can take a while to clear up, even with proper treatment. Stick with it so you can find relief and have healthy feet.
Athlete’s footEczemaContact dermatitisSunburnPsoriasisInsect bitesSkin conditions like epidermolysis bullosa (EB)
Washing your feet with mild soap and covering the blisters with a bandage or gauze can offer some relief. Long-term, effective treatment depends on getting an accurate diagnosis.
Leukemias and lymphomas (blood cancers)Skin cancerLiver cancerGallbladder cancerBile duct cancer
However, other causes of itching are much more common.
