Itchy Feet: All the Symptoms
Itchy feet are quite unpleasant and can show up in various ways:
- Itching sensations, day and night;
- Very dry skin that cracks in places;
- Blisters and sores in places, caused by lesions or skin conditions such as eczema;
- Burning sensations;
- Redness and a swollen foot if you scratch frequently.
Once these signs have been identified, it's important to understand the cause in order to find a suitable solution and look after your feet.
Why Are Your Feet Itching?
Eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, allergic reactions... There are various causes responsible for itchy feet.
Skin Conditions That Cause Itchy Feet
Skin conditions can be behind your itching.
Among the most common is eczema, characterised by dry, red skin with small blisters. It generally appears on the sides and soles of the feet. Psoriasis is another fairly common condition, similar to eczema, with flaking skin.
You may also be suffering from scabies, a contagious parasitic condition causing intense itching, especially at night.
Fungal infections such as athlete's foot can also cause itching, especially between the toes. They are frequently picked up in damp places where people walk barefoot, such as public swimming pools.
Dry Skin, a Common Cause of Itching
Dry skin can also cause itchy feet. This is generally due to age, with older people more often having dry or dehydrated skin, as well as climate and regular exposure to water. It is then essential to intensely moisturise and nourish the skin with suitable products.
Other Causes
Various other factors can explain itching, such as:
- Allergic reactions;
- Diabetes, sometimes leading to diabetic neuropathy, which causes itching and tingling sensations;
- Severe burns;
- Cholestasis during pregnancy, a liver condition that causes intense itching, particularly at night;
- Insect bites;
Liver or kidney disorders leading to a build-up of toxins and therefore generalised itching.
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How Can You Soothe Itchy Feet?
If your itching is due to dry skin, with no underlying condition, start by using a gentle soap to wash your feet and moisturise them regularly with a nourishing treatment.
If you tend to sweat a lot, use a rebalancing treatment to reduce perspiration and odours.
Also pay attention to your daily habits to prevent itching from appearing:
- Wash your feet every day and dry them properly, taking care between the toes;
- Wear clean, dry socks and change them every day, especially after physical activity;
- Avoid any contact with allergens or irritant products (certain detergents or synthetic materials, for example);
- Wear shoes that let your feet breathe, ideally made of leather or canvas, and avoid walking barefoot in public places (swimming pools, communal showers, etc.).
If itching persists or unusual redness appears, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause.
Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or allergic reactions require an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This is why it's essential to seek advice if the signs persist, worsen, or are accompanied by visible lesions. Medical advice helps avoid unsuitable self-medication and enables effective action.
