Unraveling 9 Causes of Itchy Feet

That relentless urge to scratch your feet can be incredibly annoying. However, persistent or severe itching can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, ranging from simple skin dryness to more complex health issues. In this blog post, we at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group will highlight the common culprits behind the itch so that you can find relief as soon as possible.

Common Causes of Itchy Feet

Athlete’s Foot

This fungal infection thrives in warm, damp environments and typically manifests with itching, redness, scaling, and peeling, most commonly between the toes or on the soles (and please note that athlete’s foot is very contagious, especially in locker rooms).

Dry Skin

Even in the warmer months, a lack of moisture can lead to skin that feels tight and itchy and may even appear flaky or cracked.

Contact dermatitis

If your skin reacts to something it has touched, such as certain shoe materials, socks, detergents, or even ingredients in lotions and creams, it can cause an itch that usually presents as a rash or redness in the contact area.

Foot Itching and Systemic Disease

Sometimes, itchy feet can be a subtle indicator of a more systemic health problem, like:

Eczema

This chronic inflammatory skin condition can cause intensely itchy, red, and scaly patches on the feet.

Psoriasis

This autoimmune condition can also lead to red, itchy, scaly patches on the foot.

Diabetes

Beyond skin-specific conditions, metabolic disorders like diabetes can cause itching from the nerve damage and peripheral neuropathy associated with it. To accompany the tingling sensations from this, the poor circulation due to diabetes can make the skin dry and prone to itching.

Kidney and Liver Disease

Impaired organ functions, such as kidney disease or liver disease, can also cause widespread itching due to the buildup of toxins or bile salts in the bloodstream.

Factors to Consider for Foot Itchiness

Beyond common skin conditions and systemic diseases, several other factors can trigger persistent itching in your feet.

One such category is generalized allergies, extending beyond just contact dermatitis. When your body encounters an allergen (like pollen, dust mites, or certain foods) that you’re sensitive to, it can release histamines throughout your system and cause widespread itching even without direct skin contact.

Bites from insects such as mosquitoes and bed bugs are also a straightforward cause of localized and often intensely itchy welts on the feet. However, if you or your child has been bitten by a tick, you may feel itchiness with a bullseye-like patch around the bite.

If you’re worried about your foot pain, come see the expert team at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.