Are your feet itchy all the time? Do not underestimate this, the body sends SOS

Itchy feet can be extremely bothersome, especially if the itching continues for a long time or is accompanied by other symptoms. There can be many reasons for this ailment, from problems with hyperhidrosis to serious systemic diseases. Find out what itchy feet may mean and when to seek help from a specialist.

While occasional itchy feet happens to literally everyone and is not a cause for concern, extremely severe or persistent itching may be a sign of health problems and require treatment. Itchy feet can have many causes, including: systemic medical conditions, dermatological problems, or exposure to skin irritants.

Diseases that cause itchy feet

Contrary to appearances, itchy feet does not have to be caused by lack of proper hygiene or dermatological problems. There are many internal diseases that can manifest themselves in this way. The most common causes of itchy feet include:

1. liver disease
2. cholestasis, i.e. reduced flow of bile forward through the bile tree,
3. tumor,
4. peripheral neuropathy, a condition common in diabetes mellitus
5. polycythemia (rubra vera), a disease in the blood system
6. kidney disease
7. thyroid disease
8. itching during pregnancy (may be associated with gestational cholestasis).

Further part below the video.

Itchy feet and skin diseases

The most obvious causes of itching of the feet are dermatological conditions, allergies and skin diseases. The most common causes include:

1. allergic contact dermatitis, caused e.g. by cosmetics or laundry detergents,
2. athlete’s foot (fungal infection), so-called athlete’s foot,
3. atopic dermatitis,
4. juvenile plantar dermatosis,
5. psoriasis
6. scars,
7. dry skin
8. parasitic infection caused, for example, by lice or scabies.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot (athlete’s foot) is a fungal skin infection that usually develops between the toes, although it can also affect other parts of the foot. The disease can cause burning and itching in the infected area. It most often develops in warm and humid places, which means that the environment of sports shoes creates ideal conditions for the growth of these organisms. The fungal overgrowth can cause mycosis of the skin. Fortunately, antifungal agents and drugs allow a very effective therapy.

Exposure to irritants

An irritant can be any substance that causes an allergic reaction on the skin. The most common are ingredients in cosmetics or detergents, but there are also substances that can cause unpleasant itching certain medications. The substances that can cause itching on the feet include: statins, ACE inhibitors, morphine, and drugs, such as opoids.

Itching of the feet – symptoms

Itchy feet is an extremely troublesome problem, but itching is often accompanied by other symptoms, most often in the form of skin changes and irritation. It is also possible the absence of other symptoms and physical changes on the surface of the skin.

Skin symptoms:

1. blisters
2. cracked skin, especially on the heels,
3. dry, scaly plaques on the skin,
4. rash,
5. reddening,
6. edema,
7. white spots on the skin.

Itchy feet – treatment

Seek medical attention if the itching of the feet persists despite basic skincare, if symptoms worsen or are accompanied by other disturbing skin changes. Always report itchy feet and skin to your gynecologist if you are pregnant. After a detailed interview and diagnosis, the doctor will prepare an appropriate treatment plan or refer you to a specialist.

Treatment of itchy feet depends on its cause. In the event of a dermatological reason, appropriate therapy will be implemented. It is also possible to use ad hoc measures to alleviate unpleasant ailments, i.e. topical antipruritic drugs (steroid creams and ointments, emollients or petroleum jelly).

Itchy feet due to a medical condition may be associated with an increase in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. For this reason, your doctor may prescribe a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), an antidepressant, to treat the itching.

How can I prevent itchy feet?

Good foot care habits can help reduce itching and prevent certain diseases, such as fungal infection. Remember to wear dry shoes, avoid walking barefoot in public places (e.g. swimming pool or gym), and take care of proper hygiene.

Good habits for healthy feet:

1. Do not wear shoes and socks until the feet are completely dry after bathing.
2. Regularly wash your feet with a mild soap, paying particular attention to the areas between the toes.
3. Keep the skin on your feet moisturized. Use foot cream regularly.
4. Wear cotton or wool socks. Avoid artificial fabrics that make your feet sweat excessively.
5. Wear shoes that are well ventilated so that the feet do not sweat.
6. If you experience regular episodes of athlete’s foot or spend many hours training, use anti-fungal treatments (creams, sprays, powders) before putting on socks or shoes.

At the same time, we encourage you to listen to the latest episode of the RESET podcast. This time we were talking about breathing. Breathe with your mouth or nose? How To Get Rid Of Bad Breathing Habits? What is breath re-reduction and how does it affect our mental and physical health? You will hear about this and many other aspects of breathing below.