Scratching may give temporary relief. Unfortunately, it can also lead to abacterial infection, which causes more itching.Treatment for itchy feet will depend on the cause, with simple remedies like skin lotions that bring relief in some cases and prescription medications needed in others.
Dry Skin
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. 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 orlotionsmay prevent skin cracking and relieve itchiness.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoArveBettum / Getty Images
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
ArveBettum / Getty Images
Fungal Infections
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)is a common, highly contagious fungal infection. It causes an itchy, discolored, scaly rash. It can be all over your feet or just between your toes.
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 withanti-fungal medicationsand sometimestopicalcorticosteroidsto reduce inflammation and itching.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photoburakkarademir / Getty Images
burakkarademir / Getty Images
Eczema
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that involve skin inflammation. They all cause discolored scaly patches that itch a lot.
The cause is unknown. Researchers think genetics and environmental factors both contribute.
Eczema on the feet, toes, and fingers is calleddyshidroticeczema. 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:
Skin Discoloration From EczemaConditions that cause skin discoloration, such as eczema, look different on different skin tones. Light-skinned people will likely have red or pink discoloration. Dark-skinned people may have darker or purplish patches.
Skin Discoloration From Eczema
Conditions that cause skin discoloration, such as eczema, look different on different skin tones. Light-skinned people will likely have red or pink discoloration. Dark-skinned people may have darker or purplish patches.
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.
Iuliia Mikhalitskaia / Getty Images
Psoriasis
Psoriasisis an autoimmune condition that causes scaly, dry skin that can be very itchy. 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.
What to do about it: Psoriasis can’t be cured, but treatment with creams and lotions may reduce symptoms. Active ingredients in these products may include retinoids, salicylic acid, and/or corticosteroids. Some are available over-the-counter (OTC), but talk to your healthcare provider about prescription medications if OTC options aren’t helpful.
Siarhei SHUNTSIKAU / Getty Images
Contact Dermatitis
Those irritants and allergens can include:
Your healthcare provider can order apatch testto 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.
PansLaos / Getty Images
Scabies
Scabies causes an extremely itchy rash that can look like small red blotches or bumps and thin, wavy lines.
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.
airdone / Getty Images
Liver Disease
Chronic liver disease can cause localized itching on the soles of the feet. 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.
Over-the-counter topical creams that contain corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors can help ease itching. If your itching is severe and doesn’t improve after trying OTC medication, ask your healthcare provider about oral medication such as Prevalite (cholestyramine) or Rifadin (rifampicin).
Obstetric Cholestasis
Obstetric cholestasisis a type of liver disease that occurs only during pregnancy. It causes itching that’s typically worse on the palms of hands and soles of feet.
What to do about it:There are no known treatments for obstetric cholestasis, although skin lotions and antihistamines are sometimes used with mixed results.Ursodeoxycholic acid, a treatment used for other gallbladder and liver conditions, is sometimes used.
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.
There’s some evidence that the condition occurs more often during first pregnancies, though further research is needed to better understand the condition.
What to do about it:Skin lotions and steroid creams can help. Some people also are treated with soothing baths, phototherapy, and other interventions.
Neuropathy
What to do about it:Because a neuropathic itch isn’t a skin problem, topical creams and other anti-itch medications won’t help.
Talk to your healthcare provider about medication that may help improve your symptoms, such as Neurontin (gabapentin) or certain antidepressants. Some people also find Botox injections to be helpful.
Diabetes and Itchy FeetDiabetes 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.
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. This type of itching is known asuremic pruritusand commonly affects the soles of the feet.It can also occur on your palms.
What to do about it:The most effective way to treat itching related to kidney disease is to make sure the kidney disease itself is treated. It’s also important to avoid scratching and stay away from potential triggers such as heat and harsh soaps and cleansers.
Topical creams may also help. If not, ask your healthcare provider about medication such as Gralise (gabapentin).
Thyroid Conditions
Hyperthyroidism(overactive thyroid) has been associated with itching.Hypothyroidism(low thyroid function) is associated with dry skin and can lead to itchy feet. 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. Types of cancer most likely to make you itch include:
Polycythemia rubra vera, a type of blood cancer, can cause pruritis. Cancer treatments also can make the skin itch.However, other causes of itching are much more common.
What to do about it:Strategies to relieve cancer-related itching can include baking soda or oatmeal baths in warm (but not hot) water. 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.
20 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wang X, Shi XD, Li LF, Zhou P, Shen YW.Classification and possible bacterial infection in outpatients with eczema and dermatitis in China: A cross-sectional and multicenter study.Medicine (Baltimore).2017;96(35):e7955. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000007955Amin R, Lechner A, Vogt A, Blume-Peytavi U, Kottner J.Molecular characterization of xerosis cutis: A systematic review.PLoS One. 2021 Dec 16;16(12):e0261253. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0261253American Podiatric Medical Association.Athlete’s foot.National Eczema Association.An overview of the different types of eczema.Parker J, Scharfbillig R, Jones S.Moisturisers for the treatment of foot xerosis: a systematic review.J Foot Ankle Res.2017;10:9. doi:10.1186/s13047-017-0190-9Merola JF, Qureshi A, Husni ME.Underdiagnosed and undertreated psoriasis: Nuances of treating psoriasis affecting the scalp, face, intertriginous areas, genitals, hands, feet, and nails.Dermatol Ther. 2018 May;31(3):e12589. doi:10.1111/dth.12589Uter W, Werfel T, White IR, Johansen JD.Contact allergy: A review of current problems from a clinical perspective.Int J Environ Res Public Health.2018;15(6):1108. doi:10.3390/ijerph15061108Izri A, Akhoundi M.An atypical presentation of scabies.Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2021 Sep 27;105(6):1442. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.21-0714Nietsche TR, Dotta G, Barcaui CB, Ferraz MLCG.Cholestatic pruritus: a knowledge update.An Bras Dermatol. 2022 May-Jun;97(3):332-337. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2021.06.007Ayoub MD, Bakhsh AA, Vandriel SM, Keitel V, Kamath BM.Management of adults with Alagille syndrome.Hepatol Int. 2023 Oct;17(5):1098-1112. doi:10.1007/s12072-023-10578-xYang JJ, Sarofim M.Obstetric cholestasis: A case report on rapid bile acid elevation.Case Rep Womens Health. 2023 Jun 8;38:e00519. doi:10.1016/j.crwh.2023.e00519Govrin-Yehudain Y, Wainstock T, Sheiner E, Horev A, Krieger Y.Maternal pruritus gravidarum and its long-term effect on dermatological morbidity in the offspring.J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2023 Dec;36(2):2241103. doi:10.1080/14767058.2023.2241103Rudder M, Lefkowitz EG, Ruhama T, Firoz E.A review of pruritus in pregnancy.Obstet Med. 2021 Dec;14(4):204-210. doi:10.1177/1753495X20985366Meixiong J, Dong X, Weng HJ.Neuropathic itch.Cells.2020 Oct 9;9(10):2263. doi:10.3390/cells9102263Dekhne A, Goklani HD, Doshi N, Baskara Salian R, Gandhi SK, Patel P.Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain: A Literature Review.Cureus. 2023 Oct 11;15(10):e46848. doi:10.7759/cureus.46848Verduzco HA, Shirazian S.CKD-associated pruritus: New insights into diagnosis, pathogenesis, and management.Kidney Int Rep. 2020 May 8;5(9):1387-1402. doi:10.1016/j.ekir.2020.04.027Hercz D, Jiang SH, Webster AC.Interventions for itch in people with advanced chronic kidney disease.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Dec 7;12(12):CD011393. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011393.pub2Roh YS, Choi J, Sutaria N, Kwatra SG.Itch: Epidemiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic workup.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022 Jan;86(1):1-14. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2021.07.076Larson VA, Tang O, Ständer S, Kang S, Kwatra SG.Association between itch and cancer in 16,925 patients with pruritus: Experience at a tertiary care center.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.2019. 80(4):931-937. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2018.08.044American Cancer Society.Itching.
20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wang X, Shi XD, Li LF, Zhou P, Shen YW.Classification and possible bacterial infection in outpatients with eczema and dermatitis in China: A cross-sectional and multicenter study.Medicine (Baltimore).2017;96(35):e7955. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000007955Amin R, Lechner A, Vogt A, Blume-Peytavi U, Kottner J.Molecular characterization of xerosis cutis: A systematic review.PLoS One. 2021 Dec 16;16(12):e0261253. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0261253American Podiatric Medical Association.Athlete’s foot.National Eczema Association.An overview of the different types of eczema.Parker J, Scharfbillig R, Jones S.Moisturisers for the treatment of foot xerosis: a systematic review.J Foot Ankle Res.2017;10:9. doi:10.1186/s13047-017-0190-9Merola JF, Qureshi A, Husni ME.Underdiagnosed and undertreated psoriasis: Nuances of treating psoriasis affecting the scalp, face, intertriginous areas, genitals, hands, feet, and nails.Dermatol Ther. 2018 May;31(3):e12589. doi:10.1111/dth.12589Uter W, Werfel T, White IR, Johansen JD.Contact allergy: A review of current problems from a clinical perspective.Int J Environ Res Public Health.2018;15(6):1108. doi:10.3390/ijerph15061108Izri A, Akhoundi M.An atypical presentation of scabies.Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2021 Sep 27;105(6):1442. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.21-0714Nietsche TR, Dotta G, Barcaui CB, Ferraz MLCG.Cholestatic pruritus: a knowledge update.An Bras Dermatol. 2022 May-Jun;97(3):332-337. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2021.06.007Ayoub MD, Bakhsh AA, Vandriel SM, Keitel V, Kamath BM.Management of adults with Alagille syndrome.Hepatol Int. 2023 Oct;17(5):1098-1112. doi:10.1007/s12072-023-10578-xYang JJ, Sarofim M.Obstetric cholestasis: A case report on rapid bile acid elevation.Case Rep Womens Health. 2023 Jun 8;38:e00519. doi:10.1016/j.crwh.2023.e00519Govrin-Yehudain Y, Wainstock T, Sheiner E, Horev A, Krieger Y.Maternal pruritus gravidarum and its long-term effect on dermatological morbidity in the offspring.J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2023 Dec;36(2):2241103. doi:10.1080/14767058.2023.2241103Rudder M, Lefkowitz EG, Ruhama T, Firoz E.A review of pruritus in pregnancy.Obstet Med. 2021 Dec;14(4):204-210. doi:10.1177/1753495X20985366Meixiong J, Dong X, Weng HJ.Neuropathic itch.Cells.2020 Oct 9;9(10):2263. doi:10.3390/cells9102263Dekhne A, Goklani HD, Doshi N, Baskara Salian R, Gandhi SK, Patel P.Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain: A Literature Review.Cureus. 2023 Oct 11;15(10):e46848. doi:10.7759/cureus.46848Verduzco HA, Shirazian S.CKD-associated pruritus: New insights into diagnosis, pathogenesis, and management.Kidney Int Rep. 2020 May 8;5(9):1387-1402. doi:10.1016/j.ekir.2020.04.027Hercz D, Jiang SH, Webster AC.Interventions for itch in people with advanced chronic kidney disease.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Dec 7;12(12):CD011393. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011393.pub2Roh YS, Choi J, Sutaria N, Kwatra SG.Itch: Epidemiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic workup.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022 Jan;86(1):1-14. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2021.07.076Larson VA, Tang O, Ständer S, Kang S, Kwatra SG.Association between itch and cancer in 16,925 patients with pruritus: Experience at a tertiary care center.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.2019. 80(4):931-937. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2018.08.044American Cancer Society.Itching.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Wang X, Shi XD, Li LF, Zhou P, Shen YW.Classification and possible bacterial infection in outpatients with eczema and dermatitis in China: A cross-sectional and multicenter study.Medicine (Baltimore).2017;96(35):e7955. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000007955Amin R, Lechner A, Vogt A, Blume-Peytavi U, Kottner J.Molecular characterization of xerosis cutis: A systematic review.PLoS One. 2021 Dec 16;16(12):e0261253. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0261253American Podiatric Medical Association.Athlete’s foot.National Eczema Association.An overview of the different types of eczema.Parker J, Scharfbillig R, Jones S.Moisturisers for the treatment of foot xerosis: a systematic review.J Foot Ankle Res.2017;10:9. doi:10.1186/s13047-017-0190-9Merola JF, Qureshi A, Husni ME.Underdiagnosed and undertreated psoriasis: Nuances of treating psoriasis affecting the scalp, face, intertriginous areas, genitals, hands, feet, and nails.Dermatol Ther. 2018 May;31(3):e12589. doi:10.1111/dth.12589Uter W, Werfel T, White IR, Johansen JD.Contact allergy: A review of current problems from a clinical perspective.Int J Environ Res Public Health.2018;15(6):1108. doi:10.3390/ijerph15061108Izri A, Akhoundi M.An atypical presentation of scabies.Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2021 Sep 27;105(6):1442. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.21-0714Nietsche TR, Dotta G, Barcaui CB, Ferraz MLCG.Cholestatic pruritus: a knowledge update.An Bras Dermatol. 2022 May-Jun;97(3):332-337. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2021.06.007Ayoub MD, Bakhsh AA, Vandriel SM, Keitel V, Kamath BM.Management of adults with Alagille syndrome.Hepatol Int. 2023 Oct;17(5):1098-1112. doi:10.1007/s12072-023-10578-xYang JJ, Sarofim M.Obstetric cholestasis: A case report on rapid bile acid elevation.Case Rep Womens Health. 2023 Jun 8;38:e00519. doi:10.1016/j.crwh.2023.e00519Govrin-Yehudain Y, Wainstock T, Sheiner E, Horev A, Krieger Y.Maternal pruritus gravidarum and its long-term effect on dermatological morbidity in the offspring.J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2023 Dec;36(2):2241103. doi:10.1080/14767058.2023.2241103Rudder M, Lefkowitz EG, Ruhama T, Firoz E.A review of pruritus in pregnancy.Obstet Med. 2021 Dec;14(4):204-210. doi:10.1177/1753495X20985366Meixiong J, Dong X, Weng HJ.Neuropathic itch.Cells.2020 Oct 9;9(10):2263. doi:10.3390/cells9102263Dekhne A, Goklani HD, Doshi N, Baskara Salian R, Gandhi SK, Patel P.Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain: A Literature Review.Cureus. 2023 Oct 11;15(10):e46848. doi:10.7759/cureus.46848Verduzco HA, Shirazian S.CKD-associated pruritus: New insights into diagnosis, pathogenesis, and management.Kidney Int Rep. 2020 May 8;5(9):1387-1402. doi:10.1016/j.ekir.2020.04.027Hercz D, Jiang SH, Webster AC.Interventions for itch in people with advanced chronic kidney disease.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Dec 7;12(12):CD011393. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011393.pub2Roh YS, Choi J, Sutaria N, Kwatra SG.Itch: Epidemiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic workup.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022 Jan;86(1):1-14. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2021.07.076Larson VA, Tang O, Ständer S, Kang S, Kwatra SG.Association between itch and cancer in 16,925 patients with pruritus: Experience at a tertiary care center.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.2019. 80(4):931-937. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2018.08.044American Cancer Society.Itching.
Wang X, Shi XD, Li LF, Zhou P, Shen YW.Classification and possible bacterial infection in outpatients with eczema and dermatitis in China: A cross-sectional and multicenter study.Medicine (Baltimore).2017;96(35):e7955. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000007955
Amin R, Lechner A, Vogt A, Blume-Peytavi U, Kottner J.Molecular characterization of xerosis cutis: A systematic review.PLoS One. 2021 Dec 16;16(12):e0261253. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0261253
American Podiatric Medical Association.Athlete’s foot.
National Eczema Association.An overview of the different types of eczema.
Parker J, Scharfbillig R, Jones S.Moisturisers for the treatment of foot xerosis: a systematic review.J Foot Ankle Res.2017;10:9. doi:10.1186/s13047-017-0190-9
Merola JF, Qureshi A, Husni ME.Underdiagnosed and undertreated psoriasis: Nuances of treating psoriasis affecting the scalp, face, intertriginous areas, genitals, hands, feet, and nails.Dermatol Ther. 2018 May;31(3):e12589. doi:10.1111/dth.12589
Uter W, Werfel T, White IR, Johansen JD.Contact allergy: A review of current problems from a clinical perspective.Int J Environ Res Public Health.2018;15(6):1108. doi:10.3390/ijerph15061108
Izri A, Akhoundi M.An atypical presentation of scabies.Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2021 Sep 27;105(6):1442. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.21-0714
Nietsche TR, Dotta G, Barcaui CB, Ferraz MLCG.Cholestatic pruritus: a knowledge update.An Bras Dermatol. 2022 May-Jun;97(3):332-337. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2021.06.007
Ayoub MD, Bakhsh AA, Vandriel SM, Keitel V, Kamath BM.Management of adults with Alagille syndrome.Hepatol Int. 2023 Oct;17(5):1098-1112. doi:10.1007/s12072-023-10578-x
Yang JJ, Sarofim M.Obstetric cholestasis: A case report on rapid bile acid elevation.Case Rep Womens Health. 2023 Jun 8;38:e00519. doi:10.1016/j.crwh.2023.e00519
Govrin-Yehudain Y, Wainstock T, Sheiner E, Horev A, Krieger Y.Maternal pruritus gravidarum and its long-term effect on dermatological morbidity in the offspring.J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2023 Dec;36(2):2241103. doi:10.1080/14767058.2023.2241103
Rudder M, Lefkowitz EG, Ruhama T, Firoz E.A review of pruritus in pregnancy.Obstet Med. 2021 Dec;14(4):204-210. doi:10.1177/1753495X20985366
Meixiong J, Dong X, Weng HJ.Neuropathic itch.Cells.2020 Oct 9;9(10):2263. doi:10.3390/cells9102263
Dekhne A, Goklani HD, Doshi N, Baskara Salian R, Gandhi SK, Patel P.Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain: A Literature Review.Cureus. 2023 Oct 11;15(10):e46848. doi:10.7759/cureus.46848
Verduzco HA, Shirazian S.CKD-associated pruritus: New insights into diagnosis, pathogenesis, and management.Kidney Int Rep. 2020 May 8;5(9):1387-1402. doi:10.1016/j.ekir.2020.04.027
Hercz D, Jiang SH, Webster AC.Interventions for itch in people with advanced chronic kidney disease.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Dec 7;12(12):CD011393. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011393.pub2
Roh YS, Choi J, Sutaria N, Kwatra SG.Itch: Epidemiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic workup.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022 Jan;86(1):1-14. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2021.07.076
Larson VA, Tang O, Ständer S, Kang S, Kwatra SG.Association between itch and cancer in 16,925 patients with pruritus: Experience at a tertiary care center.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.2019. 80(4):931-937. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2018.08.044
American Cancer Society.Itching.
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