Itchy Feet

What are Itchy Feet?

Itchy feet are caused by two main conditions – athletes foot or dry skin. In order to treat the condition you need to indentify which condition you are suffering from as the solutions for each problem do differ.

Athletes Foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes red, dry, flaking skin, sometimes accompanied by pain or itching. The condition usually occurs between the toes or on the soles or sides of the feet. In its acute stage, the infected foot exhibits blisters that itch or “weep.” Athlete’s Foot can spread to the toenails, causing chronic fungal infections. Often when a patient thinks the feet are only dry and cracking, Athlete’s Foot is responsible for the problem.

Symptoms of Itchy Feet :

Tinea Pedis or Athletes Foot can take different forms:

• A scaly dry rash on the bottom and sides of feet. This type of athlete's foot is called a "moccasin" pattern.
• Cracks or "fissures" between the toes, sometimes with soft white scale.
• Many people with athlete's foot also have a fungal infection of the toenails. The toenail infection is called Onychomycosis.
• Toenail fungal infections may look different in different people. Most people have a white or yellow thickening under the nail. Onychomycosis is common and many adults have some fungus of their toenails. However, Onychomycosis can make the toenails difficult to cut and some people are predisposed to ingrown toenails because of the fungus. The fungus can also provide openings or cracks in the skin that may allow easier access for bacterial infections of the feet and legs.
• Remember not every thick discoloured toenail is infected with fungus. Other conditions can mimic onychomycosis, including psoriasis and circulatory problems, and rarely, growths such as warts or tumours. Again, before you begin treatment, make sure your doctor helps you make the correct diagnosis.

Causes of Itchy Feet :

Fungal infections like Athlete’s Foot are often contracted in showers, gyms, dressing rooms, swimming pool lockers, or other warm, damp areas where fungus can thrive. The name of the condition comes from the fact that athletes spend the most time in these environments and therefore are at a higher risk of fungal infection. Once fungal spores are present on the feet, they can enter fissures or sores and remain there to spread, unless the feet are carefully washed and thoroughly dried after exposure. Athlete’s Foot can spread from the toes to the toenails. If the patient touches or scratches the infection and then touches other parts of the body, the fungus can spread to fingernails or other parts of the body, including the groin or underarms. Like any foot condition, Athlete’s Foot is of special concern to people with diabetes and compromised immune systems who are more susceptible to developing infections that can lead to serious medical problems.

Relief and Prevention of Itchy Feet :

Vigilant foot hygiene can prevent Athlete’s Foot. Daily washing of the feet with soap and water followed by thorough drying, especially between the toes, is important. Wearing dry, airy shoes and socks, not borrowing footwear from others, avoiding tight hosiery and using foot powder all help to keep the feet dry and infection-free. When using public showers or pool areas it is a good idea to wear protective shoes or flip flops.  Once an infection has occurred, it is important to see a doctor, have the problem diagnosed correctly, and treat it promptly. Fungal infections can be stubborn and difficult to treat, and can become chronic. Treatment plans include prescription antifungal medications, either topical or oral, and continued attention to keeping the feet clean and dry.

Continue to consult with your foot doctor until the problem is eradicated

Dry Skin

Dry skin and is commonly found on the feet as they take strain and wear each day.  The condition isn’t serious, but it is uncomfortable and if left unattended can become increasingly painful and if the skin is so dry it cracks and bleeds, it can lead to infection.

Symptoms of Itchy Feet :

If you have dry feet you’ll commonly find it located on your heels. Cracks will form around your heel. This is where the skin has hardened and then cracked because there is no moisture in the skin to keep it soft and healthy.

It may appear as red, flaky patches, lines or ‘cracks’ or the skin may peel away leaving sore red areas. The affected area can also become very itchy.

Causes of Itchy Feet :

As it is a common condition there are a few causes:

• Age
• Ill fitting footwear that rubs
• Diabetes
• Skin conditions
• Heat that saps the moisture from the feet
• Consistent barefoot walking on rough surfaces

Relief and Prevention of Itchy Feet :

The best way to treat dry and cracked heels is to moisturise them using a therapeutic ointment – this is one without alcohol in it (as that will aggravate the condition). There are a lot on the market that will help you.

Additionally, you can use the following methods if they are suitable to the severity of your condition:

• Pumice stone or a file can be used to remove the hard skin and then ointment can be used to condition the area while it is exposed.
• There are a lot of foot care creams on the market that can be used daily to prevent the onset of dry skin.
• Make sure you’re wearing footwear that doesn’t rub or put increased amounts of pressure on the heel area. There are lots of footwear brands  that have been specifically designed to increase the health and wellness of the feet – and there are many that have been designed to not put any pressure on the feet at all.
• All footwear should allow your feet enough room to move – make sure they have a wide toe box and adequate support to the metatarsal, arch and heel area.

The more you can moisturise your feet the better – getting balm in between the toes and in to the cracks will help to combat the problem. If the cracks begin to bleed then you must make sure they are kept clean – if the problem persists then you should consult your GP.