Itchy feet can be caused by dry skin, eczema, infection, or, rarely, a symptom of certain diseases. Itchy skin can be very annoying, while scratching can cause bleeding and infection. Fortunately, most of the causes of itchy feet can be treated at home. By identifying the cause of itching and using the right treatments or natural remedies, you can treat itchy feet.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Treat Itchy Feet at Home
Step 1. Moisturize dry skin
Dry skin can be very itchy, especially for older adults with thinner skin layers. If the skin on the soles of your feet is dry and peeling, apply a moisturizing cream, lotion, or ointment daily to the area. Apply moisturizer to the heels, soles, sides, and backs of your feet, and between your toes. Look for products that use petrolatum as a base because it can smooth and soften even dry, cracked skin.
Step 2. Use cold water
Soak the soles of your feet in cold water or apply a cool damp cloth to the itchy area. Cold water can relieve itchy and irritated skin. You can do this treatment every day, or even several times a day. However, if you soak your feet frequently, be sure to moisturize them when you're done.
If you use a cloth to compress your feet, do not use the cloth for anything else to prevent the fungus from spreading (in case this is the cause of the itching)
Step 3. Try an oatmeal bath
Oatmeal soaks are often used to relieve itching on the skin. Pour two cups of ground oatmeal and one cup of baking soda into the bath, then soak your feet in it to relieve itching naturally. This safe and gentle treatment can be used every day.
Step 4. Try a salt water bath
Soaking your feet in salt water can relieve pain as well as help with itching and irritation. Dissolve 2 teaspoons of salt in every 1 liter of water you use. Use a shallow basin or a few inches of water in the tub, as long as it's enough to soak the instep. Soak your feet in it for 5-10 minutes.
- Observe the effect the salt water bath has on your feet. This treatment may help, but it may also make the itching worse and make your skin even more dry.
- You can do this treatment every hour until the itching subsides. However, salt can dry out your skin. So, wash your feet with cold water and apply moisturizer afterwards.
Step 5. Find out and avoid the triggers
Itching can be caused by a mild allergic reaction to the object or product you use. Try to find out the originator by changing things one by one. For example, changing brands of laundry detergent, bath soap, or starting to wear natural cotton socks. If you can pinpoint the cause of the hives, you can avoid them at a later date.
Over-the-counter antihistamines can relieve itching caused by an allergic reaction
Method 2 of 3: Cure Athlete's Foot Disease
Step 1. Recognize athlete's foot
One of the main causes of itchy feet is athlete's foot. This disease usually causes a red rash and scaly skin on and between the toes. You may experience this disease in one or both feet.
- Athlete's foot is caused by humidity, usually from sports or heat. Be sure to take off your shoes and change your socks to keep your feet dry.
- There may also be blisters or ulcers on the soles of your feet, where the skin rubs against each other.
- One type of athlete's foot disease begins in the sole of the foot and causes dry, scaly skin that radiates to one side of the foot.
Step 2. Use an over-the-counter antifungal medication
Mild athlete's foot can often be treated with over-the-counter antifungal powders, sprays, or ointments. You can ask for a doctor's recommendation, or consult a pharmacist at a local pharmacy. Some of the commonly used brands include Daktarin, Kalpanax, Lamisil, and Lotrimin-AF.
- Wash your feet and dry them properly, especially the area between your toes. Then, apply the medicine from the back of the foot, the sole of the foot, both sides of the foot, and between the fingers.
- Use this remedy twice a day every day until the rash on the feet disappears. Mild athlete's foot should get better in about a week.
- If your disease takes longer to heal (4-6 weeks), you may need to take an oral antifungal medication.
Step 3. Ask for prescription medication for severe athlete's foot
If over-the-counter medications don't cure athlete's foot within 4-6 weeks, you may need a prescription medication. Visit a doctor and discuss these options. Stronger medications may be available to apply to your feet, or you may need to take antifungal medication tablets.
Oral antifungal drugs can affect the liver. So, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver problems
Step 4. Keep your feet dry to prevent athlete's foot
Athlete's foot disease caused by fungus is easy to attack in a humid environment. To prevent this, keep your feet dry, and change your socks as soon as possible if they get wet. Dry the feet properly before putting the socks back on.
- Athlete's foot disease is also very contagious. So if you swim in a public pool, or use a public locker room, protect yourself. Wear bath slippers in changing rooms, and don't share towels and washcloths with someone who is infected.
- Clean your feet regularly. Wash the area between your toes with soap. You can also use a hairdryer to make sure your feet are completely dry.
Method 3 of 3: Seeking Medical Treatment
Step 1. Ask for a prescription corticosteroid cream
If moisturizing your skin doesn't help relieve itchy feet, see a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe a steroid cream that is very effective at treating itching. Topical steroid medications (applied to the skin) can also relieve redness and rashes, including very itchy blisters (pompholyx) from allergic reactions.
Step 2. Visit a doctor for a diagnosis of the disease
Itchy feet are often caused by minor ailments. However, sometimes this is a symptom of a more serious disease. If you've been trying to provide self-care at home, but it doesn't work within two weeks, see a doctor. Although rare, itchy feet can signal an underlying disease.
Step 3. Treat scabies (scabies)
This disease is caused by tiny mites that enter the layers of the skin and cause severe itching, especially at night. If several people in your household have the same symptoms of severe hives, or if there are small blisters or tunnel-like sores in the skin, scabies may be the cause. Visit your doctor for medications such as Permethrin 5% cream, Lindane, Crotamiton, or Ivermectin.
- Watch for rashes on other parts of the body, not just the feet. Scabies usually will also appear in the armpits or groin.
- Wash all clothing, sheets, and upholstery at home in hot soapy water, then dry them on a high temperature to prevent re-infection.
Tips
Don't scratch your itchy feet! Scratching will only make the itching worse, causing bleeding or infection. In addition, diseases such as athlete's foot can actually spread to your hands
Warning
- If you have diabetes, see your doctor for any foot problems, even if they seem minor, such as athlete's foot.
- See a healthcare professional if your foot problems do not improve after trying home remedies.
