Why Feet Itch
Do your feet itch? If your feet itch, there are two possible culprits. The athlete’s foot fungus can cause your feet to itch. Severe dry skin can also be the reason why your feet itch. Read on for details on both ailments to see if either condition is causing your feet to itch.
Do Your Feet Itch Because You Have Athlete’s Foot?
The athlete’s foot fungus can definitely make your feet itch. Aside from making your feet itch, athlete’s foot can also cause red, burning feet that “feel like they’re on fire.”
If you have athlete’s foot and your feet itch, then careful hygiene and the regular use of anti-fungal creams and powders – such as Lamisil or Lotrimin (both sold over-the-counter) – can help alleviate symptoms. Since anyone is susceptible to the athlete’s foot fungus – not only athletes catch it – it’s also important to practice preventative measures, which include keeping your feet dry, changing socks often, wearing shoes in public showers and washing feet with anti-bacterial soap.
If your feet itch due to athlete’s foot and the symptoms won’t go away, even after treatment, you need to see your doctor. There could be another reason why your feet itch, such as dry skin, which involves different treatment.
Do Your Feet Itch Because You Have Dry Skin?
Dry skin can definitely make your feet itch. Major symptoms of severe dry skin, which commonly affects the soles and heel of the feet, can produce red or flaky patches of skin, peeling, cracked skin and, of course, can make your feet itch.
One of the best ways to help stop feet itch due to dry, cracked skin is to use good therapeutic ointments and creams. If your feet itch because of dry skin, avoid using lotions with alcohol, which can dry out the skin even further.
If your feet itch due to dry skin, you can also try using an exfoliator to file away the hard skin and let moisturizers better penetrate the skin, wear socks and foot creams overnight, or check your shoes for areas that rub away at the skin. Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes everyday.
Products to Help Stop a Feet Itch
If your feet itch due to these two conditions, you can find products for relief at FootSmart.
Products to Try If… Your Feet Itch Due to Athlete’s Foot
Products to Try If… Your Feet Itch Due to Dry Skin
Information on foot, leg and lower body health conditions like why feet itch provided by The Podiatry Institute, dedicated to advancing the standard of care in podiatric medicine and its effects on musculoskeletal health.