Have you ever asked, “What does itchy feet mean?”
We’re sure you (just like us) once wondered about it. It may have just been a passing thought, but it definitely made your brain itch. Sometimes, you’d feel the itch at the bottom of your feet hit you so randomly that you couldn’t think of any reason why it would bring you such inconvenience in life.
So, without any further delays, here’s the science behind it.
Pruritus: “Hey, scratch me!”
Pruritus is the fancy term (aka medical) for the word “itching.” It’s a general sensation anywhere on your skin that tells your brain, “Hey, scratch me!”
It can be painful and irritating and could be localized in a specific area of your skin, just like our feet. That’s because it’s exposed to different environments, such as moisture in the form of sweat, a dry environment that leads to dry skin, irritants, and infections.
Itchy feet can be accompanied by changes in the skin, such as blisters, scale-like plaques, rash, redness, swelling, and white spots. Sometimes, it’s just the itch. Usually, this is not a cause for concern. However, if the itch gets extreme and doesn’t get better over time, it may indicate an underlying condition that would require medical treatment.
Causes of Itch
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There are various sources of itch. The common ones would be moisture (when the ducts get narrowed or clogged and the sweat gets trapped in the skin), dry environment (which would then leave your skin dry as well), and irritants (when you walk barefoot, for instance).
Of course, it can also be caused by certain skin conditions and internal diseases.
Skin Conditions
The usual culprits would be dry skin, bug bites, and scars. Then there’s also athlete’s foot, a fungal skin condition commonly developing between toes. It happens because fungi thrive in warm, moist, and dark conditions, and sports shoes are the perfect environment for an overgrowth.
Dermatitis can also cause itchiness, and there are two types: allergic contact, which is caused by contact with an irritant, and atopic, which is a chronic skin condition with its root cause still unknown. The autoimmune condition called psoriasis is also a common cause of itch.
Lastly, there are also pest infestations, including lice and mites (scabies).
Internal Diseases
Itchiness can be a manifestation of much more pressing diseases. It includes kidney diseases, liver diseases (such as cholestasis), peripheral neuropathy (caused by nerve damage), thyroid gland diseases, and cancer (such as polycythemia rubra vera or blood cancer).
If you’re pregnant, you may experience itchiness due to pruritus gravidum (the disruption of hepatic bile flow) with or without evidence of cholestasis.
How Is It Treated?
Home remedies include applying moisturizers like creams, lotions, and oils on the itchy area. Oatmeal baths are also effective in providing relief. If you don’t have any of those, you can use cold, wet cloth or ice packs to help alleviate the itch. Menthol or calamine can also be applied for a cooling sensation.
If all those still don’t relieve, try over-the-counter topical anti-itch medication like petrolatum and steroid creams. Anti-histamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are also effective itch relievers. Do note that they may have sedatives and unexpected side effects depending on how your body reacts.
Summary
If you’ve been experiencing itchy feet, check your foot care habits. Ensure your feet are dry before putting on socks and shoes. Wash your feet regularly (don’t forget the spaces between your toes) and moisturize. As for products, wear cotton or wool socks and well-ventilated shoes.
If the itchiness doesn’t go away or worsens, consult a doctor immediately.
Now, you know the answer to “What do itchy feet mean.” We hope that brain itch of yours is finally scratched!
