Foot Health Skin Problems Skin Conditions That Make Your Feet Itch By Catherine Moyer, DPM Catherine Moyer, DPM Catherine Moyer, DPM, is a podiatrist experienced in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the foot and ankle. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 31, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Rochelle Collins, DO Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO LinkedIn Rochelle Collins, DO, is a board-certified family medicine doctor currently practicing in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print A persistent foot itch is aggravating. But it's hard to keep the skin healthy because of the stress and temperature extremes your feet are exposed to. That leads to dry, irritated skin that's prone to itchiness (pruritus). It can also leave you vulnerable to fungal infections, which are even itchier. Scratching may give temporary relief. But it can lead to a bacterial infection—which also causes itching. This article looks at the most common causes of itchy feet and how you can get rid of it. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin Dry Skin This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. See Photo Dry, peeling skin. ArveBettum / Getty Images Dry skin (xerosis cutis) is often caused by a medical condition. One example is atopic dermatitis (eczema). It can also be caused by: Low humidityCold temperaturesWeight-bearing stressAgingNutritional deficienciesHarsh skin cleansers Your feet don't have any oil glands. 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. Regular use of creams or lotions may prevent skin cracking and relieve itchiness. What to Do About Dry, Cracked Feet Recap Feet get dry skin for many reasons. They contain no oil glands. The skin is thicker. Medical conditions or environmental factors can dry the skin and cause itchiness. Moisturizing can relieve the itch. Fungal Infections This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. See Photo Fungal infection on foot. burakkarademir / Getty Images Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a common, highly contagious fungal infection. It causes an itchy, red, scaly rash. It can be all over your feet or just between your toes. An acute type of athlete's foot causes a red, inflamed rash with blisters. Scratching can burst the blisters and cause more irritation. Athlete's foot is treated with anti-fungal medications and sometimes topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching. An Overview of Athlete's Foot Recap Athlete's foot is an itchy fungal infection. Breaking open blisters can increase the discomfort. This condition is treated with anti-fungal medications and topical corticosteroids. Eczema This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. See Photo Dyshydrotic eczema on foot. Iuliia Mikhalitskaia / Getty Images Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that involve skin inflammation. They all cause red, scaly patches that itch a lot. The cause is unknown. Researchers think genetics and environmental factors both contribute. Dyshidrotic eczema forms on the tips or sides of your toes and fingers. It's intensely itchy. It also causes red, scaly areas of cracked skin with tiny blisters. Everyone has different triggers for eczema outbreaks. Typical triggers include: Irritation from staying dampOverly dry skin from excess heat and low humidity 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. Recap Eczema is a group of conditions that cause itchy, red, scaly patches. Dyshidrotic eczema includes blisters and is especially itchy. Triggers may include prolonged dampness or hot, dry conditions. Topical medications can heal your skin and get rid of the itch. Contact Dermatitis Contact dermatitis. PansLaos / Getty Images Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy, often blistering rash. It's caused by your skin coming in contact with an irritant or allergen (a substance that triggers allergies). Those irritants and allergens can include: Glues or chemicals found in shoesAntibiotic ointments containing neomycinPoison ivyAdhesivesPerfumesChemicals in skin and nail products Your healthcare provider can order a patch test to see what's bothering your skin. Avoiding those substances is key to feeling better. Contact dermatitis is treated with oral or topical corticosteroids and soothing topical products like calamine lotion. Recap Contact dermatitis is caused by irritants or allergens. It causes an itchy rash that may blister. A patch test can identify causes. It's treated with corticosteroids and soothing creams. Summary Feet can itch for many reasons. Sometimes your skin is just dry. Other times, you may have a condition like athlete's foot, eczema, or contact dermatitis. Moisturizing or treatment with antifungals or corticosteroids can help clear up many problems and stop your feet from itching. A Word From Verywell If your feet itch, you're not sure why, and you don't know what to do about it, see a healthcare provider. They can diagnose the problem and help you find the right solution. Some skin problems can take a while to clear up, even with proper treatment. Stick with it so you can find relief and have healthy feet. Frequently Asked Questions What causes itchy blisters on feet? Itchy blisters on feet can be caused by athlete's foot, eczema, contact dermatitis, sunburn, psoriasis, insect bite, or skin conditions like epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Washing the feet using a mild soap and covering the blisters with a bandage or gauze can offer some relief, but effective treatment will depend on diagnosing the specific reason for the blisters' appearance. Learn More: What Can Cause Unexplained Blisters on the Feet? How do I relieve itchy toes at night? If itchy toes at night aren't caused by eczema, an antihistamine like Benadryl may help you find relief. If there is a different reason for the itchiness, a dermatologist can review your symptoms and offer treatment. Why does the bottom of my foot itch? Dyshidrotic eczema is commonly associated with the bottoms of feet being itchy. This skin condition is characterized by small blisters that form on the soles of feet as well as the palms of hands to cause extreme itchiness. Stress, seasonal allergies, and physical contact with allergens such as nickel often trigger a flare-up. Why Is Your Skin Itchy in the Winter? Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 7 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to 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.0000000000007955 Moncrieff G, Cork M, Lawton S, Kokiet S, Daly C, Clark C. Use of emollients in dry-skin conditions: consensus statement. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2013;38(3):231-8. doi:10.1111/ced.12104 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 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 National Eczema Association. Dyshidrotic Eczema.