Itchy feet can be relentlessly uncomfortable, annoying, and sometimes downright painful. Our Fairfax VA podiatrist understands how itchy feet can be particularly aggravating at night when our brains are not as active and able to fight off the urge. Constant itching, however, can result in redness, sores, blisters, etc. Our top-rated Fairfax podiatrist provides the following tips for healing your itchy feet.
Our Fairfax VA Podiatrist Can Help You Determine the Reason for Your Itchy Feet
Figuring out what is making you scratch is an effective place to start, because this will allow you to pursue the most appropriate antidote. Our podiatrist near Fairfax VA suggests a few initial questions to consider when your feet won't stop itching.
Is the Itch Fungal?
If you’ve spent time barefoot in a place like a public shower or pool, you may have a fungal infection causing the itch. This condition is popularly known as athlete’s foot. Often, this itch starts between the toes and can also be detected by the yellowing of toenails. To treat athlete’s foot, keep your feet clean and dry. Antifungal creams can be applied to the skin, and your podiatrist in Fairfax can prescribe an oral medication as well.
It is important to keep your feet clean by regularly washing them with soap, as your feet are continually sweating and introduced to fungi. Wearing clean socks and breathable materials and keeping your toenails cut short can help reduce fungal buildup, too. Cortisone creams are also effective over-the-counter relief agents for itchy feet, though steroids may be necessary for extreme cases.
Is the Itch on Your Foot Related to a Skin Condition?
Eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis are each skin conditions that can result in itchy feet. If you have or suspect you may have one of these conditions, consult your Fairfax VA podiatrist to determine the best treatment, especially since flare ups may not be limited to your feet.
DIY Remedies
For quick relief, you can make a baking soda paste with 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda and water. Lather the paste on your feet, then let the mixture sit for 10 minutes and rinse.
After your feet have been thoroughly cleaned and dried, you can apply petroleum jelly for the night. Generally, you want to keep feet dry; however, if the skin on your foot is too dry, then the flaky, irritated skin will also itch.
You can also try a warm saltwater soak. This gentle remedy is good for short term relief, but if itching persists, contact your Fairfax VA podiatry office for a consultation about long term relief.
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact The Podiatry Center, with a convenient podiatry office location near Fairfax VA, by clicking here or by calling 301.656.6055.
