That itchy feeling can be very uncomfortable, mainly when it’s located on your feet. Usually, we have socks and shoes on, making it difficult to scratch our feet and feel relief.
That itching feeling caused by an irritating sensation on your skin making you want to scratch is also known as Pruritus. But when we refer to this itchy feeling, let’s consider what causes the type of itching that’s more than a normal itch here and there.
Causes of Itchy Feet
Itchiness that’s become chronic, that’s accompanied by other symptoms, or that doesn’t improve over time may require medical attention. The causes of itchy feet can depend on the type of itch you’re experiencing. The four types of itch are:
- Cutaneous itch
- Systemic itch
- Neuropathic itch
- Psychogenic itch
Cutaneous Itches
Cutaneous itches are itches resulting from an issue in or on the skin. Some of the common skin conditions that can cause chronic itch include:
- Dry skin. Also known as Xerosis cutis, this condition describes abnormally dry skin. Your skin typically requires moisture to maintain its smooth texture. The ability of the skin to retain moisture becomes more difficult as we age. The older we are, the greater risk of your skin getting drier and rougher as it loses water and oils.
- Eczema. Also known as atopic dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by itchy and inflamed patches of skin. Apart from this type of eczema, you also have contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, and others.
- Psoriasis. The cause of this condition isn’t clear, but it refers to a skin disorder where skin cells start to multiply up to 10 times faster than usual. This abnormal growth results in skin build-up that creates bumpy red patches covered with white scales that can be itchy and painful.
- Other skin conditions. The cutaneous itch can also be caused by scabies, parasites, burns, scars, insect bites, and hives.
Systemic Itches
Systemic type of itchiness is due to some general issue throughout the body and not with the skin. Sometimes this type of itch is referred to as a metabolic itch.
Some of the condition that can lead to your feet itching include:
- Chronic renal failure
- Liver disease
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Lymphoma (especially Hodgkin lymphoma)
- Leukemia
Neuropathic Itches
Neuropathic itches are itches that result from the nerves or nervous system. While itching may be a normal sensation sometimes, damage to the nervous system will produce a severe itching sensation or the feeling of pins and needles on your feet.
How do you know if this is the type of itch you’re experiencing? Common symptoms that go along with neuropathic itches include:
- Burning
- Wetness
- Electric shocks
- Numbness
- Crawling
- Increase/decrease of skin sensitivity
Psychogenic Itches
The psychogenic type of itchiness is due to some psychological issues. The most common psychiatric conditions that can lead to the itchy sensation are:
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Depression
Find Relief Fast For Itchy Feet
There are many reasons why that itching sensation isn’t getting better. So let Canyon Oaks Foot and Ankle be the reason you can put chronic itchiness in the past.
We would love to hear how we can help you with itchiness and any other type of issues you’re experiencing with your feet and ankles. Contact us today!
