What should you know about cause of foot itching?

Dry, cracked skin can itch intensely, especially around the heels and soles, and asteatotic eczema may make the surface look fissured. Atopic dermatitis often brings itch with dry, inflamed skin. Contact dermatitis can follow a new shoe, sock, detergent, or foot product and may cause redness or blisters where contact occurred. A skin yeast infection may affect warm, moist folds with redness and soreness. Scabies commonly causes severe night-time itch and may involve other household members. Psoriasis, lichen planus, and hives have different patterns that require an examination rather than guesswork.

Wash gently, dry carefully between the toes, and apply a plain moisturiser to dry areas while avoiding broken skin. Wear breathable footwear and change damp socks. Pause any new product that coincided with the rash, but do not apply steroid or antifungal creams repeatedly without knowing the cause. Avoid sharing towels or footwear if an infection is possible. Keep nails short so scratching causes less damage, and arrange an assessment when the itch persists or the skin changes.

Seek urgent help for rapidly spreading swelling, facial or lip swelling, breathing difficulty, or widespread hives. Arrange prompt care for warmth, increasing pain, pus, red streaks, fever, or a wound that is slow to heal. A clinician should also assess persistent night-time itch, symptoms in close contacts, or a rash with purple, thickened, or blistered areas.

Does the location and appearance suggest eczema, contact dermatitis, infection, scabies, or another condition? Which moisturiser or medicine is suitable? Should household contacts be checked? How should I care for any cracks or open areas?