What should you know about internal itching in feet?

Dry, cracked skin can itch deeply, particularly on the soles and around the heels. Contact dermatitis may follow exposure to footwear materials, adhesives, detergents or topical products. Atopic dermatitis and asteatotic eczema can cause dryness and inflammation. A skin yeast infection may cause scaling, soreness or moisture between the toes. Psoriasis can produce thicker, well-defined patches, while lichen planus may cause persistent itchy areas. Scabies can cause intense itch and may affect other household members. Hives tend to produce raised welts that come and go.

Inspect the spaces between the toes, soles and nails for scale, cracks, blisters or redness, and note whether both feet are affected. Keep feet clean and dry, change damp socks promptly and choose breathable footwear. Use a plain moisturiser on dry skin, but avoid applying it between moist toes. Do not share towels or footwear while an infection is possible. Stop a new product if it clearly worsens symptoms. A clinician can examine the skin and select treatment based on the pattern rather than the itch alone.

Seek prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, marked swelling, pus, open cracks, severe pain or fever. Arrange a skin assessment when itching persists, disrupts sleep, returns repeatedly, affects only one foot with a changing lesion, or does not improve after removing a suspected irritant. People with diabetes, poor circulation or reduced sensation should seek advice early when the skin is broken. Avoid steroid or antifungal products without guidance if the diagnosis is uncertain, because the wrong treatment can mask the pattern.

What changes do you see between my toes or on my soles? Could footwear or a product be causing contact dermatitis? Do I need testing for infection? Which moisturiser or treatment fits the findings?