What should you know about itchy feet in winter?

Cold outdoor air and indoor heating can dry the skin barrier. Socks and closed shoes may then trap sweat, friction, and heat around the toes. Dryness often causes tightness, fine scaling, or small cracks on the heels and soles. Athlete's foot may cause peeling or scaling between toes, particularly when footwear stays damp. Contact dermatitis can follow exposure to a new sock fibre, shoe material, dye, or laundry product. Itchy blisters on the sides of the feet or soles can occur with dyshidrotic eczema. Compare your symptoms with [Itchy Feet](/symptoms/foot-itching/) guidance.

Keep showers warm rather than hot, and use a gentle fragrance-free cleanser. Pat dry carefully and apply a thick, plain moisturiser to dry soles and heels while the skin is still slightly damp. Avoid applying heavy emollient between the toes when that space is moist or peeling. Choose breathable socks, rotate shoes, and let footwear dry fully before wearing it again. Avoid picking scales or using harsh scrubs. If peeling between the toes suggests fungus, discuss [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/) with a clinician or pharmacist.

Book an assessment when itching lasts, returns each winter, or does not improve with barrier care. Get prompt help for spreading redness, warmth, pus, marked swelling, fever, deep cracks, or pain that makes walking difficult. A clinician may need to separate [Contact Dermatitis](/conditions/contact-dermatitis/) from [Athlete's Foot](/conditions/athletes-foot/) or [Dyshidrotic Eczema](/conditions/dyshidrotic-eczema/).

Ask whether the pattern fits dry skin, eczema, irritation, or fungus; which moisturiser texture is suitable; and whether your shoes, socks, or laundry products could be contributing.