Itchy Feet Treatment

When a part of your body itches, it can drive you to distraction. You can scratch so hard that you rub yourself raw. There are several treatments that can soothe your itchy feet.

Determine the Condition

You might have dry skin or athlete's foot if your feet itch. If either of these conditions is left untreated, you can end up with cracked skin or peeling and red flaky patches. However, the treatment for dry skin is not the same as the treatment for athlete's foot. You need a doctor's diagnose to distinguish between the two, according to Footsmart.com.

Athlete's Foot

The official name for athlete's foot is tinea pedis. If your foot is blistering as well as itching, you probably have athlete's foot. The blisters typically pop up between the fourth and fifth toes, but this condition can consume the entire foot. Athlete's foot is contagious. Other symptoms of athlete's foot include a scaly rash and the feeling that your feet are on fire.

Treating Athlete's Foot

To treat athlete's foot, wash your feet with an anti-bacterial soap, remembering to dry your feet completely after bathing or showering. Then apply an anti-fungal cream or powder to your feet. This will absorb excess moisture, which is contributing to the problem. Wear rubber sandals if you sue a public shower or pool. Religiously change your socks as soon as you are done exercising. This will eliminate your foot's exposure to sweat. If none of these techniques works, make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Dry Skin

Extreme dry skin can cause your feet to crack and bleed, which can lead to infection. This is a serious complication if you are a diabetic or have problems with your immune system.

Treating Dry Feet

To treat dry feet, apply creams, especially before you go to bed at night, and wear socks, which will increase the absorption of the cream into your dry skin. When you are applying cream to your feet, try not to get it in between your toes because this will result in more moisture, which can lead to bacterial infections. Consider using a sand stone or pumice stone to rub the hard, dry skin off your feet. Make sure your shoes fit correctly. If there are tight spots in your shoes, they will rub on your feet and irritate them, causing dry skin.

Dermatitis and Eczema

If could be that your problem is dermatitis or eczema, according to Footcare-central.com. Both of these skin conditions can lead to itchy, dry feet. Consult with your physician, who can prescribe an ointment or cream that will reduce the itching.

Home Remedies

Home remedies for itchy feet include applying white vinegar to your feet. This will kill any fungus that is starting to develop. Consider applying hydrogen peroxide to your feet. If you use either of these techniques, use one part vinegar to five parts water or one part peroxide to five parts water.

You also can try sprinkling cornstarch or talcum powder on your feet. This will eliminate moisture. Do this before you slip into your shoes.

References

• Footsmart.com
• Footcare-central.com
• Home-remedies-for-you.com