What To Do When Your Toes Won’t Stop Itching

You’ve probably experienced this beyond-irritating phenomenon: you’re minding your own business, sitting in class, chatting with a date, or even giving an important work presentation, and your toes start to itch. No matter how hard you try, you can’t get the thought of scratching them out of your head. This prickling sensation can become more than annoying, disrupting your daily life. At our Austin podiatry practice, Dr. Jeffery LaMour and our team are dedicated to helping patients enjoy excellent foot health. We can help you diagnose your condition and recommend appropriate treatments to help you find relief. Read on to learn more about what to do when your toes won’t stop itching.

Symptoms

If you’re dealing with persistent itching, the most obvious symptom will be the regular urge to claw at your toes just to stop the sensation. However, you may also experience the following:

• Swelling
• Discoloration
• Peeling
• Soreness
• leeding
• Cracks
• Blistering

Foot Vitals explains: “many of these symptoms arise after the person continually scratches the foot for a long time. It does not take much scratching to turn your skin red and weaken it, making it susceptible to flaking or cracking.” Likewise, “itchy feet are usually an indicator of another problem,” so you should be vigilant for any other abnormal sensations in your feet or body.

Switch Out Your Soap

While we strongly advocate maintaining a cleanly environment for your toes, some of the ingredients in soaps can actually cause itchiness. As Livestrong describes: “soaps that you use to wash your body and clothes can contain fragrances and alcohol. These are drying agents that can leave skin irritated and itchy. Try soaps with natural products or ones that are hypoallergenic…for clothing detergent, use one that is free of perfumes or dyes.” Solving your scratching could be as simple as making a quick trip to the grocery store.

Check for Skin Conditions

Especially if your itching problem extends beyond your toes, it could be part of a larger skin issue. Livestrong advises readers: “consult a dermatologist. The itching you’ve been feeling may be caused by eczema, a skin disease that produces red, itchy patches followed by scaling and flaking of the skin. Another skin disease that can cause severe itching is psoriasis.” The sooner you can begin treatment for these disorders, the better.

Get Rid of Pesky Pests

Since your feet are close to the ground and often uncovered, they can be particularly prone to bug bites. Foot Vitals lists “insect, tick, or flea bites” as potential causes for itchy feet. If you notice bite marks or see these critters around your home, it may be time to start extermination.

Assess Your Allergies

Allergies come in many forms. You may not be sneezing or breaking out in hives, but your itchy feet could be a sign that you’re suffering from allergies. Livestrong points out: “Your feet come into contact with all types of things that can cause an allergic reaction.” Walking in grass or even across a wool carpet could be an explanation for your itching. Staying away from the offending substance should help you heal your toes.

Stop Going Barefoot

One of the most common causes for itchy toes is a fungal infection called Athlete’s Foot. It runs rampant in moist, public places, which is why you should avoid going barefoot in gyms, saunas, spas, or other similar locations. If you’ve been infected, Dr. LaMour can provide medication and other treatments to help you treat your Athlete’s Foot.

Contact Our Austin Podiatry Practice

One of the best things you can do to stop chronic toe itchiness is come and see us! Dr. LaMour and our team would be happy to help you identify what’s causing this irritating symptom so you can alleviate it. To find out more and schedule your appointment, contact us today!

Original Source: https://www.drjefflamour.com/foot-care/what-to-do-when-your-toes-wont-stop-itching/