Burning and itchy feet can be caused by a medical condition or by lifestyle habits. Although burning and itchy feet can occur in people of all ages, it is typically more common in those over the age of 50. Usually, when someone who has burning and itchy feet is in otherwise general good health, the symptoms are nothing to worry about. The physician, however, should be notified, just in case.
A common cause of burning and itchy feet is athlete's foot, a mild fungal infection that can cause the feet to burn, itch, and hurt. This infection is typically caused by persistent foot sweating and sometimes by less than optimal foot hygiene. Treatments for foot fungal infections include washing and drying the feet thoroughly, wearing cotton socks, and perhaps using an anti-fungal preparation.
Diabetes can contribute to burning and itching of the feet because of a common diabetic condition known as neuropathy. This condition can cause nerve damage to the feet and hands because of high levels of circulating blood sugar. Common symptoms of neuropathy include burning and itching of the hands and feet, as well as numbness and tingling. When diabetes is well managed symptoms of neuropathy are usually mild.
Although gout, an arthritic condition characterized by high levels of uric acid in the blood, typically causes pain in the big toe, it also can cause burning and itchy feet. Gout typically causes joint inflammation and burning, and this sensation can also causes feelings of intense itching and sensitivity. Medication to lower uric acid levels and a special diet can often bring substantial relief.
A simple cause of burning and itchy feet can be related to ill-fitting shoes. When shoes are too tight, they compress nerves and surrounding tissue, causing a burning sensation that can lead to itching. Tight shoes also compromise circulation, which can also contribute to symptoms. Wearing well-fitting shoes can often alleviate symptoms and restore optimal circulation to the feet and ankles.
When a person is unable to determine the cause of his burning and itchy feet, especially if symptoms persist, he should make an appointment with his health care provider. He may need a physical examination, blood tests, and perhaps even medical imaging tests, such as MRI examinations, CT scans, or ultrasound examinations. It is important to note, however, that many causes of burning and itchy feet go undiagnosed, and the condition is sometimes chronic in nature.
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bagley79
Post 6 |
I am much more cautious about what I wear on my feet after contracting a bad case of athlete's foot. I was able to treat it with some over the counter medication which helped control the itching and it eventually went away.
Because of that I will no longer go barefoot anywhere except my own home. Even when I am at the pool, I always have sandals on my feet unless I am in the water or lying on my towel.
I always wear socks when I am in a hotel room and never shower in a place like that unless I have sandals on. I know it might sound a little crazy, but when I think of all those germs and remember how much my feet itched, I stay motivated to make sure my feet are protected. |
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manykitties2
Post 5 |
No matter what the cause of your burning and itchy feet I would recommend covering your feet in calamine lotion for instant relief.
Earlier this week I went walking through the woods with my friends and ended up coming home with itchy feet that felt hot to the touch and burned. I am not sure what I got into, but I swore never to wear flip flops in the forest again.
Calamine lotion is available at any pharmacy and is very cooling. It soothes your itch quickly. The only downside to calamine lotion is that it is bright white and is very noticeable when worn. If you have ever seen someone using it on chicken pox you'll know what I mean. |
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wander
Post 4 |
One of the worst thing that causes burning and itchy feet is a sunburn. I spent a day out walking in my sandals and for some reason it never occurred to me to put sunscreen on the tops of my feet. I really regretted it by the end of the day.
The tops of my feet were bright red and my burn itched like crazy. The only thing I could do was run an ice cube along the tops of my feet and numb them to the point where I couldn't feel the burn or itching.
I have always gotten itchy sunburns and I wonder if that is normal? I guess I just have to be more careful when it comes to hanging out in the sun. |
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tigers88
Post 3 |
I actually once burned my foot pretty badly in a campfire and it itched terribly for years after that.
The doctor told me to expect this symptom but I had no idea how bad it would be. I was always sneaking off to be by myself so I could take my shoe of and scratch my foot.
It went away on its own after a few years but it was really annoying there for a while. And mysterious to. I've had other burns but they have never itched that badly. |
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summing
Post 2 |
When I was younger I used to go out dancing a lot and for a while I had a big problem with wearing shoes that were too tight.
You know how it goes for girls, the better the shoe looks the more uncomfortable it is to wear. I would go out in these ridiculous heels or shoes with straps wrapped all around my feet and by the end of the night, my feet would feel horrible. They would go from burning to itching to completely numb.
Looking back I feel king of silly. There was an easy solution; just wear more comfortable shoes. But we all make sacrifices for fashion. |
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Ivan83
Post 1 |
Most people have probably heard this advice but I will repeat it just because it is so often true. If you are going to be using a public shower or bathhouse, always wear sandals on your feet.
This is one of the most common places for athletes foot to be passed from one person to another. The wet environment and the close contact with the skin is the perfect breeding ground. If you wear flip flops or other sandals you avoid spreading your own athletes foot or catching it from anyone else. |
