Have you ever noticed your ankles itching after you take off your socks or had an itch on the top of your foot that you can't seem to scratch?
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. There are many reasons why you might experience itchy feet throughout your lifetime, ranging from mild skin rashes and irritations to more severe or long-standing health conditions.
Throughout this post, we're going to explore everything you need to know about:
-
What causes itchy feet
-
The best kind of socks to wear to help prevent foot itching
-
How to soothe sensitive skin and treat itching on your feet and ankles
If itchy feet have scuppered the spring in your step, don't fret! We have plenty of ideas to help you tackle your skin irritation today.
Why Do My Feet Itch?
The leading causes behind itchy feet and ankles will likely differ for every individual, based on your circumstances and underlying health conditions.
Let's take a look at some of the most common culprits.
Eczema
Contact Dermatitis
Contact Dermatitis is a form of eczema triggered in response to a skin irritant or allergen, causing a localized itchy rash, skin inflammation, soreness, and, in some cases, blisters or a burning sensation.
Typically, skin allergies will be sparked by fragrances or chemicals within your soaps, foot creams, and body wash, the laundry detergents that you use to clean your socks, certain metals or jewelry that you wear around your ankles or toes, or environmental allergens such as poison ivy.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is another common form of eczema that might be at the root of your itchy ankles and feet. This skin condition is characterized by repetitive flare-ups of itchy, flaky, and dry skin patches caused by an overactive immune system.
Fungal Infections
It is no secret that fungal infections thrive in warm and moist environments, so your sweaty socks or well-worn shoes might be the perfect breeding ground for fungi and yeast.
One of the most common causes of foot itching is athlete's foot, characterized by white patches between your toes. This fungal infection can also cause flaky, sore patches of skin across your feet, which appear red on paler skin and brown or ashen grey on darker skin tones. In more severe cases, the skin of your feet may even crack and bleed.
Heat Rash
If your feet are cooped up in warm and sweaty shoes for many hours throughout the day, the friction could also cause heat rash or chafing as your socks rub against the delicate skin of your feet.
Bacteria Infections
Your foot itching may also be caused by a bacterial infection.
For example, bacteria such as streptococcus and staphylococcus commonly cause cellulitis, a skin condition that causes redness, swelling, and pain in the infected area.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes the body's skin cells to replicate too quickly, resulting in scaly, rough, and intensely itchy skin 'plaques.'
These patches will usually develop on elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but they can also appear anywhere on the body, including the hands and feet.
Like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis is a long-lasting (chronic) disease requiring ongoing treatment and symptom management.
What Are The Best Socks To Prevent Itchy Feet?
To avoid aggravating pre-existing skin conditions and help soothe skin itching, it's vital to find socks and tights made of a suitable fabric. This means searching for spandex and latex-free garments without itchy wool and nylon.
We recommend trying out the Remedywear™ Adult TENCEL Socks or Remedywear Socks for kids. Made especially for people with eczema and psoriasis, these socks have been embedded with TENCEL and anti-inflammatory zinc. Not only do they actively work to soothe foot itching, but their ultra-soft material also helps heal blisters, peeling skin, and dryness.
You may also switch to a chemical-free laundry detergent to prevent further skin allergies and irritations.
How To Treat Itchy Feet Rash
Anti-itch socks can be a great preventative measure, but what if your skin is already sensitive and irritated? We've got a few different natural treatments that you could try.
Use An Anti-Infection Moisturiser
The Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream has been made using antibacterial manuka honey and anti-inflammatory olive oil, helping to heal even the most itchy, sore, and cracked skin.
Manuka oil is more potent than tea tree oil when battling fungus, protecting you against nasty infections like athlete's foot.
Wash Your Feet Regularly
To avoid the build-up of bacteria and fungi, washing your feet regularly is essential.
The Coconut and Sunflower Oil Soap Bar offers a chemical-free, nourishing cleanser. It combines coconut oil, shea butter, and sunflower oil, leaving your skin feeling soothed, soft, and supple.
Just make sure you let your feet 100% dry before wearing your socks and shoes again to avoid friction and further skin irritations.
Soothe Your Itching Feet Today
Follow these tips to help you understand where your foot itching is coming from and how best to prevent and treat your symptoms today.
