What Causes Itchiness And Redness On Soles Of Feet

Posted on Sat, 3 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 3 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 2 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My feet are red on the bottom and itch, not all the time. Seems to be better in the AM. Drives me crazy at night. I put olive oil at night and that helps. I've had this for approx 3 months, I walk a lot. Can you help me?

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Plantar erythema.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.

Redness with itching indicates increased vascularity i.e. plantar erythema.

The condition can be: Primary (or physiological) or secondary (to various disease states e.g Liver cirrhosis and its many causes including alcohol abuse, Thyrotoxicosis).
You need to be evaluated for various secondary causes.

If an underlying disease process is found to be the cause, this will dictate management.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (33 minutes later)

What treatment might you suggest to stop inching?

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Night-time itching

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.

For symptomatic relief of night-time itching you can take hydroxyzine, do consult your treating doctor for a suitable dosage for you.
However for permanent relief you need to undergo evaluation of the underlying cause.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T