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What Causes Sudden Itching On Top Of The Feet?
Question: Seemingly in a random manner, the tops of one or both of my feet begin to itch. The skin is not broken, and my feet do not seem cold. What types of conditions might cause this? It is not an allergic reaction, and has occurred about once every 2 weeks for the past several months. It occurs in the morning and evening. I wear a variety of shoes and those don't seem to be aggrevating the situation. Would consulting a podiatrist or another specialist be beneficial? This is not debilitating but more of an annoyance. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Probably eczema. Kindly revert back with clarifications.
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am, and welcome to HCM
I am Dr Dinah and will be answering your queries today.
From your history and description of your complaints there are a few things I would like to consider and rule out.
-your age- could be a factor. As your skin tends to naturally dry out with age.
-Any age related or other illnesses like diabetes, high cholesterol levels, history of thyroid disorders, previous allergy or bronchial asthma in the past or childhood. Are you on medication for the same?
-Have you noticed similar complaints in family members, school going kids around?
-Do you observe any rashes, redness, or tiny bumps in the area or between the toes.Do you have such symptoms anywhere else on the body? any whitish skin or moist areas of skin?
-Any factors that bring on the symptoms, such as sun exposure, dust, outdoor activity, sweating in the shoes?
The most common cause would be an eczema or allergy in the area,either to a particular footwear/synthetic socks, or exposure to the outdoors, or possible age related eczema. Secondly we need to rule out a foot fungus, as they sometimes start off with only itching. Thirdly, mite infestations are extremely itchy.
Keep your feet dry but moisturize well after washing or shower, Wear only cotton socks and avoid footwear that rubs directly on the skin or bony prominences.
When you do have itching, apply a calamine or menthol based lotion 2- 3 times a day to soothe the area along with an antihistamine like benadryl for a few days till it stops.
Do get back to me with these details and I can guide you on the most suitable course of treatment to help you. Do upload an image if possible, if you have itching at present.
Probably eczema. Kindly revert back with clarifications.
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am, and welcome to HCM
I am Dr Dinah and will be answering your queries today.
From your history and description of your complaints there are a few things I would like to consider and rule out.
-your age- could be a factor. As your skin tends to naturally dry out with age.
-Any age related or other illnesses like diabetes, high cholesterol levels, history of thyroid disorders, previous allergy or bronchial asthma in the past or childhood. Are you on medication for the same?
-Have you noticed similar complaints in family members, school going kids around?
-Do you observe any rashes, redness, or tiny bumps in the area or between the toes.Do you have such symptoms anywhere else on the body? any whitish skin or moist areas of skin?
-Any factors that bring on the symptoms, such as sun exposure, dust, outdoor activity, sweating in the shoes?
The most common cause would be an eczema or allergy in the area,either to a particular footwear/synthetic socks, or exposure to the outdoors, or possible age related eczema. Secondly we need to rule out a foot fungus, as they sometimes start off with only itching. Thirdly, mite infestations are extremely itchy.
Keep your feet dry but moisturize well after washing or shower, Wear only cotton socks and avoid footwear that rubs directly on the skin or bony prominences.
When you do have itching, apply a calamine or menthol based lotion 2- 3 times a day to soothe the area along with an antihistamine like benadryl for a few days till it stops.
Do get back to me with these details and I can guide you on the most suitable course of treatment to help you. Do upload an image if possible, if you have itching at present.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Priyanka G Raj
The following answer your questions: I do have a history of high cholesterol, but do not take medication. My medications are bio-identical hormones and Oracea (for rosecea). No one I know has experienced this problem. I do not have asthma, thyroid issues or diabetes. There are no rashes on my feet, nor are they swollen. The skin appears healthy, and only becomes red if I scratch the area. No other areas of my body are affected. My feet were itchng last night, but I slept through the night without awakening due to the problem. This morning, they slightly feel irritated, but not as acutely as last night. I will get the menthol based lotion to try.
Brief Answer:
Age related pruritus. Continue treatment as advised and observe for changes
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am
Thank you for getting back to me. I have gone through the details.
Since you have no visible skin lesions, and given your history it would be best to treat it as age related skin dryness leading to the pruritus or itching.
Do use the menthol soothing lotion 2-3 times a day as needed. Use warm water to wash and bathe. Keep showers short, using mild soap with glycerine or a syndet base. XXXXXXX dry and apply a good moisturizer immediately.
At any time if itching is irritating or disturbing, you may also take an antihistamine. If this occurs for a few days at a time, continue the antihistamine for a week and stop.
Protect your skin from to much direct sunlight. Skin fragility makes you prone to more sun damage and dryness.
This should definitely help you.
In case of any new reactions, or persistent symptoms do consult your dermatologist in person. Also discuss with your treating doctor regarding any known side effects of the treatment you are on.
Do feel free to contact me with any doubts or clarifications, or should any new symptoms appear.
Remember to close discussion and rate the answers if you are satisfied.
Have a nice day and take care.
Age related pruritus. Continue treatment as advised and observe for changes
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am
Thank you for getting back to me. I have gone through the details.
Since you have no visible skin lesions, and given your history it would be best to treat it as age related skin dryness leading to the pruritus or itching.
Do use the menthol soothing lotion 2-3 times a day as needed. Use warm water to wash and bathe. Keep showers short, using mild soap with glycerine or a syndet base. XXXXXXX dry and apply a good moisturizer immediately.
At any time if itching is irritating or disturbing, you may also take an antihistamine. If this occurs for a few days at a time, continue the antihistamine for a week and stop.
Protect your skin from to much direct sunlight. Skin fragility makes you prone to more sun damage and dryness.
This should definitely help you.
In case of any new reactions, or persistent symptoms do consult your dermatologist in person. Also discuss with your treating doctor regarding any known side effects of the treatment you are on.
Do feel free to contact me with any doubts or clarifications, or should any new symptoms appear.
Remember to close discussion and rate the answers if you are satisfied.
Have a nice day and take care.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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