Constantly Itchy Feet? Here’s What Could Be Causing It

One of the worst possible places to have an itch is on your feet, especially when you’re out in public and can’t just slip your shoes off. But itchy feet can be caused by a few different things. If the itch is relentless, your feet are stinging or burning, and your skin is peeling, could it be athlete’s foot?

When your feet are itchy and uncomfortable, taking your socks and shoes off can make you suddenly very aware of every symptom. Let’s take a look at the signs, what causes it, and a few ways to calm the itch.

If your itchy feet are caused by athlete’s foot, caring for them in the comfort of your own home may be an option. The Formula for Athlete's Foot is a homeopathic formula made for the temporary relief of itching and burning symptoms of athlete’s foot.

Could It Be Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot can cause some seriously uncomfortable symptoms, including itching, burning, stinging and peeling skin. When the fungus irritates the skin, the area becomes more sensitive, which is part of why the itch can feel so extreme. Athlete’s foot can cause some seriously uncomfortable symptoms, including itching, burning, stinging and peeling skin. The irritation can make the urge to scratch difficult to resist. Leading us to a point where we think the only solution is to scratch it with a fork or rub our foot as hard as we can on the carpet, but we must resist.

What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is contagious and one of the most common fungal infections. It’s caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. It thrives in warm, damp environments.

Athlete’s foot can be spread through direct contact. It could also be through walking barefoot in common spaces like gyms, locker rooms or swimming pools, or it could be from sharing items such as towels, socks, and shoes. Athlete’s foot isn’t restricted to the feet. The fungi that cause athlete’s foot can also infect other areas, including the hands, toenails and groin.

Why Scratching Athlete’s Foot Makes It Worse

We all know we shouldn’t, but how do we resist when we cannot think about anything else except for scratching that itch? Perhaps it would help to know how scratching makes it worse. Scratching at the skin can lead to:

• Bleeding, peeling and rawness on the skin
• Broken skin, which may increase the risk of a secondary bacterial infection
• A higher chance of spreading the infection to your hands and fingernails

A Few Ways to Calm the Itch

In these moments, desperate times call for desperate measures. Before you attempt to show the fungus who's boss, consider some of these at-home options first:

• Apply a cold compress to the itchy area for 20 minutes
• Keep your feet dry and clean
• Wear open shoes and let shoes air out

A Gentle Addition to Your Foot Care Routine

While we can’t or shouldn’t scratch the itch, there’s another option worth adding to your athlete’s foot care routine. The Formula for Athlete's Foot is a homeopathic product designed to be gentle on the skin and made with ingredients such as Calendula officinalis, an ingredient used in homeopathic medicine.

It’s made for the temporary relief of itching and burning symptoms associated with athlete’s foot and can easily fit into your daily routine at home.

When to See a Doctor

Mild athlete’s foot is often managed with appropriate over-the-counter care, but it’s worth speaking to a healthcare professional if you’re not sure it’s athlete’s foot, or if you notice any of the following:

• Signs of infection such as pus, swelling, and redness
• The infection has spread to other areas of the body
• Fever develops
• The area becomes painful

Frequently Asked Questions

Is athlete’s foot contagious?

Yes, athlete’s foot is very contagious and can be transferred from direct or indirect contact very easily. This can happen through skin-to-skin contact, walking barefoot in communal spaces and sharing items such as towels, socks and shoes.

Can athlete’s foot come back after it clears up?

Yes. Athlete’s foot can return, particularly if you’re exposed to the fungi again or conditions that encourage fungal growth persist. 

Will athlete’s foot go away on its own?

It is best not to ignore it, since symptoms can worsen over time. If it doesn’t start improving with home care, it’s worth checking in with a doctor.

How long does athlete’s foot usually last?

How long athlete’s foot lasts varies depending on its severity and the treatment used. Persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

How should I use the Formula for Athlete's Foot?

The formula can be applied to the area with a cotton swab, using a few drops per application. Complete instructions for use are included with the product.

Sources

1. Mayo Clinic. Athlete’s Foot
2. Healthline. Home Remedies for Athlete's Foot, Plus How to Stop It from Coming Back
3. Beyond Podiatry. Myths and Facts About Athlete’s Foot

Note: H-Athlete's Foot Formula is a homeopathic medicine. Use only as directed. If you are unsure whether the symptoms are due to athlete's foot, if symptoms persist or worsen, or if signs of infection develop, consult a healthcare professional.