It’s normal to experience an occasional itch, but when it’s persistent and concentrated in one spot, itchiness is often a symptom of a medical condition. Once you’ve ruled out bug bites, there are several possible causes. Here are some possible reasons to discuss with a foot specialist.

What Causes Do Foot Specialists Look For When Treating Itchiness?

1. Dry Skin

Your feet are one of the few parts of your body with no oil glands. This makes them prone to drying out, especially when they spend much of the day in non-breathable shoes and socks.

Dry skin gets cracked and itchy, which can often be treated by regularly applying lotion. If you’re prone to eczema—a recurring, itchy skin rash—then dryness, rubbing from shoes and socks, and a range of other triggers can make this skin condition flare up on your feet. Eczema is usually treated with topical medication.

2. Contact Dermatitis

This is a blanket term for allergic reactions and skin irritation caused by contact with some substances. For instance, oils produced by plants like poison ivy cause contact dermatitis, resulting in redness, swelling, and itchiness.

Other irritants include various detergents, scents, and dyes that can be found in hygiene products, laundry soap, and certain shoe materials. You may need testing by a foot specialist to determine which irritants you’re sensitive to.

3. Fungal Infections

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal skin infection. Fungus thrives in the warm, damp conditions inside shoes.

This infection is most common between the toes, but can also affect the whole sole of the foot. It can make the skin look powdery, create blisters and peeling skin, or lead to redness and swelling. Once your foot specialist has identified athlete’s foot, antifungal creams, powders, and sprays can take care of it.

If you’re experiencing itching, rashes, or skin irritation on your feet, go to Podiatry Associates of Rochester to identify the cause. Serving Monroe County, NY, from two convenient, handicap accessible locations, this team of foot specialists offers surgical and nonsurgical treatment for a wide range of issues, from swollen feet to sports injuries. They also accept most insurance providers. Call (585) 342-8700 or (585) 426-7320 to make an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their services.