Itching on hands and feet can be quite irritating especially if it distracts our concentration while performing our daily activities. Persistent itching can be annoying, and constant scratching can damage the skin. Furthermore, it may also cause disturbances in sleep, as most peoplecomplain of losing sleep when they suffer from itchy skin.
Causes of itchiness on hands and feet vary from skin disorders to medications or even serious medical problems. Whatever it is, it's important to seek medical help if symptoms persist.
Skin Disorders That Can CauseItchy Hands and Feet
Most skin disorders cause chronic or recurrent itchiness of the skin. These include:
1. Dry Skin (Xerosis Cutis)
Many factors can cause dryness of skin, such as changes in weather, exposure to sunlight, exposure to air-conditioning, and aging. These may result in loss of natural oils which in turn leads to loss of moisture or water through the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin). This causes the skin to become dry. Dryness, flakiness, and inflammation give rise to excessive itching of the skin.
Treatments: The best way to treat dry skin is to moisturize it using emollients, which can help maintain the softness of the skin. It is best to use those skin care products that are especially formulated for sensitive skin if you have sensitive type of skin.
2. Psoriasis
This noncontagious, lifelong condition affects about two to three percent of the US population. It is characterized by having thick, red, and scaly patches on the skin including itchy hands and feet. Psoriasis runs in families, and it may be triggeredby emotional stress, skin injury, infection, and certain medications.The cause is unknown,but it may be related to dysfunction in the immune system.
Treatment may include topical skin care products containing steroids, vitamin A or vitamin D, oral medications and other topical immunosuppressants. One can also use mild soap for bathing daily, oil-based moisturizers, and skin care products containing salicylic acid to relieve skin dryness and itchiness. Exposure to small doses (10-15 minutes) of natural sunlight may also be helpful, done 2 to 3 times in a week.
3. Allergic Contact Dermatitis
This is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction, which occurs about 48-72 hours after exposure to an allergen such as chromates, nickel, rubber chemicals, ointments, creams, fragrances, lanolin formaldehyde, and many other environmental chemicals. Symptoms include pink to red areas of scaly, elevated skin (plaques and papules) and blisters or vesicles, eyelid swelling, and severe itching. When persistent, the elevated areas become thick and bacterial infection may occur possible.
Treatment includes prevention of contact with known allergens, use of oral antihistamines, topical steroids and oral steroids (prednisone) for severe cases.
4. Irritant Contact Dermatitis
This inflammatory rash is caused by direct injury to the skin by a chemical, resulting in a skin reaction within a few hours of exposure. Patients typically complain at first of a burning or stinging pain, which becomes chronic as the skin becomes persistently inflamed. Itching could become the predominant symptom.
Treatments: Using petroleum jelly or applying thick moisturizing cream directly to the skin after bathing is recommended. These may be applied frequently (or twice daily) to moisturize the skin and protect it from damage. Topical steroids are prescribed if the inflammation is severe. Avoid exposure to the offending chemical to protect the skin damage and dryness.
5. Dyshidrotic Eczema or Dyshidrotic Dermatitis
The condition is an itchy rash characteristically found on the palms, fingers and the feet. This manifests as small and itchy, fluid-filled blisters. The cause is unknown, and the condition often comes and goes, with episodes occurring mostly in warm weather. The blisters appear to be "deep-seated" because of the skin thickness in the palms, and in severe cases blisters merge and look like large blisters. Redness is usually absent or mild.
Treatments: Doctors recommend using soaks with drying agents, topical steroids, and oral steroids for severe cases to control symptoms. Chronic and severe cases may be treated with ultraviolet light therapy or phototherapy done by a dermatologist. For self-care, one should avoid irritants, use with mild soaps or cleansers and frequently apply thick emollient creams or petroleum jelly to the hands and feet.
6. Pitted Keratolysis
This skin condition affects the soles of the feet and, sometimes, the palms of the hands. Caused by bacterial infection, it may give you an unpleasant odor. The most common affected areas include the pressure-bearing areas, especially the heels and other areas of the soles and palms causing itchy hands and feet. Lesions appear as white patches with shallow pits on the superficial layers of skin. These pits may be occasionally itchy or even painful.
Treatment involves minimizing moisture in the feet by wearing absorbent socks made of cotton and changing them frequently. Wool socks can also wick moisture away from your foot. You should also wash the feet daily with antibacterial soap or cleanser. You can also try drying the feet with a hairdryer after washing them, applying antiperspirant to the soles daily, using sandals instead of tight-fitting, occlusive shoes, and avoiding the use of the same shoes two days in a row.
7. Athlete's Foot(Tinea Pedis or Ringworm)
This is the most common superficial fungal infection in the skin of the foot, which may be passed to other humans by direct contact or through contaminated towels, locker room floors, other objects or the soil. Another type of athlete's foot infection is called bullous tinea pedis, which appears as painful, itchy blisters on the ball and/or arch of the foot. The worst form of fungal foot infection is called ulcerative tinea pedis, which appears as painful blisters, with pus and shallow ulcers or open sores. This condition often occurs in people with diabetes or in those with weak immune systems.
Treatments: The diagnosis of athlete's foot is confirmed by laboratory examination. Treatment consists of topical antifungal creams or lotions and antifungal drugs. The infection usually goes away in 4-6 weeks with effective treatment. For home care, wash your feet every day, drying them with a towel or a hair dryer if possible. To prevent spread or contamination, use a separate towel for your feet, and take care not to share this towel with other persons. Wear wool or cotton socks, changing them at least once a day if they are damp. Avoid wearing rubber or vinyl shoes, and if possible, wear sandals often. Apply antifungal foot powder every day. Avoid walking barefoot in locker rooms or public pools or showers.
8. Sweaty Sock Syndrome
This condition also called Juvenile plantar dermatosis is characterized by shiny, scaly, and red patches on the skin on the soles of children and teenagers. The cause is unknown, although the alternating moist and dry condition of the feet may contribute. This is a chronic condition that may last for about three years and goes away as the child reaches puberty. The skin appears tight and smooth, but dry and scaly in spite of heavy sweating. Painful cracks or fissures may occasionally be present.
Other Causes for Itching on Hands and Feet
Itchiness on your hands or feet can indicate more than just skin problems. It could also be a result of the medication you're taking or any health condition you're dealing with.
1. Medications
People who are taking certain medications to treat some medical conditions also experience itchy hands and feet. This itchiness is usually a side effect of drugs. A person may also be allergic to the medication, and skin rashes or hives may appear.
Identification of the offending medication must be done and consultation with a doctor for advice on these side effects must be considered.
2. Medical Conditions
Persistent itchiness in the hands and feet may be a sign of Crohn's disease, chronic kidney disease or liver failure. Scarring and inflammation of the liver associated with fatty liver disease can make the body itch, beginning with the palms and soles. Itchy palms may also be associated with thyroid disorders (hypo- or hyperthyroidism). Other diseases like cancer of the blood and the lymphatic tissues may manifest these symptoms, as well as nutritional deficiencies marked by a lack of vitamins B1, B6 and B12.
Proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying condition are necessary before symptoms may be alleviated.
3. Stress
New research indicates that chronic stress and anxiety can lead to itching of the hands and feet and other body parts. High stress levels can also lead to worsening of existing itchy skin problems. Try to pinpoint the cause of your stress and work to relax yourself with active lifestyles, meditation, deep breathing, etc.
FAQs
Why am I so itchy on my hands and feet? ›
Itchy hands and feet, while normal to occur from dry skin, can also be caused by more serious conditions, including dyshidrotic eczema, allergic reactions, diabetes, impetigo, reactions to medications, scabies, cirrhosis, and peripheral nerve disorders.
How can I stop my feet and palms from itching? ›- Cool, damp cloth. Placing a cool, damp cloth onto the palms for 5 to 10 minutes can relieve the itching sensation. ...
- Topical steroids. Corticosteroids can reduce itching and redness on the palms during a flare-up. ...
- Moisturize often. Moisturizing often can help reduce itching. ...
- Ultraviolet light therapy.
Dry, itchy skin is often a sign of a vitamin D deficiency. As vitamin D is created through skin exposure to the sun and cholesterol in the skin, in the winter months, when sunlight exposure is less, people often experience dry, itchy skin attributing it to the cold weather.
What do itchy hands indicate? ›Often, itchy palms and hands indicate an allergic reaction to something you have touched. Symptoms can present immediately or even hours later and may include a rash, extremely dry skin, hives, blisters or a burning or stinging sensation.
What internal conditions cause itching? ›Itching on the whole body might be a symptom of an underlying illness, such as liver disease, kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, thyroid problems, multiple myeloma or lymphoma. Nerve disorders. Examples include multiple sclerosis, pinched nerves and shingles (herpes zoster).
Does itching palms mean liver problems? ›An autoimmune disorder called primary biliary cholangitis or primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) can cause itchy, blotchy palms. PBC affects the bile ducts that connect the liver to the stomach. Bile that travels between these two organs builds up in the liver, causing damage and scarring.
What to drink to stop itching? ›Water is great for your health in many ways, including itch relief. Drinking more water keeps your skin hydrated from the inside out and flushes out toxins that can cause irritation. Remember, caffeine and alcohol are dehydrating and can worsen itching.
What part of the body itches with liver problems? ›Symptoms of itching with liver disease
Itching associated with liver disease tends to be worse in the late evening and during the night. Some people may itch in one area, such as a limb, the soles of their feet, or the palms of their hands, while others experience an all-over itch.
It found that itching was a common symptom, affecting about 11.3 percent of those with diabetes compared to only 2.9 percent of those who didn't have the condition. Itching might be common for some, and there are tips for controlling it.
Can a lack of vitamin D cause itchy skin? ›You may experience red, dry and itchy skin due to vitamin D deficiency. Intake of vitamin D can help you treat such skin problems. It can also reduce skin rashes. Vitamin D is also beneficial for treating eczema which is also a skin condition.
Can low vitamin B12 cause itching? ›
Not getting enough vitamin B12 in your diet may affect skin health and cause itchiness. Itchy skin can develop for many reasons. It can occur with or without a rash, in small areas or the whole body. Identifying the cause is important to ensure proper treatment.
Can high B12 cause itching? ›Can too much vitamin B12 cause a rash or itchy skin? Yes, taking large amounts of vitamin 12 can cause a skin reaction in people who are sensitive to cobalt. The symptoms include an itchy rash.
Can your liver make your skin itchy? ›Bile Salts- Those with liver disease may have higher levels of bile salt building up under the skin, which may cause itching.
Why are my hands itchy but no rash? ›The causes of skin itching, or pruritis, are usually harmless. They are often temporary issues such as dry skin or a bug bite. Less commonly, nerves, kidneys, thyroid, or liver issues can cause itching sensations without necessarily causing a rash.
Can diabetes cause itchy hands? ›Dry, itchy skin
If you have diabetes, you're more likely to have dry skin. High blood sugar (glucose) can cause this. If you have a skin infection or poor circulation, these could also contribute to dry, itchy skin.
- blood-related cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma.
- bile duct cancer.
- gallbladder cancer.
- liver cancer.
- skin cancer.
Call Your Doctor If:
Home treatment doesn't help or the itch lasts more than a couple of weeks. The itch comes on suddenly and is all over your body. You could have an allergic reaction or an illness like thyroid problems or liver disease. You also have a fever or feel tired.
Flinders University researchers at SAHMRI have discovered receptors that cause itchy skin also exist in the human gut and activate neurons, which result in IBS patients feeling like they're experiencing chronic gut pain or a seriously painful 'gut itch. '
What are the 3 signs of a fatty liver? ›- Abdominal swelling (ascites)
- Enlarged blood vessels just beneath the skin's surface.
- Enlarged spleen.
- Red palms.
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Blood tests used to assess the liver are known as liver function tests. But liver function tests can be normal at many stages of liver disease. Blood tests can also detect if you have low levels of certain substances, such as a protein called serum albumin, which is made by the liver.
What are signs that your liver is struggling? ›
- Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice)
- Abdominal pain and swelling.
- Swelling in the legs and ankles.
- Itchy skin.
- Dark urine color.
- Pale stool color.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Nausea or vomiting.
For mild itching, use calamine lotion. For a more intense itch, use hydrocortisone cream. Oral antihistamines can also help.
Which tablet is best for itching? ›Traditionally, antihistamines are used to treat the itching. Examples include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), hydroxyzine (Atarax), and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton and others).
How do you stop itching immediately? ›- Apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to the skin that itches. ...
- Take an oatmeal bath. ...
- Moisturize your skin. ...
- Apply topical anesthetics that contain pramoxine.
- Apply cooling agents, such as menthol or calamine.
Itching. Localized itching is often caused by diabetes. It can be caused by a yeast infection, dry skin, or poor circulation. When poor circulation is the cause of itching, the itchiest areas may be the lower parts of the legs.
Can stress cause itching? ›When anxiety kicks in, your body's stress response can go into overdrive. This can affect your nervous system and cause sensory symptoms like burning or itching of the skin, with or without visible signs. You can experience this sensation anywhere on your skin, including your arms, legs, face, and scalp.
Where do you itch with lymphoma? ›Cytokines can irritate nerve endings in the skin, which can in turn cause persistent itching. Many individuals experience this itchiness in their hands, lower legs or feet, while others feel it throughout their entire body. Patients often report that the itching tends to worsen while they are lying in bed at night.
What are 10 warning signs of diabetes? ›- Feeling more thirsty than usual.
- Urinating often.
- Losing weight without trying.
- Presence of ketones in the urine. ...
- Feeling tired and weak.
- Feeling irritable or having other mood changes.
- Having blurry vision.
- Having slow-healing sores.
Do you often wake up in the middle of the night with itchy hands and feet? The reason could be anything -- allergy, fungal infection or even dry skin. Moreover, Gout and diabetes can also cause itchy feet at night. However, other more serious conditions include certain blood disorders or a bile duct blockage.
What does diabetes itch look like? ›Eruptive xanthomatosis: Firm, yellow, pea-sized skin bumps may itch and be encircled in red. This rash most often affects the backs of the hands, feet, arms, legs and buttocks. Among people with Type 1 diabetes, it's most common in men who have high cholesterol.
What are symptoms of low B12? ›
- a pale yellow tinge to your skin.
- a sore and red tongue (glossitis)
- mouth ulcers.
- pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- changes in the way that you walk and move around.
- disturbed vision.
- irritability.
- depression.
Magnesium is a naturally occurring element that people need as a key nutrient. The human body relies on magnesium for various purposes, and people who don't have enough can suffer various symptoms, through dry, itchy skin is not considered one of them.
Can diet cause itching? ›Foods that may cause allergic reactions
When it comes to food allergies, peanuts, wheat, eggs, cow's milk, soy and shellfish are among the most common culprits. The itchiness caused by these foods and subsequent scratching can then lead to flare-ups or worsening of dermatitis symptoms.
Vitamin B12 is a key nutrient that your body needs for many essential functions. It's found in large amounts in animal products, fortified foods, and dietary supplements. Some of the richest sources are liver, beef, sardines, clams, and dairy products.
How can I raise my B12 levels fast? ›How to Raise Your B12 Levels Fast. The most common way to treat B12 deficiencies is by adjusting your diet. If this is unsuccessful, vitamin supplements may be recommended. If you're looking to boost the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, you should eat more animal products, like meat, seafood, dairy and eggs.
Does anemia cause itchy skin? ›People with iron deficiency anemia may experience itchy skin (pruritis) that can become red, bumpy and sore when scratched. Rashes associated with aplastic anemia usually appear as tiny red or purple dots under your skin (petechiae). The dots can form large patches but aren't usually itchy or painful.
Why does skin itch more at night? ›Circadian rhythm
In the evening, the body releases more heat, and blood flow to the skin increases, which may contribute to nighttime itching. In addition, skin loses water at night, resulting in dryness that can make you itchy.
- Beef, liver, and chicken.
- Fish and shellfish such as trout, salmon, tuna fish, and clams.
- Fortified breakfast cereal.
- Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.
- Eggs.
One of the common side effects vitamin B overdose is a skin rash. The skin may appear flushed and welts may appear all over the body. There might be a complaint of an itchy sensation throughout the body. The extent of skin rash depends on the intensity of vitamin B complex overdose.
What can I drink to flush my liver? ›- Coffee. Coffee is good for the liver, especially because it protects against issues such as fatty liver disease. ...
- Ginger and lemon drink. ...
- Oatmeal drink. ...
- Tumeric drink. ...
- Green tea. ...
- Grapefruit drink.
Is cholestasis liver failure? ›
Cholestasis is a liver disease. It occurs when the flow of bile from your liver is reduced or blocked. Bile is fluid produced by your liver that aids in the digestion of food, especially fats. When bile flow is altered, it can lead to a buildup of bilirubin.
What are itchy hands and feet a symptom of? ›Itchy hands and feet, while normal to occur from dry skin, can also be caused by more serious conditions, including dyshidrotic eczema, allergic reactions, diabetes, impetigo, reactions to medications, scabies, cirrhosis, and peripheral nerve disorders.
Why are my hands and feet itching like crazy? ›If the itching is really bad, especially on your hands or feet, it could be a more serious condition called cholestasis. It's caused by a buildup of bile salts from your liver.
What deficiency causes skin itching? ›The skin shine vitamin
Dry, itchy skin is often a sign of a vitamin D deficiency. As vitamin D is created through skin exposure to the sun and cholesterol in the skin, in the winter months, when sunlight exposure is less, people often experience dry, itchy skin attributing it to the cold weather.
It may affect your whole body or be limited to a specific area – usually your back or arms. Itching tends to affects both sides of the body at the same time and may feel internal, like a crawling feeling just below the skin.
What itchy palms mean? ›An itching left palm means money to be paid out, while an itching right palm is money coming in. But is there any truth to this one? Some experts say yes because itching palms often signifies new internal energy moving through the hands. The left hand is the passive, or receptive, hand and the right is the active hand.
What is the meaning of itchy feet? ›idiom informal. to start to want to travel or do something different: After three years in the job she began to get itchy feet.
Are itchy hands and feet a symptom of Covid? ›Symptoms: Many people don't feel anything and only realize that they have COVID toes when they see the discoloration and swelling on their feet (or hands). Along with the swelling and discoloration, COVID toes can also cause blisters, itch, or pain. Some people develop painful raised bumps or areas of rough skin.
What part of the body itches with liver problems? ›Symptoms of itching with liver disease
Itching associated with liver disease tends to be worse in the late evening and during the night. Some people may itch in one area, such as a limb, the soles of their feet, or the palms of their hands, while others experience an all-over itch.
The causes of skin itching, or pruritis, are usually harmless. They are often temporary issues such as dry skin or a bug bite. Less commonly, nerves, kidneys, thyroid, or liver issues can cause itching sensations without necessarily causing a rash.
Does diabetes cause itchy hands and feet? ›
Dry, itchy skin
If you have diabetes, you're more likely to have dry skin. High blood sugar (glucose) can cause this. If you have a skin infection or poor circulation, these could also contribute to dry, itchy skin.
- Apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to the skin that itches. Do this for about five to 10 minutes or until the itch subsides.
- Take an oatmeal bath. ...
- Moisturize your skin. ...
- Apply topical anesthetics that contain pramoxine.
- Apply cooling agents, such as menthol or calamine.
Dry skin
In the colder months, the weather can cause your skin to dry out. This can directly apply to your palms, causing your hands to itch and flake. Eczema and some medications may also cause your skin to dry out and develop a rash. Scratching your palms may worsen your symptoms.
The most common causes of itchy feet are contact dermatitis, fungal infections like athlete's foot, or bug bites from scabies, mosquitos, or bed bugs. These conditions may also cause a rash, blisters, or scaly skin.
What cancers cause itching skin? ›- blood-related cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma.
- bile duct cancer.
- gallbladder cancer.
- liver cancer.
- skin cancer.
- Abdominal swelling (ascites)
- Enlarged blood vessels just beneath the skin's surface.
- Enlarged spleen.
- Red palms.
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice)
- Abdominal pain and swelling.
- Swelling in the legs and ankles.
- Itchy skin.
- Dark urine color.
- Pale stool color.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Nausea or vomiting.
It may affect your whole body or be limited to a specific area – usually your back or arms. Itching tends to affects both sides of the body at the same time and may feel internal, like a crawling feeling just below the skin.
Can your liver make your skin itchy? ›Bile Salts- Those with liver disease may have higher levels of bile salt building up under the skin, which may cause itching.
Which tablet is best for itching? ›Medications that help relieve itching include: Antihistamines (allergy pills): Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), Claritin (loratadine), Clarinex (desloratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine). Anti-itch creams: Topical corticosteroids may be helpful for small itchy areas.
Can too much sugar cause itching? ›
Sugar intolerance symptoms
Some people may suffer with itchy skin after eating sugar, others may discover there is a link between eating sugar and bloating. There are signs of a sugar intolerance, which you can look out for.
- Feeling more thirsty than usual.
- Urinating often.
- Losing weight without trying.
- Presence of ketones in the urine. ...
- Feeling tired and weak.
- Feeling irritable or having other mood changes.
- Having blurry vision.
- Having slow-healing sores.
Eruptive xanthomatosis: Firm, yellow, pea-sized skin bumps may itch and be encircled in red. This rash most often affects the backs of the hands, feet, arms, legs and buttocks. Among people with Type 1 diabetes, it's most common in men who have high cholesterol.