Itches, also called pruritus, occur from irritations of the nerve cells along the skin. These irritations cause unpleasant sensations that instinctively promote scratching. It is a common problem that may occur short term or extend over a relatively long period. When itching affects the feet, it tends to localize to certain areas of the foot. Some of the common symptoms of itchy feet include redness, dry skin, tingling and tightness of the affected areas.
Dry Skin
Dry skin affects many people differently. It often occurs from harsh environmental conditions and aging. Loss of sweat and oil glands form with aging and lack of moisture can produce drying effects. The condition may also result from stress, allergies and overuse of many skin care products. Symptoms of dry skin include itching, scaling and peeling of the skin. Dry skin produces itching because the condition tends to cause the skin to irritate easily. It commonly appears on the face, legs, thighs, abdomen and feet.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot is a common fungal skin infection. It develops from fungi called dermatophytes that grow around or in the top layer of the skin. Like other types of fungus, dermatophytes thrive in damp, warm and moist areas. The infection normally starts in moist skin between the toes of an otherwise healthy person and tends to spread. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that the condition is contagious and often spreads through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated substances. The main symptoms of athlete's foot are itching and burning between the toes, cracking and peeling skin, itchy blisters, thick and discolored toenails and excessive dry skin.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin problem that causes itching and redness. It can appear anywhere on the skin with prolonged irritation. The most common symptoms of atopic dermatitis include patches on the skin, severe itching, scaling, cracked skin and small, red bumps, which may leak fluids. Itchy patches most often occur on the hands and feet but may produce elsewhere, says MayoClinic.com. The condition usually occurs in people who have atopic tendencies, meaning tendencies to develop closely linked conditions such as hay fever and asthma. Certain triggers such as changes in temperature and stress can worsen the symptoms. Itching the skin where the dermatitis appears may cause thickened skin.
