Itchy feet keep on

Feet that feels itchy, of course, makes it uncomfortable when we are walking or even doing activities while sitting. Don't underestimate this problem! The reason is, the unbearable itching sensation tends to keep you scratching it so that the condition gets worse. Instead of healing faster, scratching the itchy skin can actually cause it to be injured and prone to infection. So, what causes itching on the feet and how to deal with it?

Various problems cause itchy feet

Itching feet can be caused by minor skin diseases to nervous system disorders, psychological stress or stress and systemic disorders that involve the entire system throughout the body.

Occasional itching is normal. However, continuous itching can even be accompanied by a burning sensation. The cause of itching on the feet may be caused by one of the disorders above or a combination of them.

The following are some of the conditions that cause common itchy feet:

1. Skin that is too dry

Dry skin on your feet feels itchy more easily. This is because the skin's natural oil called sebum dries out or doesn't work properly. Skin that lacks sebum will become irritated and begin to itch.

Some people have dry skin types, but dry skin can also be caused by several things such as too cold or dry weather or too frequent exposure to water and chlorine.

Age also affects skin moisture. People over the age of 65 have their skin thinning and lose their natural moisture, making them appear drier.

2. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammation that causes the skin to become thick, red, and scaly.

The signs and symptoms of psoriasis can vary from person to person. However, the most common complaint that appears in almost all cases is itching on the problematic skin area, including the legs.

Itching due to psoriasis is caused by a malfunction of the immune system that fights healthy skin cells. This then makes the skin cells grow faster than they should, which triggers thickening of the skin.

Itching caused by psoriasis is usually focused on the soles of the feet, and lasts a long time. Other symptoms of psoriasis are:

• Red rash with clear scales.
• Swelling or muscle stiffness.
• Inflammation of the itchy leg.
• Itching sensation in several parts such as the elbows, knees, lower back, and face.
• Itching caused by psiorasis can be severe and even accompanied by pain.

3. Scabies (scabies)

Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by mite bites Sarcoptes scabiei.

The most common symptom of scabies is the appearance of a rash that is a bite-like bump that often forms a tunnel-like line. The rash is itchy, which tends to get worse at night.

The mites that cause scabies can live under the skin. If you have prolonged close physical contact with healthy people, you will be more susceptible to transmitting the scabies mite. In addition, borrowing personal items such as towels, bed linen and clothes can also spread mites.

In addition, mites that cause itchy feet can also live in damp, less hygienic objects such as mattresses, sofas, and even clothes and blankets that are rarely cleaned.

4. Metal or nickel allergy

Basically, almost every type of allergy can cause an itchy reaction in the body. Allergic reactions cause itching that is difficult to control and can spread to other parts of the body.

However, itching on the feet may be more likely to be caused by an allergic reaction to nickel or metal. Nickel content itself can be found in a wide variety of everyday items, including cell phones, jewelry, watches, and eyeglass frames.

Apart from a nickel allergy, hives can also be caused by an allergic reaction to the chemicals found in cleaning products and fragrances, such as shampoo and perfume.

5. Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a chronic inflammation that causes a red, scaly rash on the skin that looks very dry and feels itchy. The itching that accompanies it can be very mild or even very severe.

There are many types of dermatitis and almost all of them cause unbearable itching. However, the types of dermatitis that cause specific symptoms of itching on the feet are neurodermatitis, dyshidrosis eczema and seborrheic dermatitis.

Most of the causes of dermatitis are not known with certainty. However, an overly sensitive immune system, genetic mutations, and a history of hereditary diseases are reported to increase a person's risk of developing dermatitis.

In addition to the five conditions above, there are actually several other diseases that can cause symptoms of itching on the skin, especially on the feet and hands, including:

• Chicken pox
• Folliculitis
• Skin cancer
• Drug side effects
• Nervous disorders
• Insect stings
• Burns

How to deal with and prevent itchy feet

Itching not only makes you want to scratch, but it also interferes with concentration and sleep time. Especially if the itching is recurrent in the long term.

Instead of scratching, follow a safer way to treat unbearable and persistent itching, as recommended by the following American Academy of Dermatology:

1. Apply a cold compress to the itchy area for 5-10 minutes until the itching symptoms subside.
2. Bathing using oatmeal, especially for skin that is scaly and flaky due to chickenpox, stings, burns, and allergic exposure poison ivy.
3. Routinely apply moisturizer to the parts of the skin that often experience itching.
4. Applying a corticosteroid ointment or cream.
5. Applying topical medications or creams containing menthol, the cold sensation can relieve itching.

Meanwhile, precautions can be done by:

1. Take a warm bath for no more than 10 minutes.
2. Always use skin care products that do not contain fragrances to minimize irritation that can cause itching.
3. Wear loose, cotton clothes. Avoid using fabrics that can easily irritate the skin, such as wool.
4. Avoid extreme temperature changes. Always try to be in an environment with normal humidity levels.
5. Reduce stress to minimize the appearance of itching on the skin.