Foot Allergies: Causes, Treatments, and Home Remedies

Itchy feet can be very irritating and troublesome. Moreover, chronic cases can affect your quality of life, especially when accompanied by other symptoms. Although there’s no reason to be alarmed about occasional itching, prolonged and severe itchiness may indicate an underlying health condition. 

Foot allergies are a common medical condition caused by allergic contact dermatitis. Studies say that around 8% of adults in the US have contact dermatitis. On the brighter side, this adverse health condition is highly treatable, manageable, and preventable.

How to Stop Itchy Feet?

This article will highlight foot allergies (itchy feet) and everything you need to know about them. We’ll also provide the proper treatments that doctors typically recommend and home remedies. If you want to know how to relieve itchy feet, continue reading.

Understanding Foot Allergies

A wide variety of allergies can affect the feet. The most common conditions are:

• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Dyshidrotic eczema
• Angioedema

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

This adverse health condition occurs when you come into direct contact with specific substances that causes allergies. Accidental exposure typically leads to irritation and inflammation. People allergic to leather shoes often experience the symptoms. 

Symptoms

• Foot itch
• Rash
• Redness
• Inflammation
• Blisters

Causes

Direct contact or accidental exposure to leather or similar materials

How to Stop itching Feet 

Medical Treatment

• Anti-itch creams or ointments
• Oral anti-allergy medications

Topical creams and oral medications effectively treat foot allergic contact dermatitis. The dosing and treatment duration depends on the severity of the condition. 

Home Remedies

• Avoiding irritants and allergens
• Cold compress
• Wearing thick socks

Prevention is better than cure. Try to avoid allergens and irritants at all times. In situations where you must wear leather shoes, try to wear thick socks to prevent direct skin contact.

Dyshidrotic Eczema (Pompholyx)

This medical condition affects the skin by forming tiny blisters filled with fluid. Dyshidrotic eczema can be acute, recurring, or chronic. Teens and adults are more at risk of developing this skin condition. Moreover, the symptoms can appear in other parts of the body.

Symptoms

• Increased sweating around your blisters
• Pain in the affected area
• Dry, cracked skin
• Itchy, flaky skin

Causes

Direct contact or accidental exposure to chromium, nickel, cobalt, or cement.  

How to Stop itching Feet

Medical Treatment

• Anti-itch creams or ointments
• Oral anti-allergy medications
• Moisturizing creams
• Draining the blisters
• Eczema light therapy

Home Remedies

• Coconut oil
• Manuka honey
• Witch hazel
• Calendula cream
• Oatmeal
• Acupuncture
• Evening primrose oil
• Sunflower oil

Environmental factors are the common triggers of dyshidrotic eczema. Accidental exposure and direct contact with irritants often lead to an allergic reaction. On the other hand, medical treatments and itchy feet home remedies are highly effective. 

Angioedema 

Angioedema is a severe form of foot allergy. Moreover, it can also affect other body parts, such as the eyes, lips, genitals, and hands. During an angioedema attack, the inner layers of your skin swell due to fluid buildup.

Symptoms

• Hives
• Painful and itchy welts 
• Swollen eyes and mouth
• Swollen lining of the eyes (chemosis)
• Breathing difficulty
• Abdominal cramping
• Foot itches

Causes

Accidental or direct exposure to irritants and allergens, such as shellfish, peanuts, insect bites, and certain medications. Moreover, it can be hereditary too. 

How to Stop itching Feet

Medical Treatment

• Antihistamines
• Oral steroids

Home Remedies

• Cold compress
• Cold bath
• Sunscreen

Most cases of angioedema are mild and temporary. Some people don’t need medical intervention to deal with it. However, severe cases may require immediate medical help.

Important Note: Angioedema sometimes occurs with anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening health condition that requires immediate medical attention. Individuals experiencing anaphylaxis should be rushed to the Emergency Room as soon as possible. 

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

• Collapsing or losing consciousness
• Palpitations
• Clammy skin
• Breathing difficulties
• Confusion and anxiety
• Feeling lightheaded, fainting spells

When to See a Doctor

Consult an allergy doctor when the symptoms do not improve with medications. Moreover, if it develops into a chronic condition and gets worse. Severe cases of foot allergies can affect your overall quality of life. You’ll experience decreased mobility, affecting your productivity at work or school. 

The painful sensations also prevent you from spending quality time with your loved ones. 

What to Expect During a Doctor Visit

Your allergy doctor typically begins with allergy testing. This step will help your doctor determine the type of allergy you have. As soon as your doctor has the results, proper treatment follows.

Examples:

• Skin culture
• Blood tests
• Skin scraping
• Biopsy
• Allergy patches

Additional Tips

Here are practical tips to help prevent and manage itchy feet.

• Keep your socks off while your feet are wet.
• Use mild soap when washing your feet.
• Wear thick socks, preferably cotton or wool.
• Buy a pair of well-ventilated shoes.

Remember: Keeping your feet clean and protected from irritants can reduce the risks of developing foot allergies. 

Step Into a Healthier Lifestyle Allergy-Free

Brazos Valley Allergy and Asthma Clinics offer top-notch allergy testing to provide you with proper treatment. We prioritize your health based on your personal needs. 

Effective allergy management begins with accurate allergy testing. Our allergists offer top-notch allergy testing services to provide the proper treatment for your allergies. 

We offer a personalized approach to treating each of our patients. Our allergy doctors have years of experience helping patients treat and manage allergy symptoms, including foot allergies. 

Achieve a healthier lifestyle free from allergies. Talk to our allergists today.

You can book an appointment here.