Itchy red feet can be caused by a number of things, including shoes and socks. Athlete's foot is another fairly common cause of itchy, sore feet. This uncomfortable condition can also be caused by contact dermatitis, as well as eczema or psoriasis. In children, itchy red feet can also be caused by a condition known as juvenile plantar dermatosis.
A person's socks or shoes may be the cause of their itchy red feet. Some materials trap moisture against the skin. When shoes are worn for a long time, prolonged exposure to sweat, oil, and dry skin can cause redness and itching.
Cotton and wool socks are generally not recommended, especially if a person's feet will be sweating for a long period of time, as they can absorb moisture and hold it against the skin. Socks made from some synthetic materials, on the other hand, are generally better at wicking moisture away from the skin. Mesh shoes are also generally recommended as they allow the feet to breathe.
Athlete's foot is a very common foot problem, particularly for athletes. This condition, scientifically known as tinea pedis It is a fungal infection of the foot. The fungus thrives in dark, moist areas, making feet perfect breeding sites. Along with red, itchy feet, a person with athlete's foot may also experience burning and scaling of the feet. It can usually be prevented by allowing your feet to breathe and keeping them dry.
Contact dermatitis is another common cause of itchy red feet. This occurs when an irritating substance reaches the skin of the feet. It can happen when a person is allergic to a particular brand of laundry detergent, for example, but the rest of their body is probably affected as well.
One of the most common examples of contact dermatitis is poison ivy. Most people have some negative reaction when they come into contact with the sap of poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. Someone walking outside in bare feet or sandals can come into contact with these plants. Along with itchy red feet, you may also develop blisters. Calamine lotion, which can be purchased without a prescription, is often used to help heal a poison ivy rash.
Eczema and psoriasis can also cause itchy red feet. These chronic skin conditions often cause inflammation, itching, and peeling. These two conditions can often be somewhat difficult to distinguish, especially on the feet. People who suspect they have eczema or psoriasis are urged to seek the help of a medical professional, such as a dermatologist.
Juvenile plantar dermatosis is sometimes colloquially known as sweaty sock syndrome. Along with red itchy feet, sweaty sock syndrome can also cause scaling and pain. It usually only develops on the bottoms of the feet of boys who have not yet reached puberty. It is more common in men, and usually goes away after puberty.