Itchy feet

[JimB1941]

My arches (bottoms & sides) and inside of both heels start itching to the point that's not tolerable.Once I start scratching I can't stop. I will use anything to stop the itching (finger nails, stiff brushes, chair legs, door jambs, anything hard) and usually break the skin from scratching too hard. Even at that point the itching remains and I can't stop scratching. This happens about every 5-6 days. The itch comes on slowly. I can feel a slight sensation a day or too before it it gets to the point it's intolerable. If I touch the area at this time it seems to speed up the the itching intensity. I have tried Hydrocortizone cream to no avail. Putting it on sometimes brings the itching on because I've rubbed the area. Any suggestions?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to eczema, lichen simplex chronicus or neurodermatitis. Lichen Simplex Chronicus is seen in people with eczema. It is non contagious. It is treated like chronic eczema by decreasing water and soap contact, and applying emollients. Topical steroids are almost always needed to control the symptoms. You can use mild steroid cream like Dermacort and if the symptoms persist then high potency steroids and oral steroids may be needed.

My sincere advice would be to consult a dermatologist to get the diagnosis confirmed. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[sun2810]

ask to see a dermatologist.you could have exma or dermatitis