Feet and hand itch: Nighttime only

[SFKelvin]

All my adult life, I've had recurring problems with either my feet or my hands developing a severe itch (usually not at the same time), almost always at nighttime (around 11:30 PM), occasionally earlier in the day or where standing. The itch is not confined to my soles but can be the entire foot and both sides of all my fingers. I am a thirty-year old very healthy male. The itch keeps me up at night.

The itch is a deep itch, and there is no rash/eczema/redness, and the itching is not seasonal. It does not respond to corticsteroids (including prescription ones), and it is not contact dermatitis. It does not respond to Hydroxyzine either.

I have ruled out peripheral neuropathy (pain in the extremities due to Diabetes), and my blood sugar and liver blood tests all come out fine.

The itch is not athletes foot (I know because I have had athletes foot), and wouldn't apply because it's on my hands occasionally.

The itch is not due to dry skin because I 1) use moisturizers, 2) live in very humid San Francisco, and 3) it is a deep itch with no visible symptoms.

I do have a history of depression, but I have noticed no correlation between the itch and depression and stress. It still occurs at some of the least stressful times of my life. If there is a correlation with stress, it's because the itch itself is stressful.

The only relief I have discovered are cold compresses. I have a freezer full of them. Heat does not help. People have spent time with me can testify about how strong this itch is. It occurs 2-3 times a week and takes about an hour before it calms down. The odd thing is it occurs only at night.

My current best theory is it may be due to a hormonal problem. In light of this itch manifesting itself only at night, a circadian hormonal spike or imbalance makes sense. Pregnant women report itchy hands.

Another theory is a metabolic intolerance. If I eat something I can't metabolize during the day, the itchiness would therefore only show itself at night as whatever I can't digest builds up. I can't find any correlation with it and my diet, however. Recently, I was assaulted and had to spend two days hospitalized. The second night, the itch showed up (the nurse thought I was crazy asking for ice rather than a sudafed: I told her the sudafed wouldn't work), but I hadn't been allowed to eat anything, so It couldn't be metabolic.

That leaves dietary deficiency - my body needing something, but I regularly take a multivitamin. Also possible is dietary over-eating (I pledge guilty to too much processed food and sodium), but, again, no correlation as far as I can see.

I have read about 10+ postings across the magikall interwebs describing the same phenomena in others, all with stupid follow up suggestions about athletes foot, et. al. If there is a reasonable theory of what is going on with this itch out there, I would much like to hear about it!

[Directrix40]

I have been experiencing the exact symptoms as many of you have described.  Extreme itching in hands and feet that wakes me up and keeps me up for 1 or 2 hours at night.  Never in daytime.  I have tried many topical solutions, creams, anti-itch medicines, but they do not seem to make any difference beyond a momentary feeling.  Is there even a recognized name for this syndrome?  

[VictoryaSteele]

Has anyone researched candida overgrowth? The body detoxifies at night, the feet are a major site.
If you really want to get better, changes happen inside - out.
Get rid of alcohol, sugar, flour, and cut down your carbs. Eat plenty of coconut oil, eggs, garlic and onions. Take hot Epsom salt and baking soda baths. Soak your feet in Epsom to draw out toxins. You'll get better. It took time to get here, it will take time to get out.

[Annaloh]

Hi everyone, I'm 44 from Malaysia. I also have the same problem with extremely itchy feet, hands and in between toes and fingers. I'm scratching them every night and even now as I'm writing this. I noticed I only have the itch when I eat process food especially with flavor enhancers or MSG. As I'm Chinese, my food usually has soy sauce which contains the allergen. Therefore it's hard to avoid these food especially when you're eating out. Fast food are definitely out for me otherwise I'll wake up with scratch marks in the morning. I also have a history of eczema that will thicken up with scaly skin after much scratching. Steroids creams only will solve the skin problem but not the itch. A TCM( Traditional Chinese Medical) doctor gave me a cooling cream which only can numb the itch to prevent me from scratching. Sometimes when I have a clean diet, I'm saved from this nocturnal itch. My clean diet means no artificial flavoring or any process food. Hope this helps.

[klingm]

i used vicks vapor rub rub on my feet and put on socks.I have tried everything and the vicks dont always work.If i get in bed with nothing on my feet im up in 5 min to put something on.I also use Vaseline and lotion.

[Samratchat]

Am based out of Mumbai, India.. I can help you heal your itchy feet soles. Just feel free to get in touch with me over email : ***@****. The sooner you get in touch, the better. I myself had gone through the same problem and have cured myself thru spiritual healing. You dont need to pop any pills or spend a penny. And i intend to do it for other sufferers for free.
Anyone from Mumbai or India with similar itchy feet ??
Rgds
Sam

[Samratchat]

Hi Tara.. I can help you heal your itchy feet soles. Just feel free to get in touch with me over email : ***@****. The sooner you get in touch, the better. I myself had gone through the same problem and have cured myself thru spiritual healing. You dont need to pop any pills or spend a penny. And i intend to do it for other sufferers for free.
Rgds
Sam

[lcell]

I have this same condition, please help me too