That nagging itch on your feet and legs can be downright maddening, right? There are several possible reasons for this vexing problem. It might simply be your skin asking for more moisture. Alternatively, it could be an allergic reaction or a sneaky condition like eczema or athlete’s foot stirring up trouble.
For Nontathu Makeke, based in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, dealing with itchy feet has been a part of her life for over 11 years.
She says she would wake up from a deep sleep with itchy feet that required her attention. “I have never used anything; I kind of massage them when that happens.”
Having worked as a cashier at the gas station for years, she suspects that the long hours on her feet contributed to the issue.
Makeke adds that the itchy feet problem isn’t an uncommon health challenge in her family, mentioning that her sister suffered from a similar issue where her feet and legs became itchy and developed green veins.
“I am worried that this might be something genetic running in my family.”
Nontathu Makeke
Common causes of itchy feet
According to Dr Dineo Sefoloko of #Keready Clinics based in KwaZulu-Natal, itchy feet and legs can result from various factors, including dry skin, peripheral neuropathy, irritation from insect bites, allergies to plants, and chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
“Athlete’s foot can cause itching and a burning sensation in the affected area,” Sefoloko says.
Additionally, allergic contact dermatitis, which occurs as a reaction to topical medications, shaving irritation, or sensitivity to cosmetics and chemicals, can also be a cause. Certain diseases such as diabetes, kidney and liver diseases, and athlete’s foot can contribute to itchiness as well, she adds.
“Many people with diabetes experience skin problems, which should be taken seriously.”
Dr Dineo Sefoloko
Furthermore, itching may indicate nerve damage or diabetic neuropathy, says Sefoloko.
Traditional treatments
According to Dr Linah Moeketsi, an Ayurvedic (Indian traditional medicine) and African traditional medical practitioner based in Midrand, Johannesburg, itchy feet can sometimes be caused by excessive intake of lactose, fish, and water.
She explains that people with poor circulation or chronic illnesses often experience itchy feet and legs. “Some cases where the feet itch and begin to swell indicate deeper problems that require blood tests to identify,” she says.
Moeketsi suggests that various herbs can be used under the supervision of a traditional healer or homeopath to address the issue.
“African potato is beneficial for those with poor circulation and should be administered by a healer to ensure the correct dosage. Rosemary is another excellent herb to drink, provided you’re not allergic to it, as it helps reduce inflammation.”
Dr Linah Moeketsi
Ginger water is also recommended for its effectiveness against skin irritation, says Moeketsi.
She emphasises that anyone with itchy feet or legs who develops sores or foot ulcers should consult their doctor or traditional healer for treatment. “People often wait too long, and the foot ulcers get infected and reinfected.”
She also adds that it’s important to avoid inserting anything into the foot ulcers as this aggravates the skin.
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Lifestyle changes and home remedies
Sefoloko cautions against scratching – this will prevent the irritation from getting worse.
Treatment of itchy feet and legs depends on the cause. However, for topical causes of dry skin, keeping the skin hydrated and moisturised is very important, she advises.
“Ointments such as steroid creams for skin conditions like eczema are useful to soothe irritated skin.”
Dr Dineo Sefoloko
Studies have shown that applying oatmeal-based lotions reduced the intensity of itching, skin dryness, and roughness. Oatmeal baths can also be helpful, particularly for children and infants with itchy skin, explains Sefoloko.
Dr Dineo Sefoloko is a Matatiele-based #Keready mobile clinic doctor. Photo: Lonwabo Zimela
Other self-care remedies include:
- Using cold compresses.
- Moisturising regularly with specialty creams to prevent dry skin.
- Choosing lukewarm showers or baths and avoiding hot water, which irritates the skin.
- Taking over the counter medications that reduce itching called antihistamines
- Using hypoallergenic laundry products.
Wearing clothing made from soft fabrics that let the skin breathe.
She adds that good foot-care habits are a great thing to master because they help prevent itchy feet and some causes of itchy feet. Sefoloko’s tips for good food hygiene habits are:
- Wear waterproof shoes, such as flip-flops, in shared shower facilities or gym floors.
- Try to put on shoes and socks when your feet are completely dry.
- Wash your feet regularly with mild soap, paying careful attention to the areas between your toes and applying moisturiser after you finish bathing.
- Wear cotton or wool socks.
- Wear well-ventilated shoes, such as those with mesh holes that help the feet stay dry.
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