Itchy tops of the feet can be caused by athlete’s foot, dry skin, allergies, or contact dermatitis.
Common causes
- Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis).
- Dry skin.
- Contact dermatitis from shoes or socks.
- Eczema.
- Allergies.
- Insect bites.
Relief
- Moisturize.
- Antifungal cream for athlete’s foot.
- Change shoes and socks.
- Hydrocortisone cream.
See a doctor
If itching lasts, or you see blisters, rash or signs of infection.
Diabetes
Check with a doctor.
Skin causes
- Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), a fungal infection usually between toes but can affect the top of the foot, causing itching, scaling and redness.
- Eczema or contact dermatitis from shoes, socks, soaps or laundry products.
- Dry skin, particularly in winter.
- Insect bites.
- Scabies, which causes intense itching at night.
- Psoriasis.
- Hives, with raised welts.
Nerve and circulation causes
- Diabetic neuropathy, with itching, burning or tingling.
- Poor circulation or venous insufficiency, causing itchy, swollen, discolored skin.
- Pinched nerves.
Internal causes
Kidney disease, liver disease (cholestasis), thyroid problems, iron deficiency and some medications (opioids, antibiotics) can cause itching with no rash.
Other
Tight shoes, sweating, heat and allergies to materials such as rubber or leather.
Relief
- Wash and dry feet daily, especially between toes.
- Wear breathable cotton or wool socks and change them when damp.
- Use antifungal cream (clotrimazole, terbinafine) for 2 to 4 weeks if you see scaling.
- Moisturize dry skin with fragrance free cream.
- Use hydrocortisone 1% cream for a short time on non-fungal rashes.
- Try an oral antihistamine for allergic itching.
- Avoid scratching.
- Switch shoes and laundry detergents if irritation is suspected.
Diabetes
People with diabetes should check feet daily. Itchy, dry skin can crack and lead to infections.
See a doctor if
Itching lasts more than 2 weeks, shows an open sore, blisters, spreading redness, swelling, pus or fever. Seek care for itching without a rash lasting a long time, as it can be a sign of an internal disease.
Common skin causes
Itching on the top of the foot is often due to dry skin, athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), contact dermatitis from shoes or socks, eczema, insect bites or scabies. Athlete’s foot affects roughly 15 percent of people and causes scaling, redness and itch, often between the toes but sometimes on the top.
Other causes
Diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease and thyroid disorders can cause generalized itching. Nerve problems and poor circulation can also play a role. Use a moisturizer, wear breathable socks, and apply an over the counter antifungal such as clotrimazole or terbinafine for suspected fungus. See a doctor if itching persists past two weeks, spreads, or comes with rash, blisters or open sores.
Based on data from the American Academy of Dermatology and the CDC
