Our hands commonly come in contact with many external surfaces that can irritate skin. While our feet are intact with socks, locking in the moisture can irritate them. Remember, skin becomes dryer with age, and older people become more and more susceptible to dry skin. However, cold, dry winter weather can suck the moisture out of the skin. Even hand washing multiple times for cleansing purposes can leave the skin dehydrated. Then, a habit of using a hand sanitizer containing ingredients that can dry the skin.
Meanwhile, foot itching can be caused due to fungal infection, insect bites, or moisture. If you have ever experienced an itchy feeling, redness, bumps, spots, etc., we know how annoying that feeling is. It can bother you, pushing you to look for an immediate remedy. Once you start scratching, the feeling is irresistible, prompting you further. If you scratch uncontrollably, you can injure the skin, leading to scarring or infection. It can become a significant concern if any relief is not found.
What Causes Itchy Hands and Feet?
What do you do about the itchy hands and feet? Treating itchy hands and feet depends significantly on the problem’s cause. Itchy hands and feet can be due to many reasons, such as dryness, allergic reactions, eczema, diabetes, psoriasis, etc.
- Dry skin – Dry skin is common in winter, causing dehydration among everyone, including older adults, as skin becomes dryer with age.
- Allergic reactions – It is also likely for one to have an allergic reaction after touching something or being exposed to an irritant known as contact dermatitis. An allergic reaction may likely appear 48 to 96 hours after any contact with the irritant. The most common ones are dust and soil, chlorinated water, antiseptics, disinfectants, jewelry, perfumes, soaps, etc.
- Eczema – An inflammatory skin condition causing rashes, itchiness, dryness, blisters, and skin infection. Research suggests that around 10% of people experience hand eczema in the United States. It is non-contagious but more likely prone in professions where people handle harsh chemicals or are exposed to extreme moisture, like cleaning, catering, mechanics, healthcare, etc.
- Diabetes – High blood sugar levels can cause dry skin, making you itch and flaring red bumps in the body. It usually happens due to poor circulation or infections. It is a good idea to keep the affected area moisturized, clean, and dry immediately.
- Psoriasis – A skin disorder in which cells multiply up to 10 times faster than normal, leading to skin build-up. On lighter skin, the patches can be red with white scales; on darker skin, they can be purplish, brown, and itchy. The condition can’t be passed on from one person to another; however, it may happen in members of the same family.
If you are suffering from itchy hands or feet and suspect it stems from an infection or injury, our health provider can assess you to find the root cause of your symptoms. Don’t hesitate to contact our office!