How To Treat Itchy Hands and Feet

Your hands and feet work hard – whether carrying you from A to B, helping you through your daily tasks, or holding loved ones near.

It is no wonder that experiencing an itchy rash across your hands and feet causes real problems for your day-to-day life, not to mention being painful and irritating.

There are many reasons why you might experience itchy hands and feet at some point throughout your lifetime, and that’s why, throughout this post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about:

• The most common causes of itchy skin across your hands and feet
• How best to treat itchy palms and itchy soles 
• How to prevent itchiness and avoid irritation on your hands and feet

Keep reading to learn more about why you might be experiencing a bout of itchy hands and feet and how best to soothe your skin irritation today.

What Causes Itchy Hands and Feet?

There are many different reasons why your hands and feet might feel itchy, ranging from a mild allergic reaction to a more severe health disease. While it might feel like your itchiness has come out of the blue, it can be beneficial to put your finger on the cause behind your rash, helping to shed light on the best possible treatment methods in the future.

Let’s explore some of the most likely culprits for your itchy skin:

Dyshidrotic Eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema (or dyshidrotic dermatitis) is a form of eczema (atopic dermatitis) characterized by small fluid-filled blisters that develop across your hands and feet. While painful, these blisters eventually burst and dry out, causing your skin to flake and peel off.

The exact cause of dyshidrotic eczema is unknown; however, like other forms of eczema, it is believed this skin condition is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, increasing your skin’s sensitivity to environmental triggers and weakening the skin’s barrier.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is another form of eczema triggered by the body’s immune system response to specific known allergens and irritants.

Typical triggers may include poison ivy, certain metals in jewelry, or chemicals and fragrances within your skin care products or laundry detergent. When the skin comes into contact with these substances, a contact dermatitis rash may be triggered, characterized by patches of itchy, dry skin and swelling in severe cases.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes flaky patches of skin which form scales. In some cases, these dry, rough patches may become highly itchy, with constant scratching causing the skin to break and flake even more.

Fungal Infections

These infections can be transmitted to the feet and hands in a range of unsuspecting ways, such as when you walk across the locker room floors, carry soil on your fingers after gardening, or through direct contact with contaminated belongings such as towels or shoes.

Athlete’s foot is a skin infection caused by a fungus that causes lesions and itching between the toes.

Liver Disease

It might seem surprising, but long-term itchy hands and feet could also indicate a chronic degenerative liver disease called cirrhosis. While the exact cause of the itching is unknown, it is believed to be due to an accumulation of salts and acids underneath the skin.

Erythromelalgia

This rare condition causes intense burning pain in the hands and feet, which may flare for anywhere between a few minutes to several days. While the exact cause is unknown, this condition is thought to be caused by a dysfunction in the body’s normal narrowing and widening of certain blood vessels.

Nerve Disorders

Common conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tarsal tunnel syndrome will often cause inflammation, irritation, and compression to nerves in your hands and feet.

While these nerve disorders can cause itchiness, it is worth noting that most often, they will also be accompanied by additional symptoms such as numbness, pins and needles, weakness, and tingling.

How To Relieve Itching In Hands and Feet

The traditional medical route for treating skin conditions includes topical steroids and oral medications. Topical pain medications may also be taken to help reduce the sensitivity of the nerve endings in your hands and feet.

When it comes to treating dry skin and itchy hands and feet naturally, however, there are several gentle options you can take:

Moisturize

We know that dry skin exacerbate itchiness. Properly hydrating your body inside and out is a great way to help restore your skin’s barrier and break the itch-scratch cycle.

The Coconut and Sunflower Oil Soap Bar combines nourishing coconut oil, shea butter, and sunflower oil to leave your skin feeling soothed, soft and supple. Use it as a natural hand soap to help maintain moisture throughout the day, or use it as a full-body soap for cleaning skin face to toe.

To calm intense itching, we’d recommend the Hot Skin Soother. This intensive balm is made from certified safe herbs and has been specially designed to treat topical bacteria, yeast, and fungus. Rub this thick moisturizing cream into your itchy feet or palms to calm even the most inflamed itchy rash.

Oatmeal Bath

An oatmeal bath is a great way to find intensive relief if you’re coping with a severe allergic contact dermatitis reaction, blisters, or constant itching.

The Conqueror Oatmeal Bath for Eczema is free of parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, dyes, petrochemicals, and mineral oils – perfect for creating a natural foot soak or at-home hand spa.

Made from colloidal oatmeal, this milky bath soak is a rich source of beta-glucans, which fight skin sensitivity and diminish visible redness. Dead sea salt, vitamin C, coconut milk powder, and sodium bicarbonate enhance this natural soak with detoxifying, hydrating, and regenerative benefits for sensitive, dry skin.

Preventing Itchy Hands and Feet

So you know how to soothe itchy palms and feet, but how do you prevent a skin infection or an allergic reaction in the first place?

If your skin is particularly sensitive, you may wish to try the Remedywear™ Gloves for Adults and Remedywear™ Adult TENCEL Socks, which are embedded with hypoallergenic TENCEL and anti-inflammatory zinc. Not only do these gloves and socks help prevent irritation and reduce itching, but the stretchy, ultra-soft material also helps heal blisters, peeling skin, dryness, and itchy rashes.

When Should I Consult A Doctor?

If you’re concerned about your itchy hands and feet, it can be helpful to seek medical attention. In particular, we’d urge you to reach out to your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Persistent itching that won’t ease with home-treatment
• Itchy hands and feet that cause you significant discomfort or pain
• Redness, swelling, burning sensations, or a spreading inflammation

Soothe Your Hand and Foot Itch Today

Follow these tips to help you tackle your itching symptoms head-on, better understand where your rash might come from, and soothe your hands and feet today.