Why does my foot itch especially after soaking?

Nov 11, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

In general, itching after soaking feet may be caused by factors such as excessively hot water temperature, inadequate cleaning, chilblains, athlete's foot (tinea pedis), or urticaria. It is recommended that patients follow medical advice for treatment. During the treatment process, patients should follow the doctor's instructions and must not self-medicate or manage the condition arbitrarily, to avoid worsening the symptoms. Maintaining good personal hygiene and keeping the feet dry can help prevent foot itching.

Generally, itching after soaking feet may be caused by factors such as excessively hot water, inadequate cleaning, chilblains, tinea pedis (athlete's foot), urticaria, etc. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for treatment. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Excessively hot water: Very hot water can irritate the skin, causing dilation of subcutaneous capillaries, increased blood flow, and accelerated microcirculation, which may lead to epidermal peeling or increased local nerve sensitivity, resulting in itchy feet. When soaking feet, the water temperature should be maintained within an appropriate range. Generally, it is recommended that the water temperature be around 40°C, avoiding the use of overly hot water.

2. Inadequate cleaning: If the feet are not thoroughly rinsed after soaking, some foot bath materials or dirt may remain. These substances could irritate the skin and cause itching. It is recommended to rinse the feet thoroughly with clean water after soaking to ensure no residue remains.

3. Chilblains: Chilblains occur due to prolonged exposure to cold and damp conditions, causing local skin vasoconstriction, impaired peripheral circulation, and even skin cracking. Soaking feet in hot water may dilate blood vessels and accelerate local circulation, resulting in intense itching, possibly accompanied by pain. It is recommended to keep the feet warm and avoid prolonged exposure to cold environments.

4. Tinea pedis (athlete's foot): Tinea pedis is usually caused by fungal infection. Fungal infection can cause inflammation, peeling, and erosion of the foot skin. The itching may worsen after soaking feet in hot water. Patients are advised to apply topical antifungal creams such as miconazole nitrate cream, clotrimazole cream, or compound ketoconazole ointment to inhibit fungal growth and alleviate these symptoms.

5. Urticaria: Urticaria is an allergic skin condition. When the feet come into contact with allergens, cholinergic urticaria may develop, causing round, papular wheals on the feet accompanied by severe itching. Patients are advised to take medications as directed by a physician, such as loratadine tablets, cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, or calamine lotion, to relieve itching.

During treatment, patients should follow their doctor's instructions and avoid self-medicating or self-treating to prevent worsening of the condition. Additionally, maintaining good personal hygiene and keeping the feet dry and clean can help prevent foot itching.

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Does not sweating during a foot bath with mugwort indicate a cold body constitution?

In general, whether not sweating during a mugwort foot bath indicates cold body constitution needs to be determined based on specific circumstances. If accompanied by persistently cold hands and feet, significant sensitivity to cold, or difficulty adapting to cold environments during winter, it may be due to a cold body constitution. However, if the lack of sweating is simply because of insufficient foot bath duration, water temperature that is too low, or reduced skin sensitivity to temperature, it typically does not indicate a cold body constitution.