What should I do if my feet are itchy and ulcerated?

Itchy and ulcerated feet may be caused by prolonged exposure to damp environments, athlete's foot, eczema, chilblains, or diabetic foot. Treatments typically include keeping the feet dry and clean, using antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-itch medications as directed by a physician, and addressing the underlying condition. If symptoms are severe or unusual, prompt medical attention is advised. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Prolonged exposure to damp environments: Keeping the feet in a moist environment for extended periods, such as wearing wet shoes and socks or being submerged in water for long durations, may damage the skin barrier of the feet, allowing bacteria or fungi to proliferate, which can lead to itching and ulceration. It is recommended to keep the feet dry, change into dry shoes and socks promptly, and avoid prolonged exposure to damp conditions.

2. Athlete's foot: Athlete's foot is a skin disease caused by fungal infection, commonly presenting with symptoms such as itching, peeling, blisters, and ulcers on the feet. Fungi adhere to the skin surface and compromise the skin barrier, causing lesions such as scaling and papules. Use medications such as terbinafine hydrochloride spray, itraconazole dispersible tablets, and clotrimazole cream as directed by a physician to eliminate the fungus and promote skin recovery.

3. Eczema: Eczema on the feet may develop due to external irritants or chronic infections, causing inflammation in the superficial layers of the skin. Symptoms may include itching, redness, papules, and ulcers. Treatment options include applying anti-inflammatory and anti-itch medications such as calamine lotion or mometasone furoate cream. Additionally, maintaining a light diet and avoiding spicy or irritating foods is recommended.

4. Chilblains: Chilblains typically occur when the feet are exposed to cold environments for prolonged periods, resulting in slowed blood circulation. Common symptoms include itching, red patches, and ulcers on the feet. Local application of medications such as prednisone acetate cream, desonide cream, or ketoconazole cream may be used as directed by a physician for treatment.

5. Diabetic foot: Diabetic foot is a foot complication caused by poor blood sugar control in patients with diabetes. It may manifest as symptoms such as itching, ulcers, and pain in the feet. High blood sugar levels may lead to hardening of the peripheral blood vessels in the feet, affecting blood supply to the nerves and causing dysfunction and abnormal sensations. Medications such as metformin hydrochloride tablets, gliclazide sustained-release tablets, and repaglinide tablets may be used as directed by a physician to manage the condition.

In daily life, maintaining foot hygiene, regularly cleaning the feet, and avoiding prolonged exposure to damp or cold environments are recommended.