Dry Itchy Feet, Fungus
& Skin Problems

Some foot problems are painful, while others are extremely uncomfortable. Dry or itchy feet are examples of irritating conditions that aren’t easy to live with. These conditions may also indicate additional problems which is why early diagnosis and treatment is important.

Having dry, itchy feet is an uncomfortable way to spend your day. Because living in Queens means that you likely do a lot of walking to and from your apartment, work and shopping, you need to have feet that are free of discomfort and pain. There are many reasons why you might have itchy or dry feet, and Dr. Stanley J Zawada offers evaluations to check out your particular situation.

Hygiene and Hormones

Wearing tight shoes or keeping sweaty socks or shoes on your feet could contribute to dry and itchy feet. This is because your feet do not have oils to protect them from the loss of moisture or friction from this type of an environment. If your feet naturally sweat a lot, this could also contribute to the itching. Hormone changes during pregnancy or menopause can also result in a change of blood flow, swelling or nerve activity. This could lead to dryness and itching.

Allergic Reactions and Dermatitis

An inflammation of your skin could cause dryness or itching. This could happen because of general dermatitis without any obvious cause, or you could have an allergic reaction. For example, a sensitivity to wool could cause intense itching when you wear wool socks. You could also have an allergic reaction to a product that you applied to your feet or the detergent you washed your clothes in. A flea, tick or insect bite from a walk through the park or from exposure to an infected animal could be causing your itchiness.

Eczema and Psoriasis

Eczema and psoriasis are common skin conditions that are related to a slight malfunction of the immune system. If you have eczema, it may flare up on the parts of your feet that bend, such as the joints of your toes or ankle. Psoriasis may show up on the soles of your feet. Eczema causes intense itching, while psoriasis causes an itching and burning sensation.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is caused by a common foot fungus called tinea pedis. Its symptoms include dry feet, itchy feet, redness, inflammation, peeling and a burning sensation. Less commonly, people with athlete’s foot might develop sores, blisters or ulcers. The fungus lives in damp places, and you could pick it up by going barefoot at the pool or gym. It develops between your toes or on the bottom or sides of your feet.

Foot Infections

In addition to foot fungus, other types of foot infections could cause you to have dryness or itching in your feet. If you have recently been swimming, you could have picked up a bacterial or parasitic infection. Ringworm, which is actually a fungus, is an infection that causes a round, scaly area to appear on the skin. It causes intense itching. If you recently traveled out of the country, hookworm infection may be causing your symptoms. People with immune system dysfunction or diabetes could develop an itchy yeast infection of the feet. Dr. Stanley J Zawada evaluates the symptoms and causes of itchy and dry feet.

Family Foot Center can help you identify the cause of your dry, itchy feet. This is a necessary first step in treating the condition and eliminating the irritating problem. It is important to determine the cause of your dry and itchy feet because it is often indicative of a foot fungus.

The possible causes of dry and itchy feet include:

• Allergies or Chemical Irritants
• Flea, Tick or Insect Bite
• Hives or Hookworm
• Hot or Sweaty Feet
• Sock or Shoe Material
• Change in Hormone Levels
• Fungal skin infections
• Fungal toenail infections
• Bacterial infections
• Yeast infections
• Psoriasis
• Skin Cancers
• And more….

If you have, or think you have, a skin problem with your feet,
don’t hesitate, call Family Foot Center at 718-767-5555.
CALL NOW!