Diabetes mellitus is a chronic lifestyle disorder characterised by high blood sugar levels caused by impaired insulin secretion or insulin resistance. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause severe, long-term complications affecting the kidneys, eyes, nerves, heart and extremities.
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One common issue that diabetics often complain about is itchy feet (pruritus), resulting in skin dryness, fungal infections and nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels. Furthermore, high blood sugar can interfere with the skin’s healing mechanisms, including its ability to hold water. This can also lead to chronic dry skin that becomes itchy.
Read this article to understand the causes and symptoms of itchy feet in diabetes and effective remedies to manage.
Causes Of Itchy Feet In Diabetes
Dry Skin (Xerosis)
High blood sugar reduces skin moisture and increases susceptibility to irritation and itching.
Reduced sweating leads to excessive dryness and cracking.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Uncontrolled blood sugar for a long period of time can damage nerve fibres in the legs and feet, which is known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This causes numbness, loss of pain sensation, tingling or burning, and itchiness.
Neuropathy also stimulates the immune system to release cytokines, which are proteins that control inflammatory responses. These proteins can irritate nerves and lead to itching.
Also Read: Tingling In Hands And Feet: Know the Underlying Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatment
Fungal Infections
Diabetes increases the risk of athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) caused by Candida, a yeast-like fungus that can occur in the moist folds of skin. A weak immune system also increases your risk of several other infections, which can cause itching in your legs and between your toes.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Continued high blood sugar levels can impede blood circulation in your legs and feet. This can lead to peripheral arterial disease, a circulatory disorder.
Itching can result from poor circulation, which makes the skin prone to dryness as the natural oils in the feet evaporate. Signs of dry feet include rough, flaky and cracked skin. In addition, reduced blood flow affects skin health, leading to itching and slow healing.
Skin Infections or Allergic Reactions
Bacterial infections or allergic reactions to footwear can cause the skin to become red, swollen, and itchy.
Symptoms of Diabetic Itchy Feet
Persistent itching in the feet
Dry or cracked skin
Redness or rashes
Burning or tingling sensation
Peeling skin between toes
Numbness or reduced sensation
Slow healing of cuts or sores
If itching occurs along with open wounds, swelling, or severe pain, seek medical attention.
Home Remedies to Manage Itchy Feet
Use Moisturizer
Keeping the skin hydrated is essential to prevent dryness and itching. Apply fragrance-free moisturisers or specially formulated diabetic foot care creams several times a day, including after showers, to restore skin moisture and reduce itching.
Also Read: Diabetic Neuropathy: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Maintain Feet Clean /Dry
It is important to clean feet daily with a gentle liquid and lukewarm water. Clean feet thoroughly and dry them, especially between the toes, to reduce the risk of fungal infection.
Use Coconut Oil or Aloe Vera
Coconut oil is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which help hydrate the skin naturally and mitigate inflammation. Aloe vera gel can soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation and redness. To lower the risk of skin infection, avoid scratching your feet.
Wear Breathable Footwear
Choose breathable socks and wear properly fitting footwear. Prefer ventilated shoes to prevent infection, injury or blisters.
Manage Blood Sugar Levels
Regular blood sugar monitoring is important because it helps prevent blood sugar surges and nerve damage. Monitor your feet daily for any scratches or cuts. Wounds should never be left open; they should be properly cleaned and bandaged.
In addition, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, taking prescribed medications regularly, and exercising consistently are key to managing diabetes.
If itching persists for more than a few days, or if there are sores, swelling, or infections, consult your diabetologist immediately. Diabetic foot problems should never be ignored.
References:
Itch in diabetes: a common underestimated problem
Aleksandra A Stefaniak 1,✉, Iwona Chlebicka 1, Jacek C Szepietowski 1
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9880781/
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/itchy-feet-with-type-2-diabetes-could-have-several-sources
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