How much of your day do you spend scratching your hands and feet? If you’re like most people, it’s probably more than you’d like to. Itchy hands and feet can be frustrating, but fortunately, there are plenty of ways to cure them before they get out of control. Whether you have dry skin or eczema, this list of 7 unexpected causes of itchy hands and feet will help guide you toward relief.
7 Unexpected Causes of Itchy Hands and Feet
1) Oily skin
One surprising cause of itchy hands and feet is actually oily skin. When your skin produces too much oil, it can clog your pores and trap dirt and bacteria. This can lead to irritation and inflammation, which can make your skin feel itchy.
To combat this, make sure you wash your hands and feet regularly with mild soap and exfoliate a few times a week to remove dead skin cells. You may also want to try using a light lotion or cream to keep your skin hydrated.
2) Allergic reactions
When your skin comes into contact with an allergen, it can cause an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can cause your skin to itch, swell, and break out in hives. If you have a severe allergic reaction, you may also experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, and lightheadedness. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
3) Dry skin
Dry skin is one of the most common causes of itchy hands and feet. When your skin is dry, it can become irritated and inflamed, causing you to feel the urge to scratch. In some cases, dry skin may also be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as eczema or psoriasis. If you suspect that your itchy hands or feet are due to dry skin, try using a moisturizing cream or lotion to relieve the discomfort.
4) Injuries to the skin
1. Injuries to the skin are a common cause of itchy hands and feet. Even a minor cut or scrape can cause the area to become itchy as it heals.
2. Allergies can also cause itchiness. If you’re allergic to a particular substance, coming into contact with it can trigger an itchy reaction.
3. Infections can sometimes cause itchiness, especially if they affect the skin or nails. A fungal infection, for example, may produce white patches on the fingers or toes that make them itch.
4. Stress may be another potential cause of itchy hands and feet. When you’re under stress your body produces more sweat which can irritate the skin on your palms and the soles of your feet.
5. Dryness is another possible cauoffor dryness which is one symptom of many medical conditions such as psoriasis and eczema
6. Lack of vitamin B-12 in your diet could also lead to itchy hands and feet so check with your doctor if this is a concern
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5) Side effects from medicines
1. Believe it or not, one of the most common causes of itchy hands and feet is actually a side effect of medicines. Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs can cause skin irritation, which can lead to itchiness. If you’re taking a new medication and notice your skin starting to itch, be sure to mention it to your doctor.
2. Allergies are another common culprit when it comes to itchy hands and feet. If you suffer from allergies, even just seasonal ones like hay fever, chances are you experience itching during allergy season.
3. Eczema and psoriasis also have a tendency to make skin itch uncontrollably, although these conditions typically manifest as dry patches that can form on other parts of the body in addition to the hands and feet.
4. Hand eczema is often caused by occupational factors such as wet work conditions or contact with irritants at work, but anyone can develop hand eczema due to their genes predisposing them that for this condition, hypersensitivity reactions such as contact dermatitis, or irritant-related conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema).
6) Vitamin deficiency in your diet
You may be surprised to learn that one common cause of itchy hands and feet is a vitamin deficiency. If you’re not getting enough vitamins in your diet, your skin can become dry and irritated. This can lead to itchiness, redness, and inflammation.
To avoid this, make sure you’re eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You may also want to consider taking a daily multivitamin to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.
7) Anxiety
If you have anxiety, you may be all too familiar with the feeling of itchiness. It can be a symptom of anxiety, caused by nerves or stress. When you’re anxious, your body is in a fight or flight mode, which can cause your skin to become more sensitive.
This can lead to an itchy feeling, as well as dryness, redness, and bumps. If you’re experiencing anxiety-related itchiness, there are a few things you can do to find relief.
CODE: U222375
This is so helpful