Diabetic Foot Itch: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies

Diabetes, a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide, can manifest in various symptoms, including a common yet often overlooked issue: diabetic foot itch. This article aims to provide comprehensive insights into the causes of diabetic foot itch, its connection to diabetes, and effective remedies for relief.

What Causes Diabetic Foot Itch?

Diabetic foot itch is a common yet bothersome symptom for many individuals with diabetes, stemming from various underlying causes related to the condition.

1. Poor Circulation: Diabetes can impair circulation, particularly in the extremities like feet. This reduced blood flow can lead to skin dryness, a primary factor in itchiness. When the skin doesn't receive adequate blood supply, it can become deprived of essential nutrients and oxygen, leading to dryness and irritation. Moreover, poor circulation can mean slower healing of skin injuries, increasing the risk of infection and itchiness.
2. Diabetic Neuropathy: High blood sugar levels over time can cause diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage. This condition primarily affects nerves in the feet and hands, leading to various sensations, including itching. The damaged nerve fibers in the outer layers of the skin can trigger itchiness, often without any visible rash or skin abnormality.
3. Inflammatory Factors: High levels of cytokines, which are inflammatory substances, circulate in the body before nerve damage occurs in people with diabetes. These cytokines can contribute to itching. Ongoing research suggests a potential link between increased cytokine levels and diabetic nerve damage. Persistent itchiness might be an early indicator of risk for nerve damage in diabetic individuals.
4. Diabetic Polyneuropathy and Peripheral Neuropathy: These complications develop from sustained high blood glucose levels, damaging nerve fibers, particularly in the feet and hands. Itching is a common symptom experienced by individuals with these neuropathic conditions.
5. Complications from Diabetes: Other diabetes-related complications, such as kidney or liver failure, can cause itching. These conditions may disrupt normal bodily functions and lead to skin irritation.
6. Medication Side Effects: Some people with diabetes may experience itchy skin as an adverse reaction to medications. It is essential to consult a doctor before discontinuing any medication, as they may need to prescribe an alternative.
7. Irritants and Environmental Factors: Skin products containing perfumes, dyes, and harsh soaps can dry out the skin, leading to itchiness. Environmental factors like cold weather can also cause skin dryness and sensitivity, exacerbating itching.
8. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Persistent high blood sugar levels can significantly impact blood circulation, particularly in the legs and feet, leading to Peripheral Arterial Disease. This circulatory disorder can cause reduced blood flow to the extremities, making individuals more prone to developing dry skin. The natural oils in the feet may dry up, leading to symptoms such as rough, flaky, and cracked skin, which can be itchy.

Additional symptoms of PAD include:

• Leg Pain During Physical Activity: Experiencing leg pain while walking, which typically improves with rest.
• Muscle Weakness: The weakness in the legs or feet makes movements difficult.
• Numbness or Tingling: A numbness or tingling sensation in the legs or feet.
• Hair Loss: Loss of hair on the legs or feet, indicating poor blood flow.
• Slow-Healing Cuts or Sores: The presence of cuts or sores on the legs or feet that heal slowly or not at all.
• Cold or Numb Toes: Toes that feel unusually cold or numb are a sign of reduced blood flow.

Other Skin Conditions Related to Diabetes

Individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to specific skin conditions and infections, leading to itching and discomfort. These conditions often arise due to the body's altered response to diabetes.

1. Fungal Infections: Conditions like athlete's foot and jock itch, caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans, are more common in individuals with diabetes. These infections can result in red, swollen, and hot skin, sometimes accompanied by small blisters that discharge liquid. The moist and less immune-competent skin of those with diabetes creates an ideal environment for these fungi.
2. Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum (NLD): Although rare, NLD is a skin condition typically found on the lower legs but can occur elsewhere. It begins as a dull, red, raised spot and progresses into a scar-like lesion with a distinct dark border. NLD can be painful and itchy, requiring careful monitoring and treatment.
3. Eruptive Xanthomatosis: More prevalent in people with type 1 diabetes, small, yellowish lesions about the size of a peanut, with a red ring around each one, characterize eruptive xanthomatosis. These lesions often appear on the legs, feet, hands, arms, and buttocks and can cause itching. The condition is linked to high cholesterol and fat levels.
4. Diabetic Blisters: People with diabetic neuropathy may develop blisters on their toes, feet, and other body parts. The exact cause is unclear, but they may be related to friction or skin infections, especially when blood sugar levels are high. While some blisters may not cause pain or discomfort, others can itch. These blisters generally heal by themselves, but monitoring for infections is crucial.

Symptoms of Diabetes-Related Foot Itching

Diabetes-related foot itching can manifest through a variety of symptoms, each indicating different underlying issues often associated with the condition. The most common symptoms include:

• Persistent Itchiness: The most noticeable symptom is an ongoing urge to scratch the feet. This itchiness can be more intense at certain times of the day or night and may not be relieved easily by over-the-counter creams or lotions.
• Dry, Cracked Skin: High blood sugar levels can lead to dehydration, which can cause the skin, especially on the feet, to become dry and cracked. These cracks cause discomfort and can become entry points for infections, further aggravating the itching.
• Occasional Burning or Stinging Sensations: Apart from itchiness, some individuals may experience a burning or stinging sensation in their feet. This can be due to nerve damage (neuropathy) caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels.
  

Managing Itchy Feet from Diabetes

1. Blood Sugar Control: The cornerstone of preventing diabetic foot itch is the effective management of blood sugar levels. This involves adhering to prescribed medication regimens, eating well-balanced, nutritious meals, and engaging in regular physical activity. Keeping blood sugar levels within the target range helps mitigate the risk of nerve damage and poor circulation, which can contribute to foot itchiness.
2. Diligent Foot Care: Daily foot care is essential in preventing itchy feet. This includes thoroughly drying the feet after washing, especially between the toes, and applying a suitable moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. Moisturized skin is less prone to dryness and cracking, which can lead to itching.
3. Avoiding Skin Infections: It's essential to resist scratching the feet, as this can lead to open wounds and increase the risk of bacterial infections. Regularly inspecting the feet for scratches, cuts, or blisters is crucial. Any discovered wounds should be promptly cleaned and covered to prevent infection.
4. Adapting to Environmental Conditions: Using a humidifier during dry seasons or in dry climates can help maintain skin hydration. Similarly, limiting the duration of showers and avoiding overly hot water can prevent skin from drying out.
5. Well-Fitting Shoes: Choosing the right footwear is significant in managing diabetic foot health. Shoes should be well-fitting but not tight, reducing friction and pressure that can cause blisters and sores. 
6. Skin Care Product Selection: Using gentle soaps, cleansing gels, or creams on the skin helps maintain its natural moisture balance. Harsh soaps and products with strong chemicals should be avoided as they can strip the skin of oils, leading to dryness and itching.
7. Diabetic Socks: Wearing diabetic socks can also be highly beneficial. These socks are specifically designed to reduce pressure on the lower leg and feet, minimize blistering, and promote circulation. Unlike regular socks, diabetic socks typically have stretchy tops to prevent constriction, which is particularly important for those with circulatory issues or neuropathy. They also often feature moisture-wicking fabrics to keep feet dry and reduce the risk of microbial infections.

By incorporating these practices into their daily routine, individuals with diabetes can achieve significant diabetic foot itch relief. Consistently checking for any changes or signs of infection is key to maintaining foot health. This proactive strategy not only alleviates the discomfort associated with itchy feet but is also essential in averting complications related to diabetes.

Experience Comfort with Viasox Diabetic Socks

At Viasox, we're dedicated to enhancing your foot health with our premium, non-binding diabetic socks and compression socks, available in various sizes and colors.

Understanding the importance of foot care for diabetes management, we offer diabetic socks that provide comfort and protection. Ideal for diabetic foot treatment, our socks are designed to fit your needs perfectly.

For any questions or to explore our range, don't hesitate to contact Viasox. We're here to help you find the best in diabetic foot care.