{"id":626706,"date":"2024-02-08T17:26:02","date_gmt":"2024-02-08T22:26:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626706"},"modified":"2026-03-11T15:38:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T19:38:57","slug":"itchy-feet-at-night","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/itchy-feet-at-night\/","title":{"rendered":"Why are my feet itchy at night?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nocturnal pruritus, the medical term for itchiness at night, can occur anywhere on your body, including your feet. Although the itchiness may be present at any time of day, it can be more noticeable when trying to rest. The most common causes of itchy feet at night are related to fungal, bacterial, or viral infections, but we\u2019ll explore some other potential causes to help you choose the best treatment and get a better night\u2019s sleep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What causes itchy feet at night?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The cause of itchy skin at night is related to how our complicated peripheral nervous system works with our internal clock\u2014better known as our <\/span>circadian rhythm<\/span><\/a>. When the body recognizes that it is time to go to bed, it increases blood flow and body temperature, which can cause itching. But when itching is excessive and interrupts your sleep, it could be the symptom of an underlying condition, an infection, or a reaction to an irritant.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Fungal infections<\/span><\/h3>\n

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)<\/span><\/a> is the most common cause of itchy feet at night. Symptoms of athlete’s foot are dry, flaky, scaly skin on the bottoms of the feet and between the toes. Athlete\u2019s foot symptoms should improve within two to four weeks with proper treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Treatment<\/span><\/a> options include over-the-counter (OTC) <\/span>antifungal<\/span><\/a> products. If those don\u2019t work, your healthcare provider can provide stronger prescription antifungal creams, such as <\/span>terbinafine<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>tolnaftate<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Lotrimin<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>clotrimazole<\/span><\/a>). Occasionally, oral antifungal medications may also be required.<\/span><\/p>\n

Typically, your general practitioner can diagnose and treat athlete’s foot. If their treatment does not work, they will recommend a second opinion from a podiatrist or dermatologist.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can prevent athlete\u2019s foot by avoiding walking barefoot in locker rooms and other public areas, wearing clean socks and shoes, avoiding extreme temperatures, and practicing good foot hygiene.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Dermatitis<\/span><\/h3>\n

Dermatitis (a type of <\/span>eczema<\/span><\/a>) is another common cause of nocturnal pruritus. The most common types of dermatitis that impact the feet are dyshidrotic eczema, atopic dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dermatitis symptoms include redness, scaling, and thickened skin on the bottoms of the feet. The skin patches may also itch or become painful. If the irritant causing the condition is avoided, many of the mild symptoms can go away in a few days. However, it usually requires several weeks of treatment before symptoms fully heal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Topical home remedies to treat dermatitis include coconut oil, aloe vera gel, colloidal oatmeal, honey, and apple cider vinegar. You can also use a humidifier to reduce dryness in your home. OTC medications such as Vaseline and <\/span>Benadryl<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>diphenhydramine<\/span><\/a>) can also relieve symptoms. For persistent dermatitis, your healthcare provider may prescribe prescription topical <\/span>steroid creams<\/span><\/a> such as <\/span>hydrocortisone<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>betamethasone<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>triamcinolone<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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