Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Itching And Pain In Feet At Night While Sleeping?
Question: Several nights ago I was awakened from my sleep with extremely itchy toes. They were also painful when I tried to scratch the itch - I could only rub them for relief. Since then, every evening it starts up again - itchy toes, pain, red shiny skin, warm to the touch. Not all toes are affected - they change evening to evening. The pads of my toes get numb. During the day I am fine - no pain or itching but still red shiny skin. I go barefoot all the time so it is not shoe related. I have done nothing different - no food, no outside grass, no medication, no detergent, etc. Is this neuropathy? Why would it start so suddenly and go on only in the evening? Aleve helps the pain.
Brief Answer:
Possible cause is tinea pedis
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM
From your inquiry you have had a sudden onset of itching and pain of you feet at night while sleeping. From your history it does not sound like you have neuropathy since neuropathy usually starts from an underlying condition like diabetes. The sensation from neuropathy is painful but also like needles and pins in the feet and toes.
More than likely you have tinea pedis or athletes foot which is a fungal infection of the feet. A picture of your rash would be helpful in determine if this is truly fungal. In my practice I would have my patients start antifungal cream like Lamisil. If this does not help then there are prescription strength of antifungals that help reduce the infection.
Hope this answers your question. Please contact us again with your concerns.
Possible cause is tinea pedis
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM
From your inquiry you have had a sudden onset of itching and pain of you feet at night while sleeping. From your history it does not sound like you have neuropathy since neuropathy usually starts from an underlying condition like diabetes. The sensation from neuropathy is painful but also like needles and pins in the feet and toes.
More than likely you have tinea pedis or athletes foot which is a fungal infection of the feet. A picture of your rash would be helpful in determine if this is truly fungal. In my practice I would have my patients start antifungal cream like Lamisil. If this does not help then there are prescription strength of antifungals that help reduce the infection.
Hope this answers your question. Please contact us again with your concerns.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
The pain and itching is late afternoon into the evening, not just at night. It is not my feet, they are normal - it is only my toes. I've checked the Internet for athlete's foot and this is not athletes foot. I have no problem between my toes. I go barefoot so it is highly unlikely I have athlete's foot. I have no rash. Can you try again?
Brief Answer:
need more information
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for returning you question and with more information.
Since athlete's foot is not an option then it maybe more likely to be an allergic response to something in your environment. Have you tried using topical steroid cream like hydrocortisone?
Do you have any other medical conditions like diabetes, congestive heart failure, vascular problems?
Do you take any regular medications?
need more information
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for returning you question and with more information.
Since athlete's foot is not an option then it maybe more likely to be an allergic response to something in your environment. Have you tried using topical steroid cream like hydrocortisone?
Do you have any other medical conditions like diabetes, congestive heart failure, vascular problems?
Do you take any regular medications?
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
