There are a number of different potential causes of itchy feet at night, some of which are more concerning than others. Itchy feet can be caused by something as simple as an allergy or dry skin, or a fungal infection on the bottom of the feet. Diabetes and gout are two other common causes of itchy feet at night. Other conditions that are more serious, however, can also cause this problem, such as certain blood disorders, or a blockage in a bile duct, preventing bile from flowing from the liver. This is known as cholestasis, and itching on the hands and feet is a common symptom.
Any actual skin conditions will likely be able to be easily identified simply by looking at the bottoms of the feet; redness, blisters, or peeling skin can all be indicative of various skin conditions that a dermatologist will be able to diagnose and treat. In addition, it is unlikely that the itching will only occur at night. Wearing improper footwear during the day can compress the nerves in the feet, and then, when the shoes are taken off at night, this can actually cause a burning or itching feeling, so be sure the shoes fit properly.
Conditions that affect blood flow to the feet such as diabetes and gout can also cause itchy feet at night, particularly when changes in blood sugar occur. More carefully managing the diet and medication, or visiting a doctor for adjustments to medication, can help with this. Of course, itchy feet at night could also be caused by something as simple as a vitamin deficiency. Eating a balanced diet can certainly help with this, and if it doesn’t, it may be a good idea to go to the doctor and get a blood workup to determine if any particular deficiencies are present, or even if a blood disorder could be causing it.
One of the most common causes of itchy feet at night is a condition known as cholestasis, in which a bile duct becomes blocked, and bile cannot properly flow from the liver. As a result, bile ends up in the bloodstream, which can cause a number of more serious issues, but frequently leads to itchy hands and feet. This can occur during pregnancy as well, and it is very important for pregnant women to take note of this and let the doctor know if it is occurring.