Itchy Blisters on Feet

Application of ice pack is an easy way to reduce burning sensation associated with blisters.

In simple terms, these are small elevated structures on the skin containing body fluids. Occurrence of blisters on feet that is quite unpleasant to the eye, can bring considerable amount of itchiness on the skin. The oozing blisters produce intermittent stinging sensation resulting in itchy palms and soles.

Improper Footwear: How can one expect feet to be free from blisters, when the choice of footwear selection is itself wrong. Wearing tight fitting socks and shoes is the most cause of this skin problem. Tight footwear put excessive pressure on the foot, and restricts air circulation considerably. People who wear such kind of shoes for a long period of time, eventually develop blisters on their feet.

Athlete's Foot: Athlete's foot that is typically marked by formation of blisters is caused by a fungal infection. The blisters can appear anywhere on the feet including the soles. However, usually the fungus invades the region located between two toes. Athlete's foot is typically marked by itchy and flaky skin and the painful itchy blisters that develop trigger a burning sensation.

Allergic Reaction: An adverse reaction of a medicine such as ibuprofen (painkillers) can manifest in the form of skin rash on the feet and hand. A rash completely changes the appearance and texture of the skin and is characterized by formation of blisters. Overuse of medication or not taking it in the prescribed dosage can trigger an allergic reaction, which may lead to itchy blisters on feet.

Excessive Sweating: It is observed that athletes and runners sweat profusely after participating in an event. Itchy feet commonly arise due to excessive sweating. This is because too much sweating chokes the sweat ducts.

The clogged sweat ducts, due to excessive pressure break away and release the sweat in the inner layers of the skin. As the sweat trickles underneath the skin, this irritates the superficial skin and shows presence of itchy blisters.

Pompholyx: Formation of tiny blisters on the soles, toes and fingers may indicate pompholyx, a type of eczema that often causes intense itching. In most cases, both the feet and the hands are affected in people with pompholyx.

Moreover, the skin appears inflamed and in some cases the blisters combine to form big ones. Patients often complain about burning sensation that may worsen after contact with detergents and bath soaps.

Generally, any medical treatment is not required as the body's natural healing process is capable enough to get rid of this skin infection without application of any external agents (creams).

However, if blisters have occurred due to a severe skin infection such as athlete's foot or an allergic reaction from an insect bite, then appropriate treatment has to be taken to cure the skin condition. Cleaning the affected area by rubbing alcohol or a mild soap can also ease the discomfort and speed up healing.

As far as treating pompholyx is concerned, applying a cloth dipped in potassium permanganate solution is often advised. The solution is prepared by mixing 4 crystals of potassium permanganate in one liter of water. However, the simplest solution to treat this type of eczema would be to use moisturizing creams such as emollients.

Taking certain precautionary measures can definitely help to prevent formation of painful blisters on feet. For instance, wearing comfortable shoes that provide free movement of the feet is one of the simplest solutions to keep blisters from getting formed. Application of skin moisturizers such as white petroleum jelly can also reduce the irritation of the skin.