Here’s when you should seek medical help for this symptom
Health experts warn that persistently itchy feet may be a sign of serious underlying health problems. While mild itching is common and often harmless, ongoing or intense itching—especially when paired with other symptoms—should prompt a visit to your GP.
Occasional skin irritation can be caused by everyday factors such as cold weather, dry skin, or insect bites. However, itching that doesn’t go away may point to something more concerning. According to specialists at Healthline, the feet are particularly prone to this type of symptom.
They caution that itchy feet can be linked to several medical conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disorders.
Liver disease
Liver disease—whether caused by excessive alcohol use or fat accumulation in the liver—is a serious condition that can become life-threatening without treatment. The Liver Foundation lists itching as a key warning sign.
Itching related to liver disease can occur anywhere on the body but is most commonly felt on the arms and legs, or on the palms and soles of the feet. The intensity can range from mild irritation to severe, exhausting discomfort.
Unlike allergic reactions or insect bites, liver-related itching usually appears without a rash. Persistent scratching, however, can damage the skin. As the disease progresses, the itching often becomes worse and may intensify at night, in warm environments, after hot baths, or when wearing certain fabrics.
Although the exact cause isn’t fully understood, liver-related itching has been associated with a buildup of bile salts in the blood and changes in substances such as histamine, serotonin, hormones, and alkaline phosphatase.
Other symptoms of liver disease may include:
Ongoing fatigue and weakness
Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss
Reduced sex drive
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Nausea or vomiting
