Extreme itching on feet and hands with no relief when scratched

Posted by whitlynn822 @whitlynn822, Aug 26, 2025

I have no idea what is causing this insanely persistent itching on both feet (toes and tops) and my hands (mostly fingers and palms). I thought athletes foot at first- did all of the treatments for it even though there isn’t anything visibly on either my feet nor hands. Obviously not athletes foot. Went to emergency room and was given Zyrtec and an antibiotic two weeks ago. I get some, but very little and short term relief after taking the Zyrtec. Again nothing is visible on skin when the itching starts- once I scratch I can’t stop/ this causes redness and bumps. The itching is so bad I’ve caused myself to bleed. It truly feels like it’s coming from the inside of my body or something- not just surface level. No new soaps, metrications, etc. Please help - it’s driving me crazy and I can’t deal with the non stop extreme itching much longer. I’m miserable. Also hot water or heat make it burn and itch worse. Plus I have had excessive sweating this year, unexplained weight gain and had psoriasis for first time on scalp last winter. I’ve washed with a tea tree oil medicated wash and works will applied but not once I rinse off. The itchy spots do sometimes turn hard and dry.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Skin Health Support Group.

GetWellSoon26 | @vijay26 | May 9 2:06pm

Medication of Neurotin (Gabapentin) for feet neurapathy. Its a case of high anxiety.
VJ

GetWellSoon26 | @vijay26 | May 9 8:39pm

Wash feet daily
Apply 40% Salicylic acid.
Take anti-depressant.
Take Pain killer Gabapentin.
Good luck.
VJ

wehamill77 | @wehamill77 | May 20 11:28pm

In reply to @mikay "@swiss344 I had the same thing, went to an allergist, and he told me to take..." + (show)

@mikay I made a Mayo account just to like your post and comment! I’m now going to go get both Zyrtek and Pepcid. Thanks!!! My itchy burning feet and hand condition is out of control.

mimiz | @mimiz | May 28 5:27pm

I don't know if you're experiencing other symptoms but you might research "Hodgkins Lymphoma" ... itching skin can be a symptom. I read a post on this website a few days ago about a woman who had intense itch on her feet like you described. When she went to the doctor she also had a small lump on her neck. Her doctor did a biopsy on the lump and she was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. When you said it feels like it's "coming from inside my body" this sounds like the other women's story.

Please know, this comment is not meant to scare you rather to help guide you on your path to wellness and feeling better.
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/hodgkin-lymphoma/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html

deniseheart | @deniseheart | May 30 7:07pm

I experienced this for 4 years before I realized that it was a histamine reaction to a medication that I am taking. Unfortunately, I must take this medication and so I have worked with ways to snuff out the itching. Wrapping my feet and/or hands in bags filled with ice really help. Be careful. You don't want cold injuries. I also take Allegra (the generic fexofenadine). Really intense all over body itching I have to take a small dose of prednisone.

ebettys | @ebettys | May 31 1:49pm

I itch all over too. Quit taking supplements and the cholesteral med. Didn't seem to help.

jimh0808 | @jimh0808 | Jun 1 3:49am

Can't believe that so few comments. I have had itch inside of foot, mostly in bottom of feet. This was several years ago, went to Dr. and was given medication, have forgotten what he RX for me, wish I could remember, itching did go away. Now, it has returned in my right thumb, looking for answers. Plan on going back today (6/1/2026). Itching started, low key, about a week ago, has increased where it itches all the time, itch has gotten worse. Any additional comments appreciated.

ebettys | @ebettys | Jun 2 12:01pm

I am sorry for what you are experiencing. I have the same issue. My skin will start itching and then then skin will peel off and there will be a sore. Nothing has really helped. The Salonpas patches does help though. It is helpful to see that other people are dealing with the same issue and I am not alone.

ebettys | @ebettys | Jun 2 12:03pm

Oh and I am on Gabapentin. Kind of helps.

zaznagarb | @zaznagarb | Jun 3 10:56am

Following the shingles vaccines, I developed a rash over a large area of my body. It was moderately and lasted for months. Surprisngly the itch abated when I smeared vaseline over the itchy areas. Not sure if this will help you. Perhaps try a small area first. Best of luck

View More Return to first page

Please sign in or register to post a reply.