Q:

A couple days ago I started noticing that the undersides of my feet were itchy. Its right in the center of my foot between the pad and the arch. There's no redness or visible symptoms, but my feet have become hypersensitive and itchy/tingly all the time. I haven't changed soaps since I got here, I wear shower shoes and I rarely if ever walk around without shoes and then always with socks on. What do you think might be causing this? I put on hydrocortisone for itch relief and took a benedryl, but it doesn't seem to help all that much.

 

A:

Since it is both feet symmetrically, it could be an atypical neuropathy (nerve irritation) causing the tingling and itchiness. We would want to review your medication and alcohol use history, check you metabolically to make sure you have no hormonal or vitamin imbalance, and do a thorough neurologic exam. It does not sound like an external or skin problem from your description.

~The Doc