Experts have warned that this persistent symptom in the feet could be a sign of potentially serious health conditions
01:10, 16 Apr 2026Updated 09:52, 16 Apr 2026
If your feet are constantly itchy, it could signal that something is wrong(Image: Getty)
An irritating sensation in the feet could be a warning sign of potentially serious health conditions. Health organisations are urging people not to ignore itchy feet.
Occasional itchy skin is fairly widespread, with many harmless causes behind the sensation, such as cold, dry weather or insect bites. However, persistent itchiness that refuses to subside could indicate something far more concerning.
Healthline has stressed that the feet are especially prone to developing such irritation. They cautioned that itchy feet could be linked to a range of health conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disorders.
Diabetes
Diabetes.co.uk warns that itching affecting the feet alongside the legs and ankles is “common” amongst those living with diabetes. The organisation explains: “Itchy skin can be a sign of diabetes, particularly if other diabetes symptoms are also present.
“High blood sugar levels over a prolonged period of time is one cause of itchy skin. In some cases, itchy skin may be caused by complications of diabetes such as nerve damage or kidney disease.
Itchy feet, ankles and legs can be a sign of diabetes(Image: Getty)
“Itching of the feet, legs or ankles is a common complaint in people with diabetes that may occur as a result of a period of too high sugar levels.”
Other key symptoms of diabetes to be aware of include:
Experiencing excessive thirstUrinating more frequently than usual, particularly during the nightFeeling extremely tiredLoss of weight and muscle bulkItching around the genital area, or recurrent thrush infectionsVision problemsLiver disease
Whether triggered by heavy alcohol consumption or a fatty build-up in the liver, liver disease is a serious condition that can prove fatal without the right treatment. The Liver Foundation listed itching as one of the telltale symptoms of liver disease.
“You might itch anywhere on your body, but it’s most common on the arms and legs, or the palms of your hands or soles of your feet,” it said. “Some people itch all over. Itching in liver disease can vary from mild to exhausting.
“If your itching is caused by a liver problem, there won’t be a skin rash or an insect bite. But constant scratching can damage the skin. The more severe the disease, the worse the itching gets.
“You might notice it’s worse in heat, including a hot bath, at night, or when you wear certain clothes.”
The precise reason behind itching associated with liver disease remains largely unclear, though it has been linked to a number of factors, including the accumulation of bile salts in the bloodstream and shifts in other blood components such as histamine, serotonin, female hormones and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) brought on by the condition.
Further warning signs of liver disease to look out for include:
Persistent tiredness and weaknessReduced appetite – potentially resulting in weight lossDiminished libidoYellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)Nausea or vomiting
Itching is “very common” among people with kidney disease(Image: Getty)
Kidney disease
Much like diabetes, itching is “very common” amongst those suffering from kidney disease. Kidney Care UK reports that this symptom affects approximately half of patients with advanced kidney disease and “almost everyone” experiencing kidney failure who undergoes dialysis or conservative treatment.
“You may find that you get itchier as your kidney function gets worse,” the organisation explains. For kidney disease sufferers, itching may be triggered or worsened by dry skin, high temperatures, insufficient dialysis, and elevated calcium levels in the blood.
Further symptoms of kidney disease include:
Unexplained weight loss and reduced appetiteSwelling in ankles, feet or hands – caused by fluid retention (oedema)BreathlessnessFatigueBlood in your urineMore frequent urination – particularly at nightSleep difficulties (insomnia)Muscle crampsFeeling sickOngoing headachesErectile dysfunction in men
If you experience any of these warning signs, it’s essential to consult your GP.