Expert Foot & Ankle Treatment from Michigan’s #1 Podiatrist - Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist
Itchy, Red, and Irritated Feet?
Itchy Rash on the Arch or Heel of the Foot Causes & Best Treatment
90%+ of the time, an itchy rash on the arch or heel is due to Athlete’s foot, foot fungus, eczema, or dermatitis. Find out how to fix the problem!
What’s Causing That Itchy Rash on Your Foot?
An itchy rash on your foot can be more than just an annoying irritation—it may be a sign of a skin condition, allergic reaction, or even a fungal infection. From athlete’s foot to contact dermatitis, knowing the source of the itch is the first step toward effective treatment and relief. Ignoring it may cause the problem to spread, crack the skin, or become infected. Let’s break down the most common culprits and what to do next.
Top Causes of Itchy Foot Rashes
Your feet are exposed to moisture, friction, and allergens daily—making them prime targets for itchy rashes. Common causes include:
Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis): A contagious fungal infection marked by red, scaly, and itchy patches between the toes or on the soles.
Contact Dermatitis: Caused by allergic or irritant reactions to shoes, socks, soap, or lotion.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Chronic skin inflammation resulting in dryness, itching, and sometimes blistering.
Dyshidrotic Eczema: Appears as small, fluid-filled blisters on the sides of the feet, often due to stress or allergies.
Psoriasis: Autoimmune skin condition that may cause thick, itchy patches of skin on the feet.
Scabies: A parasitic skin infection that causes intense itching and rash, especially at night.
Plantar Warts: Caused by HPV; may be itchy, but typically appear as raised, rough lesions.
Dry Skin (Xerosis): Commonly results in itching, flaking, and irritation—especially in cooler climates.
Fungal Nail Infection: Can spread to nearby skin, causing itchiness or rash around toenails.
Insect Bites: Bug bites on the feet may cause localized itching, swelling, and redness.
Stop the Itch—Get Expert Help for Your Foot Rash
You don’t have to keep suffering with an itchy, uncomfortable rash. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, we offer fast, accurate diagnosis and treatment for all types of foot rashes—from fungal infections to chronic skin conditions. Let us help you find lasting relief.
Proudly serving Bloomfield Hills, and Howell, MI.
Call today or book online for your foot exam with our experienced podiatry team.
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Overview:
An itchy rash on the arch or heel of the foot is a widespread problem to have.
- Since the arch of your foot is very thin, it is a prime target for feeling itching and irritation.
- The most common causes are eczema, dehydration of the skin, dermatitis due to irritation by a material (sock or shoe), and athlete’s foot (Tinea Pedis).
- These are usually very easily treated since the offending agent can be removed or corrected, and the fungus is easily treated compared to the more difficult nail fungus.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of an Itchy Foot Arch Rash:
- Red or violet skin color.
- Inflamed skin.
- Blisters if very severe (Assume acute fungal infection or athlete’s foot).
- Flaky, dry skin (assume chronic fungal infection).
- Peeling skin.
- Bleeding and scarring from scratching.
Causes:
The most common causes are foot fungus (Athlete’s foot), calluses, and corns.
Foot Fungus:
Strongly Consider Foot Fungus:
- 15% of the world has foot fungus. This causes chronically dry, itchy, and flaky skin.
- If you have white flaky skin, this will likely start itching and can be very red.
Symptoms of Foot Fungus:
- **If constant dry skin in the foot: assume foot fungus!**
- **If toenail fungus: assume you have or have had foot fungus!**
- Usually, persistently dry skin means foot fungus!
- Scaling, flaking, and itching.
- Pain, swelling, and inflammation.
- Blisters and cracking of the skin may occur.
- Usually in the sole and not on top of the foot.
- It can be in between the toes in the web spaces.
Who Is At Risk For Infection?
- 15% of the USA population is estimated to have foot fungus.
- The fungus reproduces through spores, which are very difficult to eradicate & they grow when conditions are ripe!
- Fungus thrives in moist areas such as showers or pools.
- It requires a warm moist environment to grow, such as socks or inside a shoe.
- Some people have a genetic variation that decreases their body’s ability to eradicate the fungus.
- People with toenail fungus are more susceptible to foot fungus.
Calluses:
- This is a dry thick area over the foot.
- This is usually not that deep but can be very wide and hard.
Corns:
- These are pinpoint hard calluses blocking a sweat gland.
- They can be very sharp underneath a cause a considerable amount of pain.
- This is almost a more advanced form of a callus.
Prevention:
Prevention of Itchy Rash on the Arch or Heel:
The majority of causes of itchy foot arch rashes consist of irritations that should be removed by trying to remove different materials that may be irritating your feet, such as socks, shoes, or detergents. The second major cause is due to dehydration which can be prevented by wearing thinner socks, moisturizing your feet after taking a bath or shower; The third common cause is hygiene- simply washing and moisturizing may take care of it; the fourth major cause is a fungal infection which will need an athlete’s foot medication to take care of the problem.
- Allergies to a material.
- Dehydration (low humidity and wet feet that need to be moisturized).
- Overly sweaty feet due to bacteria (pompholyx, which may need medication and moisturizing).
- Overly sweaty feet due to heat (need better socks).
- Insect, tick, or flea bites.
- Sock material irritation.
- Shoe material irritation.
- Soap, laundry detergent, or perfume irritation.
- Poor foot hygiene.
- Lack of moisturizing after bathing or showering.
Home Treatment Guide:
Home Treatment of an Itchy Foot Arch and Heel Rash
First, you should identify the cause of your athlete’s foot, which may be an involved process, but try the above prevention.
Stage 1: Remove the cause of the problem.
- Wash feet your feet with soap regularly.
- Moisturize with any moisturizing cream after your feet get wet (this prevents dehydration) every time for 2 weeks!
- Change the material of your socks or any other material that may be irritating your feet (perfume etc.)
Stage 2: Try an over-the-counter cortisone cream or antihistamine medication.
- Please consult with your doctor and pharmacist, but in our experience 2/3rds of itchy rashes will be taken care of with a week or so of over-the-counter cortisone cream.
- If this works, you likely had eczema or dermatitis.
- If the rash does not get better, move on to step 3.
Stage 3: If That Fails, Assume Fungus!
- If the rash worsens with the cortisone cream or antihistamines, it is likely an athlete’s foot or a fungus.
- At this point, you should see your podiatrist for some foot medication.
- 2 weeks of medication will take care of almost any athlete’s foot with 100% certainty.
Stage 4: Also Treat Toenail Fungus If Present.
Toenail Fungus Can Re-infect Your Skin!
- When treating your foot fungus, you should treat your toenail fungus as well!
- Foot fungus can lead to toenail fungus.
- But toenail fungus can also lead to foot fungus.
- People who treat their foot fungus but continue to have toenail fungus will re-infect themselves.
- Jump To The Toenail Fungus Treatment Guide!
Recommended Products:
Athlete’s Foot Products:
We have searched and reviewed the best treatment products for athletes’ feet.
These are our recommended products:
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Foot Powder Option For Shoes.
Best Shower Body Wash
Best choice for Foot Bath Mix
Best & Most Cost Effective Foot Soak Tub.
Price:
$26.31
$17.93
$16.95
$18.97
Overview:
3 pack of foot powder spray. This is great for shoes and feet, but not as practical outside the foot or shoe.
Great cost effective shower wash.
Mix of epsom salts, tea tree oil for a good price.
This is a cost effective tub for foot soaks. You still need to also buy a foot soak powder or solution!
Pros:
If you sweat in your shoes, this is your best bet. This will soak up sweat and kill fungus. Very effective and excellent Amazon reviews. 3 pack online is the price of one bottle at the store.
Over 5,000 5 star amazon reviews. Great reviews, medically proven component in tea tree oil. All natural with excellent results.
Epsom salts and tea tree oil have proven effect. Epsom salts make your loose skin flake off and tea tree oil is anti-fungal. Great price and near 5 star review on Amazon.
Excellent choice for cost effective foot soak tub. Top notch reviews on amazon, great price.
Cons:
Powder makes a big mess. Good for shoes but it can get powder inside your shoes. Can have chemical like smell.
Can be more expensive than regular soap. It may not be enough by itself without soaking or especially further toenail treatment.
Foot soak by itself may not be enough to fix your problem, but a component. You also need a foot tub.
Not much downsides, it’s a tub! But you have to get foot soak powder or antifungal solution separately.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Foot Powder Option For Shoes.
Price:
$26.31
Overview:
3 pack of foot powder spray. This is great for shoes and feet, but not as practical outside the foot or shoe.
Pros:
If you sweat in your shoes, this is your best bet. This will soak up sweat and kill fungus. Very effective and excellent Amazon reviews. 3 pack online is the price of one bottle at the store.
Cons:
Powder makes a big mess. Good for shoes but it can get powder inside your shoes. Can have chemical like smell.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Shower Body Wash
Price:
$17.93
Overview:
Great cost effective shower wash.
Pros:
Over 5,000 5 star amazon reviews. Great reviews, medically proven component in tea tree oil. All natural with excellent results.
Cons:
Can be more expensive than regular soap. It may not be enough by itself without soaking or especially further toenail treatment.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best choice for Foot Bath Mix
Price:
$16.95
Overview:
Mix of epsom salts, tea tree oil for a good price.
Pros:
Epsom salts and tea tree oil have proven effect. Epsom salts make your loose skin flake off and tea tree oil is anti-fungal. Great price and near 5 star review on Amazon.
Cons:
Foot soak by itself may not be enough to fix your problem, but a component. You also need a foot tub.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best & Most Cost Effective Foot Soak Tub.
Price:
$18.97
Overview:
This is a cost effective tub for foot soaks. You still need to also buy a foot soak powder or solution!
Pros:
Excellent choice for cost effective foot soak tub. Top notch reviews on amazon, great price.
Cons:
Not much downsides, it’s a tub! But you have to get foot soak powder or antifungal solution separately.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Toenail Fungus Products:
These are our recommended products for toenail funguItchy Skin.
Good Luck! s.
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Best Toenail Repair Pen.
Top Choice For Direct Toenail Application.
Top Choice For Cream For Toenails & Webspaces.
Great Option For Foot Soak.
Great Tea Tree Oil Treatment
Price:
$19.99
$22.88
Price not available
$17.97
Price not available
Overview:
4 Pens with quick dry application that leaves a sealing lid on top. Easy to store and apply. Key is still to trim/file the toenail first!
All natural option that is toxic to fungus. This is similar to tea tree oil in that respect but can be more effective. You still need to exfoliate dead skin and trim thick toenails.
All natural cream option. This is a good option compared to some of the quick dry gels. This can be used on the skin surrounding your toenails.
Safe, cost effective and relaxing all at the same time! This needs to be used in a 20 minute foot soak. Works well for exfoliating loose skin/toenail as well as softening.
Tea Tree Oil is well studied and an all natural anti-fungal treatment.
Pros:
Easy to use, quick drying. This fills into the cracks and seals them with minimal mess. This is great for sealing even dehydrated keratin granulations.
All natural, relatively cost effective. 1,000s of reviews with excellent results. Very clean and quick drying, easy to apply.
Relatively cost effective. All natural tea tree oil that is proven toxic to fungus. Can be used on surrounding skin as well.
Very safe, little risk, low cost and very effective if used correctly. The key is to use it as an aid to soften and exfoliate loose/dry dead skin and toenail.
Great reviews at 4.7/5 at 500+ overall reviews. Well proven and natural option.
Cons:
0% chance of working if your toenail is loose and has no blood supply. Make sure you trim and file any loose finger or toenail. Otherwise “0% CHANCE OF WORKING!” You cannot restore a dead toenail without blood flow.
Small amount and a little more expensive than some other options. Once more has 0% chance of working if your goal is to heal a dead, detached toenail or dry skin. Are you noticing this is a trend? This is really the key!
Still more expensive than other options. Can get messy all over different areas of your foot. Key is still debride and cleaning your dry dead toenails and skin. TRIM them!
It once more has 0% chance working if you are trying to save loose and dead crusty skin. Fungus will always grow on this if no blood flow. It can not regenerate dead skin, only exfoliate it.
Not the greatest amount of solution, the all natural solutions can be more expensive.
Crucial Tips:
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
Although tea tree oil does nave studies and is antifungal, it is not an FDA approved medication and not studied for this specific use.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Best Toenail Repair Pen.
Price:
$19.99
Overview:
4 Pens with quick dry application that leaves a sealing lid on top. Easy to store and apply. Key is still to trim/file the toenail first!
Pros:
Easy to use, quick drying. This fills into the cracks and seals them with minimal mess. This is great for sealing even dehydrated keratin granulations.
Cons:
0% chance of working if your toenail is loose and has no blood supply. Make sure you trim and file any loose finger or toenail. Otherwise “0% CHANCE OF WORKING!” You cannot restore a dead toenail without blood flow.
Crucial Tips:
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Top Choice For Direct Toenail Application.
Price:
$22.88
Overview:
All natural option that is toxic to fungus. This is similar to tea tree oil in that respect but can be more effective. You still need to exfoliate dead skin and trim thick toenails.
Pros:
All natural, relatively cost effective. 1,000s of reviews with excellent results. Very clean and quick drying, easy to apply.
Cons:
Small amount and a little more expensive than some other options. Once more has 0% chance of working if your goal is to heal a dead, detached toenail or dry skin. Are you noticing this is a trend? This is really the key!
Crucial Tips:
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Top Choice For Cream For Toenails & Webspaces.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
All natural cream option. This is a good option compared to some of the quick dry gels. This can be used on the skin surrounding your toenails.
Pros:
Relatively cost effective. All natural tea tree oil that is proven toxic to fungus. Can be used on surrounding skin as well.
Cons:
Still more expensive than other options. Can get messy all over different areas of your foot. Key is still debride and cleaning your dry dead toenails and skin. TRIM them!
Crucial Tips:
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Great Option For Foot Soak.
Price:
$17.97
Overview:
Safe, cost effective and relaxing all at the same time! This needs to be used in a 20 minute foot soak. Works well for exfoliating loose skin/toenail as well as softening.
Pros:
Very safe, little risk, low cost and very effective if used correctly. The key is to use it as an aid to soften and exfoliate loose/dry dead skin and toenail.
Cons:
It once more has 0% chance working if you are trying to save loose and dead crusty skin. Fungus will always grow on this if no blood flow. It can not regenerate dead skin, only exfoliate it.
Crucial Tips:
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Great Tea Tree Oil Treatment
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Tea Tree Oil is well studied and an all natural anti-fungal treatment.
Pros:
Great reviews at 4.7/5 at 500+ overall reviews. Well proven and natural option.
Cons:
Not the greatest amount of solution, the all natural solutions can be more expensive.
Crucial Tips:
Although tea tree oil does nave studies and is antifungal, it is not an FDA approved medication and not studied for this specific use.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Good Luck! For more on ItchHeel:
Consider Foot Odor Treatment:
If you also have foot odor, consider this treatment guide!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Itchy Foot Rashes
Athlete’s foot often affects the toe spaces and has a scaly, peeling appearance. Eczema is drier and itchier with inflamed patches.
Yes, especially fungal infections or contagious conditions like scabies.
Athlete’s foot and scabies are contagious. Eczema and psoriasis are not.
Topical antifungal creams (for fungus) or hydrocortisone (for inflammation) can offer relief—depending on the cause.
Avoid scratching—it can break the skin and lead to infection.
Keep feet dry, apply over-the-counter creams, and avoid irritating products or tight shoes.
If symptoms last more than a few days, worsen, or involve cracking, bleeding, or spreading rash.
Breathable, moisture-wicking shoes and socks help prevent and reduce irritation.
Most aren’t dangerous but can become infected or chronic if untreated.
Yes. Conditions like dyshidrotic eczema can be triggered or worsened by stress.
