Written by Dr. Matthew Capozzi, DPM, FACFAS, CWS (board-certified foot surgeon and wound specialist) · Medically reviewed by the CircuFiber Scientific Advisory Board · Updated: October 27, 2026

Itchy feet can be an early sign of diabetes, and they are a common complaint in people who already have it. High blood sugar dries out the skin, damages the small nerves in the feet, reduces blood flow, and makes fungal infections such as athlete's foot more likely; any of these can make the feet itch. Itchy feet alone do not mean you have diabetes, but persistent itching with dry, cracked skin, tingling, or slow-healing sores is a reason to get your blood sugar checked and to have your feet examined.

Key Takeaways

• Itchy feet are a recognized symptom of diabetes, caused mainly by dry skin, diabetic peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), poor circulation, and fungal infections such as athlete's foot.
• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy affects roughly half of people with diabetes and can cause itching alongside tingling, numbness, and burning in the feet.
• What helps: keeping blood sugar in your target range, moisturizing daily with a fragrance-free lotion, keeping feet clean and dry, treating fungal infections, and wearing breathable, moisture-wicking socks and non-restrictive shoes.
• Do not scratch. Broken skin on a diabetic foot can become an infection or ulcer far more easily than on a foot with normal sensation and circulation.
• See a doctor if itching does not improve within a couple of weeks of home care, or if it comes with redness, swelling, warmth, cracks, blisters, or any sore that is not healing.

Is itchy feet a sign of diabetes?

Yes, itchy feet can be an early sign of diabetes, although by themselves they do not confirm it. Persistently high blood sugar pulls fluid from the skin and damages small nerves and blood vessels, and the feet are often where those changes show up first. Itching is more likely to be diabetes-related when it comes with other early signs, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing cuts, or tingling and numbness in the feet. If you notice that pattern, ask your doctor for a blood sugar test.

Diabetes affects millions of people in the U.S., and one common symptom is itchy feet. It's vital to recognize this issue and understand its causes, so you can manage it effectively. It's important to understand that high blood sugar levels can lead to a variety of complications for people with diabetes. These complications may include nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy, which can manifest as a tingling or burning sensation in the feet, as well as itchiness. Another cause could be the development of fungal infections, which are more common among diabetes patients due to the compromised immune system and the warm, moist environment often found within shoes.

Why does diabetes cause itchy feet?

Diabetes causes itchy feet through four overlapping pathways: nerve damage, skin changes and dryness, poor circulation, and a higher risk of fungal infection. Most people with diabetes-related itching have more than one of these at the same time, which is why treating the blood sugar and the skin together works better than either alone.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)

Peripheral neuropathy is one of the main reasons the feet itch in diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in the feet, leading to sensations like tingling, numbness, and itching. This condition occurs in approximately 50% of people with diabetes. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a complication caused by high blood sugar levels, can lead to itchiness, numbness, or tingling in the feet. Nerve-related itching often feels deep or "under the skin" and may not respond to lotion, because the itch is coming from the nerve rather than the skin surface.

Dry skin and other skin changes

Skin issues are the most common and most treatable cause. Diabetes can cause changes in the skin, making it more prone to infections, dryness, and itching. High blood sugar draws water out of the skin, and autonomic nerve damage can reduce sweating in the feet, so the skin becomes dry, flaky, and itchy. Left alone, dry skin can progress to cracked heels and fissures that let bacteria in. In some cases, it may result in skin conditions like athlete's foot or diabetic dermopathy.

Poor circulation

Poor circulation contributes to itching by starving the skin of oxygen and nutrients. Diabetes may lead to poor blood flow in the feet, which in turn can cause itchiness, dry skin, and slower healing of wounds. Reduced blood flow is also why a scratch or crack on a diabetic foot can take much longer to close.

Fungal infections such as athlete's foot

Fungal infections, especially athlete's foot (tinea pedis), are more common in people with diabetes because high blood sugar weakens the immune response and shoes create a warm, moist environment. Athlete's foot typically causes itching, scaling, and redness between the toes or on the soles, and sometimes small blisters. Fungus can also spread to the toenails. Because moisture feeds it, people who struggle with sweaty feet and diabetes are at higher risk.

What are the symptoms of diabetes-related itchy feet?

Diabetes-related itching usually comes with other skin or nerve symptoms rather than appearing on its own. Itchy feet in diabetics can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor circulation, dry skin, and fungal infections. To identify common symptoms, keep an eye out for the following:

• Persistent itching, especially at night
• Dry, cracked skin on the feet
• Redness, swelling, or warm areas on the feet
• Numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation
• Foot ulcers, sores, or blisters that don't heal

In addition to itchy feet, diabetics should pay attention to their overall foot health. Regularly examine your feet for any changes in skin condition or sensation. This is essential because diabetic foot problems can quickly escalate if left unnoticed. Our gallery of early-stage diabetic foot ulcer pictures shows what to look for.

It's important to note that not all cases of itchy feet are due to diabetes. Other possible causes include:

• Allergies or contact dermatitis
• Athlete's foot or other fungal infections
• Eczema or psoriasis

Which symptoms mean itchy feet are something more serious?

Itchy feet become a medical concern when they come with signs of infection, nerve damage, or a wound that is not healing. The table below matches the most common accompanying symptoms to their likely cause and what to do.

How do you treat itchy feet caused by diabetes?

Treating itchy feet from diabetes means controlling blood sugar, restoring the skin's moisture, keeping the feet clean and dry, and treating any infection. Dealing with itchy feet can be quite a challenge, especially for diabetics who are more prone to this condition. However, there are several effective treatment options available.

Keep blood sugar in your target range

Good glycemic control is crucial for diabetics experiencing itchy feet. By managing blood sugar levels, we can reduce the chances of developing skin conditions, including dry and itchy skin. A well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and medication (if prescribed by a healthcare professional) are essential in maintaining proper glycemic control. Keeping your blood sugar levels within the target range is crucial for preventing or managing peripheral neuropathy and other diabetes-related issues. If you are unsure how often to test, read why you should check your blood sugar.

Moisturize every day

Moisturizing the skin is another essential step in treating itchy feet for diabetics. Using a diabetic-friendly moisturizer made specifically for dry, sensitive skin can help to alleviate itching and prevent it from worsening. Applying the moisturizer after bathing and before bedtime can lead to better results. Choose a fragrance-free, nonirritating product and do not apply it between the toes, where trapped moisture encourages fungus. See our picks for the best lotion for diabetic feet.

Keep feet clean and dry, and treat fungal infections

Daily hygiene removes the sweat and fungus that drive itching. Daily habits like washing the feet with mild soap and warm (not hot) water, drying them thoroughly, especially between the toes, and trimming toenails properly can significantly help in managing itchy feet. Use over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams if a fungal infection is present, and keep using them for the full course even after the itching stops. Avoid long or hot soaks, which strip the skin's oils and can burn skin with reduced sensation.

Do not scratch

Scratching itchy feet can break the skin and increase the risk of infection. Utilize over-the-counter remedies or consult a healthcare expert for itch-relief alternatives. A cool, damp cloth applied for a few minutes, or a lotion containing a mild anti-itch ingredient recommended by your pharmacist, can calm an itch without damaging the skin. Keep toenails short so an unconscious scratch at night does less harm.

Wear breathable, non-restrictive footwear and socks

Opting for comfortable and protective footwear minimizes pressure on the feet and aids in keeping them dry and healthy. Avoid wearing tight, restrictive footwear, choose breathable materials, and wear moisture-wicking socks that are changed daily or whenever they become damp.

Ask about prescription treatment

In some cases, prescription medications may be required to treat itchy feet in diabetics. A doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication, or even a corticosteroid, depending on the specific cause of the problem. If nerve damage is the cause, your doctor may discuss medications used for diabetic neuropathy treatment.

Can diabetic socks help with itchy feet?

Diabetic socks can help manage the conditions that make feet itch, although they do not treat the itching itself or any infection. Moisture is the common thread behind dry, cracked skin and athlete's foot, so a sock that wicks sweat away and keeps the foot dry removes one of the main triggers. A good diabetic sock also has a non-binding top that does not squeeze the calf, is seamless so it does not rub skin that may already be irritated, and is soft enough to wear all day. For a comparison of sock types, see diabetic socks vs. compression socks.

CircuFiber diabetic socks are moisture-wicking, seamless, and non-binding, and the fabric is woven with Circulight® IR fibers containing thermoreactive mineral particles that absorb your own body heat and reflect it back into the foot as far-infrared energy, which promotes a temporary increase in local blood flow and circulation. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial at Yale School of Medicine (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04460612, published in Diabetes & Vascular Disease Research, 2023), the active textile significantly increased transcutaneous oxygen in the feet of people with diabetes compared with a placebo sock, with the difference visible at 40 minutes and significant at 60 minutes. CircuFiber socks also carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

What this means in practice: wear clean, dry socks every day, moisturize before you put them on, and treat socks as one part of a foot-care routine alongside blood sugar control and any treatment your doctor prescribes.

How can you keep diabetic itchy feet from coming back?

Preventing itchy feet with diabetes comes down to a short daily routine that keeps skin intact, dry, and well supplied with blood. To prevent or alleviate itchy feet, we recommend the following strategies:

• Regularly inspect feet for any abnormalities or signs of infection
• Keep feet clean and dry, especially between the toes
• Apply a suitable moisturizer to prevent dry skin
• Choose breathable footwear and diabetic socks
• Never go barefoot, even indoors, so you do not pick up a fungal infection or an unnoticed cut
• Maintain optimal blood sugar levels
• Consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe itching, and follow their guidance

Incorporating these tips into routine foot care can help reduce the itchiness, discomfort, and potential complications often associated with diabetes. By following these tips and working closely with healthcare professionals, diabetics can take control of their itchy feet and enjoy a better quality of life.

When should you see a doctor about itchy feet with diabetes?

See a doctor or podiatrist if itchy feet persist for more than two weeks despite daily moisturizing and good hygiene, or sooner if the itching comes with redness, swelling, warmth, cracks that bleed, blisters, peeling between the toes that does not clear with an antifungal cream, or any sore that is not healing. Itching together with new numbness, tingling, or burning should also be evaluated, because it may be the first sign of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. If you have not been diagnosed with diabetes and have itchy feet alongside thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or blurred vision, ask for a blood sugar test. People with diabetes should also have a comprehensive foot exam at least once a year. Not sure who to see? Read how to choose a diabetic foot doctor.

Frequently asked questions about itchy feet and diabetes

Is itchy feet an early symptom of diabetes?

Itchy feet can be one of the earliest noticeable symptoms of diabetes, because high blood sugar dries the skin and irritates small nerves before many other complications appear. It is not specific to diabetes, though; dry skin, athlete's foot, eczema, and allergies cause the same itch. Itching that comes with thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or tingling in the feet is the pattern that should prompt a blood sugar test.

Why are my feet itchy at night with diabetes?

Itching often feels worse at night because the skin loses more moisture in a warm bed, there are fewer distractions, and nerve symptoms from diabetic neuropathy tend to be more noticeable when you are still. Moisturizing right before bed, keeping the bedroom cool, and wearing clean, breathable socks to bed can reduce night-time itching. If night itching comes with burning pain or cramps, mention it to your doctor.

Does diabetes cause itchy hands and feet?

Yes. The same dryness, nerve damage, and circulation changes that make the feet itch can affect the hands, although the feet are usually affected first and more severely. Itching across the whole body, rather than just the hands and feet, can signal very high blood sugar or a kidney or liver problem and should be checked promptly.

How do you stop itchy feet from diabetes?

Bring blood sugar into your target range, moisturize the feet every day with a fragrance-free lotion, wash and dry the feet thoroughly (especially between the toes), treat any athlete's foot with an antifungal cream, and wear breathable, moisture-wicking socks. Avoid scratching and hot water, which both worsen the problem. If those steps do not work within about two weeks, see your doctor, who can prescribe stronger treatment for the underlying cause.

Why are the soles of my feet itchy with diabetes?

Itchy soles in diabetes are most often caused by dry, thickened skin or by athlete's foot on the bottom of the foot, which can look like fine scaling or a moccasin-shaped dry patch. Nerve damage can also produce an itch that is felt on the sole without any visible rash. Moisturize the soles daily, treat fungus if present, and see a podiatrist if the itching persists.

Can itchy feet from diabetes go away?

Itching caused by dry skin, poor hygiene, or a fungal infection usually clears within a few weeks of consistent moisturizing, keeping the feet dry, and antifungal treatment. Itching from diabetic peripheral neuropathy is harder to resolve, but better blood sugar control can slow nerve damage and reduce symptoms. Read more on whether diabetic neuropathy can be reversed.

References, studies and sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Diabetes and Your Feet. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-your-feet.html
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Healthy Feet. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/healthy-feet.html
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Diabetes and Foot Problems. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/foot-problems
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Peripheral Neuropathy. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies/peripheral-neuropathy
• Yale School of Medicine. Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of an infrared textile on transcutaneous oxygen in people with diabetes. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04460612. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04460612

About the author: Dr. Matthew Capozzi, DPM, FACFAS, CWS, is a board-certified foot surgeon through the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Wound Management and Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He completed a three-year residency program in Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgery at St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center in Hartford, CT in 2010. Dr. Capozzi is a board-certified Wound Specialist® granted by the American Academy of Wound Management.

Healthcare disclaimer: Always consult your physician before beginning any program. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. If you experience any pain or difficulty, stop and consult your healthcare provider. CircuFiber socks are a general wellness product intended to promote a temporary increase in local blood flow and circulation; they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results vary.