Essential Oil for Itchy Feet

When your feet itch relentlessly, you seek a quick remedy without breaking the bank. Essential oils promise relief. In this exploration of “Essential Oil for Itchy Feet,” we uncover natural alleviation, exploring their benefits and how to use them. Slip off your shoes and let’s dive in.

5 essential oils to relieve your itchy feet

• Tea Tree Essential Oil
• Peppermint Oil
• Chamomile Oil
• Lavender Oil 
• Rose Geranium oil

Are you looking for the best essential oils for itchy feet? For many years, essential oils have been used in people’s daily lives. Ranging from the perfect aromatherapy tool to having healing properties that make them invaluable in every aspect. If you like to use natural remedies, then you will find that essential oils can do you a world of good. They are extracts from plants and flowers and they are in their purest form. 

This means that they are extra potent. The fact that essential oils are natural, also means that there is not much n the way of scientific evidence, proving their benefits or even disproving them. The essential oil has many abilities that continue to be discovered as the years go by and also as the world evolves.  

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea Tree Essential Oil, derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant in Australia, relieves itchy feet with these properties:

Antifungal: Contains terpinen-4-ol, inhibiting fungi like Trichophyton, common in athlete’s foot. Antibacterial: Prevents secondary infections from skin damage or irritation. Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces redness, swelling, and discomfort in itchy feet. Cooling: Soothes and cools the skin, relieving itching and burning.

Analgesic: Offers mild pain relief for itchy skin conditions. Skin Penetration: Effectively penetrates skin layers to treat underlying infections. Low Irritation Risk: Safe for topical use when diluted, with lower skin irritation risk.

To use:

Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak: Ingredients:

• 5-10 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
• Warm water

Instructions:

1. Fill a basin with warm water.
2. Add Tea Tree Oil, mix.
3. Soak feet for 15-20 minutes.
4. Gently pat dry.

Repeat daily until itching stops. Dilute properly to avoid reactions, and stop if irritation occurs.

Note: Tea Tree Oil can relieve itchy feet but may not cure underlying infections. Consult a healthcare professional for persistent or worsening itching.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil, derived from the peppermint plant, has properties that relieve itchy feet:

Cooling Sensation: Menthol in peppermint oil soothes itchy feet from insect bites, allergies, or irritation.

Anti-Inflammatory: Menthol’s anti-inflammatory nature reduces itching caused by skin inflammation.

Antimicrobial: Peppermint oil fights fungal or bacterial infections causing itchy feet, like Athlete’s foot.

Analgesic: Peppermint oil provides pain relief, numbing the area to discourage scratching.

Improves Circulation: Massaging diluted peppermint oil enhances blood circulation, aiding healing and reducing itching from poor circulation.

Calms Nerves: Inhaling peppermint oil’s aroma relaxes the mind, potentially reducing stress-related itching.

How to Use Peppermint Oil for Itchy Feet:

Dilution: Mix with carrier oil (e.g., coconut or jojoba) before applying, typically 1-2 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil.

Topical Application: Gently massage diluted oil onto itchy areas, avoiding open wounds.

Aromatherapy: Use a diffuser or inhale oil’s aroma to reduce stress-related itching.

Safety Considerations:

Perform a patch test on a small skin area to check for irritation or allergies.

Do not ingest peppermint oil; it can be toxic.

Avoid contact with eyes, nose, and mucous membranes.

Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if adverse reactions occur.

Chamomile Oil

Chamomile oil, derived from chamomile flowers (German chamomile and Roman chamomile), offers soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits for itchy feet due to various causes: dry skin, insect bites, allergies, or fungal infections. Key properties include:

1. Anti-Inflammatory:
   • Contains alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene, reducing redness and soothing itchy skin.
2. Analgesic:
   • Provides pain relief for discomfort linked to foot issues.
3. Antimicrobial:
   • Combats fungi and bacteria, addressing the root cause of itchiness.
4. Moisturizing:
   • Hydrates dry skin to alleviate itchiness.
5. Anti-Allergenic:
   • Mitigates allergic reactions, reducing itching from allergens.
6. Calming:
   • Relieves irritation and anxiety-related itching.

How to Apply Chamomile Oil for Itchy Feet:

• Dilute chamomile oil (3-5 drops per tablespoon) with a carrier oil (e.g., coconut or sweet almond oil) to prevent skin irritation.
• Gently massage the mixture onto affected areas.
• Allow absorption, repeating 2-3 times daily as needed.
• Alternatively, add chamomile oil to a foot soak for a relaxing bath.

Chamomile oil complements but doesn’t replace medical treatment for underlying conditions. Persistent or worsening itching, accompanied by concerning symptoms, warrants consultation with a healthcare professional. Conduct a patch test to ensure no adverse reactions before broader use.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil has properties that can help relieve itchy feet:

1. Anti-Inflammatory: Lavender oil contains compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, which reduce redness and swelling when applied to itchy feet.
   • A 2002 study in Phytomedicine found lavender oil’s anti-inflammatory effects when used topically.
2. Antimicrobial and Antifungal: It can combat fungal infections causing itchy feet, like athlete’s foot.
   • A 2005 study in the Journal of Medical Microbiology showed lavender oil’s antifungal activity against various fungal strains.
3. Soothing and Calming: Lavender oil alleviates discomfort and anxiety related to itchy feet.
   • A 2013 study in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice suggested it reduces anxiety, indirectly easing itchiness.
4. Pain Relief: It eases pain caused by scratching itchy feet.
   • A 2015 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found pain relief from topical lavender oil in osteoarthritis patients.
5. Skin Hydration: Lavender oil moisturizes and hydrates skin, reducing dryness and the urge to scratch.
   • A 2007 study in the Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea demonstrated its moisturizing effect.

To use, dilute lavender oil with a carrier oil (e.g., coconut or sweet almond) and apply to the affected area. Patch test before use. Consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe itchy feet.

Rose Geranium Oil

Rose geranium oil, derived from Pelargonium graveolens in South Africa, has properties beneficial for itchy feet:

1. Anti-Inflammatory:
   • Contains citronellol and geraniol with anti-inflammatory properties to reduce itching.
2. Antimicrobial and Antifungal:
   • Combats fungal infections like athlete’s foot; effective against pathogens.
3. Skin Soothing:
   • Eases discomfort caused by dry, damaged skin.
4. Astringent:
   • Tones and tightens skin, aiding swollen or inflamed itchy feet.
5. Stress Reduction:
   • Aroma reduces stress, indirectly alleviating itching exacerbated by stress.
6. Moisturizing:
   • Hydrates and moisturizes feet, reducing dryness and itchiness.
7. Allergen Neutralization:
   • May neutralize irritants on the skin causing itching.

To use:

• Dilute rose geranium oil in a carrier oil and apply directly to affected area.
• Add oil to a foot soak; soak feet for 15-20 minutes.

Caution: Patch test before use. Consult a healthcare professional if itching persists or worsens, as it may signal an underlying medical condition.

---

What you should know

A fungus is the leading cause of skin conditions that lead to itchy feet, skin irritation, jock itch and other forms of irritation. Having itchy feet can be extremely irritating, especially when you are wearing shoes and then all of a  sudden you need to stop what you are doing to get to the itch. One of the few things in life that simply refuse to be ignored and that is an itch.

The occasional itch is not too much to worry about or to seek medical advice of some sort. However when it becomes more regular and causes the skin to become increasingly irritable, then it may be time to look for someone who can provide medical advice, even if it is natural. 

Itchy feet can be caused by several things, in addition to fungus. If the nerves in your feet get damaged, then this can make your feet itch and sometimes cause pain. Another reason why your feet may be itching may be dry skin. To help with dry skin and stop itching, you can apply lotions to moisturize the skin and you should be right as rain.

Another reason why your feet may itch is psoriasis, which occurs when your immune system begins to attack healthy skin. A good moisturizing lotion should do the trick in rejuvenating the skin.  There are also some medically reviewed creams that you can use that can give some relief. 

Itchy feet can also be caused by eczema or athlete’s foot. Allergic reactions are also part of the reason why you may be experiencing itchy feet. Scabies, diabetes, and other infections are part of the bandwagon as well, and they are all treated with various means and remedies that have antifungal properties. 

Essential oils can be used in the fight against itchy skin and feet. They are preferred by people because they are cheaper than most medicinal solutions. They are also natural and this gives them an edge over anything medicinal. All you need to know is which carrier oil to mix with the essential oil and come up with the perfect blend. Essential oils that can help with itchy feet include peppermint, chamomile, lavender, tea tree, and rose geranium. 

The concentrated oils have a soothing and healing effect. In this article, we take a look at which essential oils to use and how to use them to help soothe itchy feet. Essential oils have certain properties to help treat itchy feet, such as cooling properties or anti-inflammatory properties. Make sure that the oil you choose is serving the purpose you need it to.

How to Use them

Itchy feet can be an irritation that you do not want or need. There are various ways of getting this to stop and essential oils are amongst these. The right ones have anti-fungal properties. This means that they will deal with the fungus and all the factors that cause itchy feet. Dealing with the root cause means a more permanent solution than constantly using topical solutions. Essential oils have a natural healing element that can help get rid of the fungus that causes you discomfort. 

Whatever essential oil you choose, needs to be mixed with a carrier oil. It is also important to make sure that you choose an essential oil that is pure, and genuine. One of the best ways of ensuring this is to get one from a manufacturer that you trust. It needs to be of high quality. 

You can use lavender essential oil, for its relaxing properties. Mix it with a carrier oil and then massage it into damp skin, preferably soon after a bath. It will help relieve the itching. The same applies with chamomile essential oil. 

Tea tree oil is another essential oil that can provide much-needed relief. Dilute it before you apply it to your skin. It has been known to calm down eczema and also athletes’ foot. The anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties in the essential oil, help calm down the itchy area that can quickly become inflamed. 

Rose geranium can be mixed with lavender, chamomile, and essential oil, and applied to the skin. Always remember to check and make sure that you are not allergic to the essential oil before using it on a large part of your body. You can do this by applying it to a small portion such as the inside of your hand.

The great thing about using essential oils as a remedy is that you can do it at home and you do not have to worry about taking an overdose. It’s all-natural. We hope that the essential oils we have reviewed help you find the perfect blend to help ease itchy feet. Happy shopping!