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Do you have itchy ankles at night? There could be several reasons why your ankles and feet itch at night. While the problem is not serious, you may feel irritated and your sleep might also get disturbed because itching mostly gets worse in the middle of the night.
In most cases, itchy ankles go away on their own. But sometimes, it could be a sign of an underlying medical concern. This article discusses a few possible causes of itchy ankles at night and who are more likely to experience it.
7 possible reasons for having itchy ankles at night
Here are the seven most common causes you have itchy ankles at night.
1. Allergies
Allergies can lead to skin itchiness. Several allergic reactions from food and medications can cause itchy ankles at night along with inflammation, redness, and other symptoms.
Some allergic reactions can also lead to skin scales and flakiness, which can be a sign of skin conditions like eczema. You must watch out for symptoms like these and consult a healthcare provider.
2. Insect bites
Insect bites are also among the common causes of itchy ankles at night. Insects such as bedbugs, scabies, and pinworms are mostly active at night and bites from these can lead to extreme itchiness and redness of the skin.
3. Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a skin condition that occurs when the immune system reacts to a substance. It can also be a common cause why you experience itchy ankles, especially at night.
The skin problem can occur because of a substance or irritant, or because of allergens present in specific fabrics, perfumes, soaps or detergents, metals, rubber and more. To confirm contact dermatitis, you should consult a doctor or a dermatologist as soon as possible.
4. Fungal infections
Fungal infection is another very common reason why your ankles itch in bed. Infections like ringworm and jock itch can cause severe itching along with symptoms like inflammation, peeling, sore feet, blisters, swelling and redness.
Fungal infection usually happens when you wear tight footwear or socks for long periods.
5. Dry skin
If you have dry skin, you are more likely to experience itchy skin at night. Dry skin can be caused because of several reasons, including weather, pollution, dehydration and skin care products.
It can cause symptoms like flaky skin, peeling and dullness. In severe cases, dry skin can trigger skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
6. Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes are also responsible for itchy ankles at night. Hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, menopause, and other hormonal changes can all cause nighttime itching.
7. Sunburns
Sunburns, both mild and severe, can lead to itching and trigger other symptoms as well, including peeling, dry skin, redness, burning sensation, and inflammation. Severe sunburns can cause blisters, too, and if left untreated, these may cause skin infections.
Other causes of itchy ankles may include:
- autoimmune problems such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
- poor blood circulation
- parasitic infections
- foot injuries
- liver problems such as jaundice, gallstones, and liver cancer
- heat rash
- cellulitis
Who is more likely to experience itchy ankles?
Itchy ankles at night are a common problem and can happen to anyone at any age. But you are more likely to get it if you:
- are over 65 years of age
- are pregnant
- are experiencing hormonal changes like menopause
- have certain food or medication allergies
- have skin conditions like eczema
- have certain types of cancer
- have diabetes
Experiencing itchy ankles at night is harmless and goes away on its own. But, you must talk to a doctor if the itching doesn’t subside within a week or so or if you notice other symptoms including blisters, weakness, fever, and rapid weight loss. All these could be a sign of an underlying medical concern.
