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. Michelle Arbeau is a Numerologist & Life Strategist, and the CEO of Authentic You Media and Eleven Eleven Productions. She’s based in West Hollywood, California. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in numerology, mediumship, and business advice. In 2015, Best Businesses named her the Best of West Hollywood Celebrity Numerologist, and she’s been hailed as the #1 Numerologist in the World and the #1 Celebrity Numerologist.
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Oof… whether you’re sitting in class, heading to work, or chilling at home, your left foot just won’t seem to stop itching. Sure, dry skin might be the culprit—but what if there’s something more spiritual at play here? We’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn all the superstitions associated with an itching left foot, along with some physical causes of itchiness to be on the lookout for.
Things You Should Know
- An itchy left foot can spiritually symbolize bad vibes, a challenging journey, and the need to slow down before making a big decision.
- Itchy left feet can represent good luck for women, but signify bad luck for men.
- Having a dream where you scratch your left foot could symbolize stagnation and a feeling of being stuck.
Steps
What does it mean when your left foot itches?
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1You might be dealing with some negative vibes. In Latin, the word for left is actually sinister . [1] X Research source So, it’s not much of a surprise that some people associate itchy left feet with a lot of negative energy and vibes. Think about how you’ve been feeling lately—have things gone smoothly in your life, or have you hit some bumps in the road? An itchy left foot might be a warning that you’re carrying a lot of negative energy with you.
- What to do: Practicing positive thinking is a great way to welcome more positive vibes into your life. A few simple changes to your routine, like laughing a little more , spending time with positive friends/loved ones, and practicing positive self-talk (“I can do my best to accomplish this” vs. “I can’t do it) can make a big difference. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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2You could embark on an ambitious path in the future. According to superstition, an itchy left foot points to an upcoming journey in your future that might be a little more difficult than you’re expecting. Whether it’s a physical move to a new location or an emotional journey with a loved one, prepare yourself for potential bumps in the road that might make your path just a little more demanding. [3] X Research source
- What to do: Try to view your future with an open mind. At the end of the day, everyone experiences both highs and lows in their life. Instead of dreading the potential negatives, view them as a future learning experience that will help you grow. If you’re feeling anxious, try coming up with some alternative plans in case your original journey doesn’t go the way you expect it to.
- Did you know? An itchy foot foretells an upcoming journey in Turkish superstitions. Apparently, you’re destined to travel soon if the bottom of your feet start itching. Turkish culture also associates unlucky circumstances with “left” things—for instance, an itchy left palm is a sign of financial loss, while a twitching left eye is an omen of bad news. [4] X Research source By this logic, it could be reasonable to assume that an itching left foot could signify a less than lucky trip on the horizon.
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3You might need to take your time making decisions. From school and relationships to career and family, there are tons of different choices we have to make at any given point in our lives. According to some people, your left foot itching is a sign that you need to really slow down and weigh your options before committing to any major decisions. [5] X Research source
- What to do: Take a step back and give yourself some time to think things over (if the situation allows for it). Draft up a pros and cons list to help you make your decision, and take some to think about all the different factors and possibilities that play into your final verdict. [6] X Research source
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4You may have to take a leap of faith. It’s always tough to commit to a big decision —but, according to the itching in your left foot, it might be time to close your eyes and take a flying leap into the unknown. Trust that everything will work out in its own way, and that you’ll learn and grow from whatever experience you leap into. [7] X Research source
- What to do: Think about the best and worst possible things that could happen if you take the plunge. Depending on the situation, the potential positives could far outweigh the potential negatives.
- Did you know? In terms of energetic flow, the left side of the body is the "receiving" (feminine) side, while the right is the (masculine) side where energy is released. That's why the right side is considered the dominant side and the one that can "do" or take action utilizing the energy that's being emitted.
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5You might need to hold yourself accountable and make amends . Hold on a sec—it’s time to slow down (if your foot has anything to say about it, that is). Some superstitions say that an itchy left foot is a sign that you need to take accountability and be a little more proactive in your life. It might also be a sign that you have to make amends with some people from your past and heal from past errors in judgment. [8] X Research source
- What to do: Keep the “three R” rule in mind whenever you apologize to someone : remorse, responsibility, and restitution. Always show regret about what happened, take accountability for your actions, and explain how you’ll make things right. [9] X Research source
Male vs. Female Superstitions
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An itchy left foot may spell good luck for women and bad luck for men. According to some superstitions, women who experience an itchy left foot are destined to have a smooth journey or their next trip, while men with itchy left feet will have unsuccessful and unlucky journeys. The opposite apparently applies with the other foot—an itchy right foot spells successful travel for men and unsuccessful travel for women. [10] X Research source
What does it mean when certain parts of the foot itch?
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Some people believe the location of the itch spells a specific meaning. Is the sole of your foot itching especially badly, or is the top of your foot the source of the problem? Some superstitions claim that the location of the itch makes all the difference in what it signifies: [11] X Research source
- Top of foot: Your name just got brought up in a conversation
- Beneath your toes: You’ll make new supportive friends soon
- Between your toes: Be careful of the new connections you make
- Sole: You’re undergoing a spiritual awakening
What does it mean if you dream of your left foot itching?
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Dreaming of an itchy left foot may symbolize feeling stuck. Maybe you’re trapped at a job you don’t like, or you feel stuck in a stagnant relationship. Watching yourself scratch your left foot in these dreams could symbolize that experience of being stuck due to the cost of breaking free. [12] X Research source
- You might be unhappy in your current relationship, but be unwilling to break things off and hurt your partner’s feelings.
- You might feel bored and tired of your daily routine, but don’t have the motivation to do something more exciting.
Physical Causes and Treatments
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1Dry skin Some people have naturally dry skin, which can lead to unwanted itchiness in the long run. Since dry skin is a symptom and side effect of many different issues, it’s always best to get a doctor or dermatologist’s opinion before jumping to any conclusions. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- Treatment: Get in the habit of applying moisturizer each day , keeping a humidifier running in your home, and taking shorter showers with warm (rather than hot) water. For a more in-depth treatment strategy, meet with your doctor or dermatologist.
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2Eczema Eczema is a common skin condition that causes parts of your skin to get discolored, irritated, dry, and itchy. Many people have reported eczema flare-ups on their feet, as well as their hands, ankles, elbows, face, neck, and more. This skin issue might be tough to pinpoint on your own, though, so don’t be afraid to ask a doctor or dermatologist for a professional diagnosis. [14] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Treatment: Apply a moisturizer frequently to treat your eczema , and use antihistamines or corticosteroid medications to help you manage any persistent itchiness.
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3Bug bites Have you noticed any bumps or swelling around a specific part of your itchy foot? A bug bite might be to blame. [15] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Bug bites, such as a mosquito bite, often swell and itch because the bug injects something foreign (like saliva) into your skin, which creates an itchy allergic reaction. [16] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
- Treatment: Relieve painful bites with an OTC painkiller, and treat moderately itchy bites with OTC anti-itch cream or an antihistamine. [17] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
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4Athlete’s foot Have you noticed irritated patches of skin along your feet, as well as peeling and scaly sections of skin developing between your toes? If so, your itchy foot may be caused by athlete’s foot, a type of fungal infection. Visit your doctor to confirm the diagnosis, and focus on regularly cleaning and drying your feet in the meantime. [18] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Treatment: Treat the fungus directly with an OTC medication like terbinafine or clotrimazole .
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5Allergic contact dermatitis Also known as “contact allergy,” allergic contact dermatitis flares up whenever your skin touches something that you’re allergic to. The reaction can leave your skin looking red, dry with bumps, or even swollen with blisters. Take a closer look at your foot to see if looks inflamed or irritated at all, and visit a doctor or dermatologist if needed to get a second opinion. [19] X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZ Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source
- Treatment: Apply an OTC treatment to the affected skin, like topical steroid products or emollient products .
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6Psoriasis Do parts of your skin (like the skin around your feet) look especially red, irritated, and swollen? Psoriasis, a chronic illness that affects the immune system, could be the issue. Psoriasis often appears and disappears for months at a time, so it’s best to get an official diagnosis from your doctor or dermatologist. [20] X Research source
- Treatment: Apply topical corticosteroid products, like lotions, creams, and ointments. Retinoids and vitamin D-rich medications are also possible treatment options. [21] X Research source
Key Takeaways
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1Rule out any physical explanations before jumping to spiritual conclusions. From dry skin and eczema to bug bites and psoriasis, there are a lot of different medical factors that can cause itchy skin. Take a closer look at your foot and see what’s causing the problem. Chances are, there’s a perfectly reasonable (and physical!) explanation for your itchy skin. [22] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- Did you know? Millions of people deal with dry skin every year—there’s a chance you could be included in that number, too. [23] X Research source
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2Superstitions only carry as much power as you allow them to. At the end of the day, superstitions are nothing more than something you choose to believe. Experiencing itchy feet doesn’t have to change anything about the way you live your life, especially if you make a conscious decision to live life on your own terms. Remember: you make your own luck and success in life—your left foot itching has nothing to do with it!
Expert Q&A
Tips
- There's an expression regarding the right foot and why the left could be "unlucky." The expression "starting off on the right foot" indicates that the left is not going to set you off in the right direction in life.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ed066p534.3
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950
- ↑ https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/itchy-feet-superstition/
- ↑ https://www.dailysabah.com/expats-corner/2014/12/30/turkish-superstitions-rituals-and-myths
- ↑ https://simplysymbolism.com/what-does-itchy-feet-mean-spiritually/
- ↑ https://au.reachout.com/articles/decision-making-101
- ↑ https://simplysymbolism.com/what-does-itchy-feet-mean-spiritually/
- ↑ https://simplysymbolism.com/what-does-itchy-feet-mean-spiritually/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-the-wild-things-are/202210/apologizing-and-making-amends
- ↑ https://pujanpujari.com/itching-and-twitching-of-plam-and-feet-astrological-view/
- ↑ https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/itchy-feet-superstition/
- ↑ https://symbolsage.com/itchy-left-foot-what-does-it-mean/
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/dry-skin-self-care
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9998-eczema
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/bites/prevent-treat-bug-bites
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/about-mosquito-bites.html
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/bites/prevent-treat-bug-bites
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/athletes-foot/symptoms-causes/syc-20353841
- ↑ https://dermnetnz.org/topics/allergic-contact-dermatitis
- ↑ https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriasis
- ↑ https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriasis/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/itch-relief/relieve-uncontrollably-itchy-skin
- ↑ https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/dealing-with-dry-skin/
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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