What can cause a wet sensation on the feet?

A feeling of a wet sensation on the foot when the foot is not actually wet can be a wired and disconcerting feeling. The most obvious reason for a wet feeling is that the foot is actually wet. If it is not wet and is dry and you feel a wet sensation, there are a number of physical, neurological, or psychological factors that can cause it. As there are many different factors that this sensation could be due to, it really does need to be investigated thoroughly.

Probably the most common are nerve-related issues such as a peripheral neuropathy. This condition affects the nerves in your extremities and can cause unusual sensations like tingling, burning, or a wet feeling. It’s often associated with conditions like diabetes, alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies, or chemotherapy. There also could be a nerve compression. If a nerve is compressed in the lower back (such as with a herniated disc or sciatica), it can lead to abnormal sensations in the foot, like a wet feeling, even though the foot is dry. Sometimes there can be phantom limb sensations. Although typically associated with amputees, similar misinterpretations of nerve signals can occur in individuals with intact limbs. Your brain might misinterpret signals from your foot, giving you the sensation of being wet even though nothing is there. Sometime there can be what is called a sensory mismatch which can happen when your brain misinterprets signals due to nerve issues, skin damage, or after an injury to the foot.

A number of skin conditions such as a contact dermatitis can cause the symptoms. Certain irritants or allergens can cause a reaction on the skin of your foot, leading to a sensation of moisture, even if the skin isn’t wet. The early stages of athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) or other fungal infections might give a damp sensation, even before any obvious symptoms like peeling skin or odor develop. Poor circulation can also be an issue. If blood flow to your foot is reduced (e.g., due to peripheral artery disease or Raynaud’s phenomenon), you may experience abnormal sensations, including a cold or wet feeling. Psychological or perception issues may also play a role. Sometimes, psychological factors can manifest as physical sensations. Anxiety, in particular, can cause sensations like tingling or a "wet" feeling on the skin, due to heightened sensitivity. It could also be a misinterpretation by the brain. If the brain is not processing sensory information correctly, it can result in the false perception of wetness on the skin.

Some medications, particularly those affecting nerve function or circulation, may cause abnormal sensations. Chemotherapy, certain antidepressants, or anticonvulsants can have side effects that lead to tingling or wet sensations. After a traumatic injury there may be a hypersensitivity. If you've recently had a foot injury or surgery, your nerves might be more sensitive during the healing process. This could cause an altered perception, including a wet sensation, even though the foot is dry. Multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases can cause various sensory disturbances. These may include a wet, cold, or tingling sensation in different parts of the body, including the foot.

As can be seen the sensation of a wet foot when its not actually wet can be due to multiple possible problems. If the wet sensation persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness, it might be a good idea to consult a doctor, preferably a neurologist, to rule out any underlying conditions.

Craig Payne is a University lecturer, runner, cynic, researcher, skeptic, forum admin, woo basher, clinician, rabble-rouser, blogger and a dad.