Our feet do a lot. They pound the pavement as they carry us from place to place. They propel us forward as we swim, help us jump, kick and slide. And they can show off that trendy pair of shoes or model a pretty pedicure.
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But sometimes, our feet may need some TLC, especially if your skin starts to peel. And you may be wondering, Why are my feet and toes peeling?
While peeling feet can be annoying (and may include skin peeling between toes or bottom-of-feet peeling), you can typically treat it at home.
Dermatology specialistLauren Zamborsky, CNP,explains what may be causing your feet and toes to peel and how to treat it.
What is causing my feet and toes to peel?
There are many different reasons why your feet may peel. Zamborsky outlines the most common causes.
Dry skin
If your skin tends to be dry, it can lead to peeling skin. And there are some factors that can cause your dry skin to become drier, like taking hot showers or baths, spending too much time in the sun, dehydration, stress or even smoking.
Treatment
To help treat dry, peeling skin on your feet and toes, you want to focus on moisturizing. Start off daily by cleaning your skin with soap and water. Then, apply a moisturizer.
And when it comes to what type of moisturizer to use, Zamborsky recommends one that’s dye-free and fragrance-free. You can choose from a lotion, cream and ointment, too.
“Ointments do tend to be the most moisturizing; lotions tend to be the least moisturizing; with creams somewhere in the middle, so I always recommend using a cream or an ointment to help with peeling feet,” she shares. “You can apply a moisturizer multiple times throughout the day, but I always encourage people to do it at least at bedtime because that’s when you’re not going to be on your feet as much.”
She says you can even apply a moisturizer and then put on cotton socks.
“Doing so can really help lock in the moisture overnight and will help penetrate the layers of your skin a little bit more.”
Fungal infections
Fun fact: There are fungal elements on our skin all of the time.
“But sometimes, when we’re wearing socks and shoes and we’re getting hot and sweaty, maybe doing yard work or exercising, it can actually allow for those fungal elements to overgrow,” explains Zamborsky.
This can cause fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Your feet may become red, itchy and, at times, peel.
Treatment
If you have a fungal infection, try an over-the-counter topical antifungal cream.
And it’s important to avoid whatever triggered the infection in the first place. So, wash your feet regularly (and make sure you dry your skin thoroughly after). Also, make sure you wear cotton socks to help keep moisture at bay. Applying a foot powder to help manage sweat can help, too.
Sunburn
Yep, your feet can get sunburned. While you may remember to apply sunscreen to your face, arms and legs, your feet are a common area of your body that may go without sunscreen, especially in the warmer months when you’re sporting flip-flops or no shoes at all.
Treatment
Make sure you apply sunscreen — SPF 30 or above — to your feet to prevent sunburn in the first place.
“A spray sunscreen may be easier to use for your feet because it can be hard to get in all those nooks and crannies in our toes. And some people have a hard time reaching their feet, too,” Zamborsky notes.
If your feet are sunburned and starting to peel, she recommends keeping the skin moisturized. And if you notice pus, redness or swelling, it may be a sign of an infection. In that case, it’s important to seek medical attention.
Dehydration
When you think of dehydration, you may typically think of having symptoms like dry lips, headache, dizziness and feeling tired.
“If you’re dehydrated, it can inhibit the skin barrier in a variety of different ways, one of which developing peeling, flaky skin,” says Zamborsky.
Treatment
Eating a healthy, balanced diet and drinking enough water throughout the day can go a long way to preventing dehydration.
And applying a moisturizer to your feet can help add some moisture back to your skin.
Eczema
Eczema can be an underlying inflammatory skin condition that causes dry and itchy patches of skin, even on your feet.
“If you have inflammation of your skin, it can cause that top layer of skin to be red, flaky, itchy and dry, which is going to result in peeling,” says Zamborsky.
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Treatment
While having a good moisturizer to treat eczema flare-ups is a good idea, Zamborsky says you may also need to talk to your healthcare provider about adding a topical medication such as steroids.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition, can cause itchiness and discomfort. And if you have psoriasis, you may develop thick areas of discolored skin known as plaques.
If you notice plaques on your hands or feet, it’s known as palmoplantar psoriasis. These dry areas or patches can become flaky or peel.
Treatment
If you have psoriasis, you may be able to manage your condition by avoiding any triggers. That can include avoiding skin care products (soaps, cleansers and lotions) with harsh dyes and fragrances. Keeping your feet clean and dry is also key, so think about the type of socks and footwear you use.
You may also need to incorporate medication into your treatment. Options can include topical creams or ointments or topical corticosteroids.
Hyperhidrosis
We all sweat, but if you have hyperhidrosis, you tend to sweat excessively. And this can affect your feet.
You may notice itching and inflammation and even cracked or peeling skin on your feet and toes.
Treatment
If you have hyperhidrosis, it’s vital that you shower or bathe often to keep your feet clean. You also want to make sure you’re wearing breathable socks and shoes.
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Your healthcare provider may also recommend medications such as medicated glycopyrronium wipes or aluminum chloride gel, which can help prevent sweat.
Aging skin
As we age, so does our skin. Our collagen production decreases, which can increase how dehydrated our skin can get. You may notice dry, flaking or peeling skin on your feet.
“As we age, our skin doesn’t necessarily hold moisture the same way as it once did,” Zamborsky explains.
Treatment
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Choose a lotion, cream or ointment with emollients to keep your feet well hydrated.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes, you may notice cuts on your body (including your feet and toes) may be slow to heal. And you’re more likely to have frequent skin infections.
“Diabetes can cause poor blood flow in your feet, which makes it harder to heal cuts, sores, ulcers or other injuries,” adds Zamborsky.
Treatment
While it may make sense to see a dermatologist for the peeling skin between your toes, if you have diabetes or other conditions that prevent the area from healing, you may want to also have a podiatrist as part of your diabetes care team.
“People who are older may not be able to inspect their feet regularly,” explains Zamborsky. “Having a healthcare provider check your feet can be very beneficial, especially if you have diabetes.”
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Contact dermatitis
If your skin, including your feet and toes, comes in contact with something that irritates it, you may experience a rash known as contact dermatitis. This can include the materials found in your shoes or even the socks that you wear.
“I see this a lot in people who work in construction,” shares Zamborsky. “They have to wear steel-toed boots and that can certainly cause some irritation because that moisture has nowhere to go.”
Treatment
It can help to wear cotton socks instead of ones made with synthetic material. You may also want to consider applying a moisture-absorbing power or cream to your skin before putting on socks and shoes.
How to prevent skin peeling on your feet and toes
You can help prevent the skin from peeling on your feet and toes by practicing good skin care hygiene. Zamborsky recommends the following:
- Change your socks when damp. This can be after exercise or other activities that may cause your skin to be sweaty. Also, choose breathable fabrics like cotton instead of synthetic fabrics like spandex.
- Wash your feet daily. We often overlook this area of our body while in the shower or bath. But choose a gentle cleanser that’s dye-free and fragrance-free.
- Dry the area between your toes well. Use a cotton towel to make sure you properly dry the skin between your toes.
- Wear sandals in public showers, pool areas and gyms. It can be easy to go barefoot while at the pool or in the locker room, but public spaces can be a breeding ground for germs.
- Keep skin moist to avoid cracks. Apply a moisturizing lotion, cream or ointment to keep the area hydrated. Another pro tip? Apply before bed, then put on cotton socks to help seal in moisture.
- Avoid irritants or allergens. Steer clear of skin care products (soap, cleansers, lotions, etc.) that contain harsh dyes, fragrances and other ingredients.
Bottom line?
While most causes of peeling skin on your feet and toes aren’t serious and can be treated at home, Zamborsky says you should seek medical attention if at-home treatments aren’t working.
You should also seek medical attention if you experience the following:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Difficulty walking
- Feet that are warm to the touch
- Skin that appears black
- Fever or chills
- Cracked skin that oozes fluid such as pus
“At that point, it may require prescription drug management, or at least further evaluation to make sure nothing more serious is going on,” states Zamborsky.
