Peeling skin on feet and toes can make your legs look unsightly. Feet can peel with no itching or at times, you may experience itchiness. The most common part that peels off is the bottom of feet, which may also feel dry. Here are the causes, treatments and remedies for peeling skin on feet.
Causes of peeling feet and toes
Psoriasis, some fungal infections, dermatitis, dry skin and even allergic reactions can cause your toes and feet to peel off. Here are the causes of peeling feet in detail.
1. Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot, also called tinea pedis, has very acute symptoms of intense itchiness and also peeling skin that occurs between and also around the toes. A very chronic form of the fungal infection also is much possible, as explained by the Podiatrists, and has several symptoms.
- They normally include scaling, flaking and also peeling of the skin on the bottom of the feet, which might extend straight from the heel to the toes.
- People usually think this is dry skin, more especially since it usually isn’t itchy.
To get rid of the peeling feet caused by athlete’s foot, wash the feet using soap and water at least twice a day, dry the feet fully and use an over-the-counter antifungal cream. See the doctor if the infection doesn’t seem to clear up within a period of two weeks or if the feet is red or sore.
2. Fever
A high fever that leads to sweating can cause the skin peeling to occur on the bottom of the feet, according to the doctors. This occurrence can lead to retention of the sweat especially in the soles of the feet and also on the palms of the hand, where the skin is much thicker than elsewhere.
You can be able to see blister-like formations that later will break down and even slough away. Epi-max normally restores the severely dry skin.
3. Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis, also called the Reiter’s syndrome, is a disorder that leads to the inflammation not only in the joints but also occurring in the skin, eyes and also the urinary tract. It appears to involve an immune system reaction to the bacterial infection, as explained by doctors.
A possible symptom normally includes the tiny blisters that develops on the soles of the feet and also the palms of the hands. The blisters may cause flaking and also peeling skin on feet, which might appear similar to psoriasis.
4. Toe Box Dermatitis
For most people, this type of dermatitis is to blame for peeling skin on feet that occurs between their toes, as the shoes do not normally allow the foot to get any aeration.
In turn, the body heat makes the box of the shoe very warm, leading to the skin peeling. This is the reason why it is normally recommended that a person should use a shoe that allows for a breathable toe box.
5. Cellulitis
Bacteria normally live on the skin, and when you a person has a scratch, then this bacteria is able to enter the skin, leading to redness, itching and also peeling in the affected skin parts.
If there is a cut on the toes, then the cellulitis might develop and then spread, leading to peeling skin on feet between toes which is normally red and also much inflamed looking. The inflamed skin might warm or even be hot to touch, which identifies an infection that is present.
6. Trench Foot
Trench foot occurs when the foot is put into the damp conditions for longer periods of time. Those people who work outside wearing of the rubber boots are likely to develop the trench foot. It is most commonly observed in the winter period, but can also be present during other seasons.
7. Psoriasis
This is a form of eczema that leads to peeling of skin. The reason behind the psoriasis is not indicated, but most of the doctors normally believe that this has got something to do with a person’s immune system and might also have some issues with the nervous system.
8. Environmental factor
The heat, cold and also the dry weather can lead to peeling of the skin between the toes. When the environment is to blame for the skin that is peeling, many people find that their skin is much affected in other spots also.
Spending long period of time in these environmental conditions also increases the likelihood of suffering with the peeling skin on feet occurring between the toes.
9. Dry Skin
Those people who have a very dry skin, whether because of over washing of the skin or even just not having enough amount of natural moisture in the skin, will be able to find that the skin peeling may happen everywhere on the body, including the skin that is between toes.
- So you have to moisturize the skin more especially during the winter which is a period where the dry skin is much prominent.
10. Allergy Reaction
Those people who visit areas where the toes are much exposed to several environmental conditions may have several allergic reactions especially to what they come in contact with.
- For instance, public swimming pools or the ground where the person walks on barefoot may have the allergens.
- Sometimes the allergic reaction might cause bacterial or even fungal infections.
Peeling skin on bottom of feet
Skin buildup and natural exfoliation – Every person’s skin goes through a process of exfoliation which is natural or even sloughing off the dead skin cells. But if the feet are always in a closed shoes or even the socks, and with no time to get regular pedicures or even having foot scrubs, the dead skin is able to build up on the feet and thus start to appear flaky.
Try applying the use of a gentle buffer or even scrub on the feet in the shower to assist get rid of the old skin.
Lack of moisture – Severely dry skin on feet and also the toes may eventually begin to peel and also flake. Environmental factors such as the extreme temperatures and also the dry air may worsen the effect. Be very much sure to moisturize the skin on the feet daily using a lotion, oil or even foot cream to combat the dryness.
Eczema – This inflammatory skin condition can lead to dryness, itching and also peeling of the skin all over the body, which includes the soles of the feet. Only a medical doctor is able to diagnose you with the eczema and assist you to decide on the best treatment that can be used, which might include use of a steroid cream so as to ease symptoms.
Dry itchy peeling skin on feet
Signs and symptoms of the athlete’s foot may vary from an individual to another. But, common symptoms are:
- Peeling skin on feet, cracking, as well as scaling of feet
- Redness, blisters, or even softening and also breaking down the skin
- Itching, burning, or even both happening
Types of Athlete’s Foot
- Interdigital: Also known as the toe web infection, this is the common kind of the athlete’s foot. It usually happens between the parts of the two smallest toes. This form of athlete’s foot might lead to itching, burning, and also scaling, the infection is also able to spread to the sole of the foot.
- Moccasin: A moccasin-type infection of the athlete’s foot starts with a very minor irritation, itching, or even just scaly skin. As it develops in stages, the skin can thicken and also crack. This infection normally involves the entire sole of foot and can extend onto the sides of foot.
- Vesicular: This is the least common kind of the athlete’s foot. The condition normally starts with a sudden outbreak of the fluid-filled blisters that are under the skin. Most often, the blisters usually develop on the underside part of the foot. But, they also may also appear between the toes or even on the top of the foot.
Peeling skin on feet no itching
Do you have peeling skin on toes with no itching? Dehydration is normally said to be responsible for the bottom part of the feet skin peeling. If there is skin peeling that is occurring elsewhere on the foot, then it can related to a different condition. A person might experience the feet skin that is peeling between the toes.
This may be an indication of the dry skin, but it may as well be an indication of an infection which is affecting the skin. The toes are very much susceptible to an infection since they are normally poorly ventilated.
Another factor that is responsible for the skin on peeling skin on feet without itching is the condition where the foot is normally kept. If the foot is in much restricted footwear for the better part of day, it can sweat and be very damp and also moist.
When the skin is then exposed to the outside air, it can then dry up. This continuous cycle of dampness and also dryness may lead to the skin to crack and begin to peel off.
This particular problem can thus be a physical problem of skin that is on the feet and might then have nothing to do with the bacterial or even the fungal infections.
See also:
- Itchy Between Toes, At Night, Dry Skin, No Rash: Home Treatment
- Sunburn Itch (Hell’s Itch): Causes, Symptoms & How to Get Rid of It
Treatments for skin peeling on toes and feet
Step 1
Use of an oil-based moisturizer on the feet is recommended for at least twice a day. Use the product mostly after showering when the skin is still wet, so as to better lock in the moisture.
Our favourite is Probelle Advanced Total Foot Cream for Dry and Cracked Feet (Check price on Amazon)
Step 2
Wear shoes that have supportive insoles. If you are experiencing dry skin, then wearing of the wrong shoes is able to increase the chance of making cracks in the foot to be worse.
Avoid the shoes that have open backs and also the footwear that is very much tight.
Also, avoid times of prolonged standing, which puts a lot of weight on the feet. Take a break for about 10 minutes after every couple of hours of standing.
There are also some great insoles, that you can buy online:
- Shoeslulu Magic Absorbent Ultra Thin Lambskin Leather Insoles with Breathable Activated Carbon Bottom (Check price)
- Powerstep Pinnacle Shoe Insoles – Shock-Absorbing Arch Support (Check price)
- ABUSA Sheepskin Insoles Men’s & Women’s Premium Thick Wool Fur Fleece Inserts Cozy & Fluffy (Check price)
Step 3
Use the aloe vera lotion to the feet if the peeling skin on feet is brought about by sunburn.
Aloe vera lotion is normally sold over the counter and may assist to soothe the skin area while keeping it moisturized.
Avoid exposing the feet to the sun when they are healing.
Step 4
Speak to the doctor. If the dry skin or even the sun damage is not leading to peeling of the feet, you might require to be treated for a skin disorder. Fungal infections are able to make the skin on feet to peel and need the use of topical application of an anti-fungal medication.
If the psoriasis is leading to the peeling skin on feet, then a topical steroid or even retinoid is recommended.
Home remedies
Try the following natural home remedies for peeling skin on feet.
Warm Water
You might not realize this but the use of warm water can assist to make the feet to be much relaxed more especially if you do it in the evening. This can also assist to loosen the dead skin cells that might make the feet to be drier than normal.
- Fill a bucket with warm water.
- Place the feet inside the bucket for about 30 minutes.
- You might need to use a scrub to get rid of the dead skin cells.
- Dry the feet well afterwards.
- Put the lotion so as to moisturize the feet.
Scrub
If in the case you would like to get rid of the dead skin cells on the feet while you are also taking a bath, you understand that the use of the scrub can make this process very much effective. You would require to scrub the dead skin cells using some warm, soapy water.
- Apply the liquid soap and wash feet with it.
- Use a pumice stone to get rid of the dead skin cells.
- Rinse off the feet on the running water and pat the skin dry using a clean soft towel.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is indicated to be very effective in doing away with the dead skin cells since it can lessen the effects of having the dry and also the cracked feet. It can make the skin to appear softer than ever because it is able to retain the natural oils of skin.
- Heat paraffin wax through the microwave.
- Add some amount of coconut oil on it.
- Use the paste which may be a bit hot at start but you can get used to it.
- Leave it on the feet overnight.
- Wash off the wax that is on the feet in the morning.
There are also a great parafin wax baths available on the market (Check prices)
Glycerin
This is one of the things that dermatologists might apply before doing treatments for skin so it is not a surprise that it is used.
It is also another ingredient that can be applied on the feet so as to make the feet feel softer than ever.
- Mix glycerin with amount of lemon juice.
- Use it directly on the feet.
- Leave on the feet for a period of about 30 minutes before washing off using water.
- This would require to be done for a number of weeks.
Epsom salt remedy for peeling skin on feet
Epsom salt is indicated to improve the circulation that is around the feet area and this can make it to be very much effective in doing away with the dead skin cells. It also has some amount of magnesium that may assist to get rid of the toxins from the feet.
- You would require to add some Epsom salt to water.
- Soak the feet for a period of about 15 minutes.
- Dry the feet afterwards and then place the petroleum jelly.
- Repeat every day for a period of about three days.
Mentholated Rub
It has also been indicated that using the mentholated rub can be effective in doing away with dry and also cracked feet. It has a lot of natural essential oils that can be very good for the skin. If in case you also have some other problems with the fungus, this may also be effective.
- Make sure that the feet are very much clean and dry.
- Use the mentholated rub on feet.
- Put on the socks and leave it on overnight.
- In the morning, wash using warm water.
- This would have to be performed repeatedly until you get needed results.
Lemon
The fact that lemon is very acidic makes it perfect in doing away with the dead skin cells on the feet. At the same time, you may also get rid of dry skin that is found on the feet area. It can however make the feet appear to be more naturally smooth.
- Prepare some warm water and then pour lemon juice on it.
- Soak the feet in the solution for a period of about 20 minutes.
- Use a foot brush so as to scrub the feet to get rid of the dead skin cells.
- Wash and then dry the feet fully.
Vinegar
If you would like to get rid of the dead skin cells, then the use of vinegar can be effective. This may make the dead skin to be softer around the feet and thus, you will have a smoother skin on feet.
- Mix vinegar with some water and soak the feet in the solution for a period of about 20 minutes.
- Use a foot scrubber so that you can get rid of the dead skin cells.
- Wash feet and pat the skin dry.
- Place petroleum jelly on the feet afterwards.
Oatmeal
If you want to treat the dry feet to an effective remedy, you understand that oatmeal is the right remedy. You may make a foot scrub using oatmeal so that you effectively get rid of the dead skin cells and at the same time, you may keep the skin on the feet moisturized well.
- You would be required to mix oatmeal with some amount of rose water or even milk.
- You might leave the oatmeal on the feet for a period of about 45 minutes first before you start the process of scrubbing.
- Place the paste on the lower portion of the feet and then scrub.
- You may make use of a foot brush so as to scrub effectively.
- Rinse off using cold water.
- Pat dry the feet.
- So as to make this much more effective, do the process every other day.
Overripe Banana
Remember that when you use a banana, you would be required to choose an overripe one. You blend them into a thick paste and use it on the cracked feet so that you moisturize the skin effectively.
- Blend the banana in order to form a very thick paste.
- You can also choose to add an avocado to be more effective.
- Apply the paste on feet for a [period of about 15 minutes.
- Make sure that you use lukewarm and then cold water to rinse.
- Follow the remedy every day.
Further references
- What Causes Skin to Peel From the Bottom of Feet: http://www.livestrong.com/article/81124-treat-dry-cracked-peeling/
- Skin Peeling Between Toes: http://www.enkivillage.com/skin-peeling-between-toes.html
- Why Is the Skin on My Foot Peeling: http://www.drjefflamour.com/foot-care/why-is-the-skin-on-my-foot-peeling/
- Dry, Cracked Feet: Treatment, Causes, and Home Remedies: http://www.footvitals.com/skin/dry-feet.html
- Fungal Infections of the Skin: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/fungal-infections-skin#1
- Dry Peeling Skin On Bottom Of Feet: http://www.yogawiz.com/blog/home-remedies/cures-for-dry-peeling-skin-on-bottom-of-feet.html
- How to Treat Peeling Skin on Feet: http://www.livestrong.com/article/104032-cure-peeling-skin-feet/
- 10 HOME REMEDIES TO GET RID OF DEAD SKIN ON FEET: http://naturalremedyideas.com/dead-skin-on-feet/
