Why Are My Feet Peeling?

Feet go through a significant amount of stress whenever you’re on them. That’s normal. However, when your feet start to peel, it can be a sign that something serious is at play. Peeling skin can be caused by a wide variety of common factors, such as changes in weather. In other cases, your skin peeling may be due to a foot or skin problem. 

Peeling skin on the feet can be a frustrating and annoying thing to deal with. Are you curious about what could be the cause and what your treatment options are? Below, we’ll be going over the common causes of peeling and what treatment methods you can use to stop it: 

Common Causes of Peeling Feet

Dry Skin

Dry skin often appears scaly, rough, and itchy, which can lead to your skin peeling. However, there are many reasons why you could be experiencing dry skin. You can cause the skin on your feet to dry out or get worse from the following:

• Hot baths or showers

• Dehydration

• Low humidity

• Too much exposure to the sun

• Smoking

While peeling feet can be painful to deal with, there are multiple ways to treat and prevent them from getting worse. 

Cutting down on hot baths or showers, opting for lukewarm water, and using a mild soap will help prevent the dryness or cracked skin from developing. You can apply a fragrance-free moisturizer while your feet are still wet to keep your feet hydrated. Exfoliate your feet once a week by soaking them and using a pumice stone to gently remove any dead skin. 

Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that can occur anywhere on the body, specifically the arms, elbows, knees, scalp, and feet. When experiencing eczema, you will notice symptoms such as:

• Red patches

• Dry, itchy skin

• Itchy rash

• Cracked skin 

• Skin infections

• Skin peeling

Eczema is often caused by genetics, environmental factors, such as allergens, or using harsh soaps. The eczema patches on your feet can result in peeling skin. There are treatment options that can reduce the severity of the eczema patches on your skin. Moisturizing daily with creams, such as a corticosteroid ointment, can control the itching and repair your dry, cracked skin. If ointments and moisturizers aren’t cutting it, an appointment with a Foot Specialist or Dermatologist may help. 

Psoriasis 

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes scaly red patches to form on the skin. These patches can become painful, itchy, or begin to peel. Psoriasis commonly appears on the soles of the feet. While psoriasis and eczema may seem similar, they are both different conditions. Psoriasis is a chronic auto-immune disease, unlike eczema, which is impacted by environmental factors. 

Psoriasis patches can be difficult to treat, but there are options to help soothe the inflamed skin on your feet. Treatment options include:

• Topical corticosteroid creams/ointments to reduce the patches of scaly skin

• Moisturizers to cut down on the dryness

• Creams with salicylic acid

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that mainly affects your feet. In most cases, athlete’s foot can be contracted from public locker rooms, communal showers, swimming pools, or any moist areas where you might walk barefoot. Wearing damp socks or shoes is another way that helps athlete’s foot thrive.

Common symptoms involved with Athlete’s foot involve:

• An itchy red rash

• A burning sensation

• Stinging 

• Peeling skin

• Blisters

• Dry skin 

This skin condition spawns from making contact with contaminated surfaces and has the ability to spread to other parts of your body. If you come into contact with someone else who has athlete’s foot, you may be susceptible to contracting it. 

Treatment and prevention methods can rid and prevent the risk of getting athlete’s foot, such as:

• Over-the-counter antifungal medication

• Keeping your feet dry

• Wearing footwear in public places, like locker rooms and pools

• Alternating footwear and changing your socks regularly

• Avoid sharing towels, shoes, or socks with other people

Tips 

It’s important to practice proper foot care, especially if you’re dealing with peeling feet. These health tips include the following: 

• Daily moisturizing with high-quality moisturizers

• Exfoliate your feet at least once a week with a pumice stone to remove dead skin

• Soak your feet once a month to keep your skin healthy and clean

• Start wearing shoes that are made with breathable materials

• Seek treatment from a professional foot care specialist

You shouldn’t have to struggle with peeling feet. Not only can it be a painful experience, but it can also be annoying. Luckily, your foot troubles can be taken care of at our trustworthy Toronto foot clinic. We have many services and products available to relieve any foot pain you may be dealing with. Make an appointment with one of our Chiropodists today and take the first steps toward better foot care.