Ahead, find the reason behind your pesky problem, and a treatment option to match. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Treatment involves fully avoiding the allergy-provoking substance and using topical steroid cream as prescribed. We spoke with two doctors to find out how to fix the most common things that might be causing your feet to peel. If you notice any persistently dry, cracked skin, you should make an appointment with your dermatologist. If you have athletes foot, your dermatologist may recommend an antifungal cream. Dermatologists top tips for relieving dry skin. Follow with an antioxidant serumlikeOdacite Night Time Antioxidants Repair Serum ($120) to help combat signs of aging or skin damage. This is typically worse on the tips of After a winter spent in sturdy snow boots and cozy house slippers, who knows what your bare feet even look like these days?! There are several potential causes, and the best treatment or home care option will depend on the cause. You may need to use a prescribed medication or steroid cream, but only a doctor can determine so. The most common causes of peeling feet are either dryness, inflammation, or an infection, namely from a fungus, says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital. Leah Ansell, MD, is board-certified in cosmetic and medical dermatology. Why Are Your Feet Peeling? Causes for Peeling Feet - Parade Some medical, Scaling skin occurs when the outer skin is damaged, either by injury or a medical condition. Management of cytotoxic chemotherapy-induced hand-foot syndrome. Dry or peeling skin on the feet is not usually a symptom of a severe condition. A light (superficial) chemical peel removes the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Moisturize the area with aloe vera or a soy-based skin moisturizer. 7 reasons for skin peeling on feet. The Ultimate Skincare Routine for Dry Skin, According to Dermatologists, 10 Tips For Fixing Flaky Skin, Straight From a Dermatologist, How to Remedy Dry, Flaky Skin on Your Legs, 12 DIY Face Masks for Every Skin Type and Concern, 7 Essential Oils for Dry Skin That You Need to Try, Stat, The 25 Best Body Lotions for Dry Skin of 2023, The 25 Best Body Butters for Dry Skin of 2023, 7 Showering Mistakes That Contribute to Your Dry Skin, 27 Best Scalp Care Products and Treatments, 12 of the Best Hydrating Serums for Dry Skin, 18 Mind-Blowing Vaseline Uses You Never Knew About (Until Now), 7 Ways to Deal With Dry, Chapped LipsAccording to Dermatologists, The 25 Best Long Hairstyles for Men to Show Your Stylist, Emollients Are a Must-Use Product If You Have Dry Skin. Some occupations require employees to wear foot gear with a rubber toe box. Acral peeling as the sole skin manifestation of COVID19 in children. This is why you should apply moisturizer right after bathing, when the skin is still damp. Swipe on a thick, rich lip balm like Tarte Quench Lip Rescue Balm ($19)for instant relief. Toxic Shock Syndrome: Still a Timely Diagnosis. Every part of the body can be affected by dry skin including the penis, eyes & face. Symptoms commonly include red, swollen skin rash with itching, blistering, or oozing, which may become painful and infected. Peeling feet are treatable and sometimes even preventable. Hypothyroidism is easily managed with daily oral medication. Last Updated 01 May, 2023. Dr. Morgan Rabach is a board-certified dermatologist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Dry Skin: Having dry skin may cause your feet to become scaly, itchy, rough, or so dry that they start peeling, cracking open, or bleeding. No need to skip fun in the sun, though. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. After a winter spent in sturdy snow boots and cozy house slippers, who knows what your bare feet even look like these days?! This can sometimes cause harmless but unsightly dry, flaky, or peeling spots to appear on your feet. Oral antifungal medications or antibiotics may be necessary for more significant causes of foot peeling. If left untreated, these and other symptoms can worsen until they lead to very low blood pressure and body temperature, and even coma. As they dry out, they cause your skin to peel off. Hypothyroidism, or "underactive thyroid," means that the thyroid gland in the neck does not produce enough of its hormones. (n.d.). If it becomes severe, however, they should consider seeking advice from a doctor. 7,752,060 and 8,719,052. Does Baby Foot work? Here are some conditions in which a podiatrist can help you get back on your feet. A UV protectantlike Rene Furterer Solaire Protective Summer Oil($28) also works wonders. Why Trust Us? Oncol Rev. If you have athlete's foot, Dr. Palm says you can try an over-the-counter antifungal medication. Treatment includes over-the-counter lotions and ointments such as petroleum jelly, A&D ointment, AmLactin, olive oil, aloe vera, or prescription-strength emollient such as lac-hydrin. After a few minutes, take your feet out and dry with a clean towel. Does dietary fluid intake affect skin hydration in healthy humans? Youre most likely to see this type of peeling present as plaques and scales on the bottoms or soles of your feet. Fortunately, most causes are easily treatable, though some symptoms may be a sign of something more serious. Over-the-counter treatments are quite effective at treating athlete's foot. Peeling feet: Causes, treatments, and remedies - Medical News Read on for more information about causes and treatment options. NHS. Although dry skin does not cause psoriasis, moisturizing the skin may help psoriasis heal more quickly. A systematic literature review. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. after Most nonspecific dermatitis is caused by skin contact with a substance that provokes a reaction, which could be anything from plants to soap to jewelry to fabrics. If you're experiencing an eczema flare-up on your feet, Dr. Palm recommends taking antihistamine medications, topical steroids, and in severe cases, oral steroids (after consulting with your doctor) to get your peeling and discomfort under control. Atopic dermatitis, which is the most common form of eczema, occurs when the immune system damages the skins moisture barrier, causing it to become dry. Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, dermatitis, atopic eczema, or AD, is a chronic skin condition with an itchy rash. In addition, sweating in the sun combined with loose sand, tanning lotions and small bugs can cause slight irritation and itchy skin. You may be experiencing a skin-related issue like dermatitis or eczema, an allergic reaction from a certain food or plant, or you may be having a symptom of anxiety or depression. Here are a few possible reasons why the skin on your feet might be peeling: 1. If we go to the beach, salty water and chlorine from swimming pools may dry out our skin as well, causing it to peel off. Taking a dip in the ocean means easy beach hair sans the salt spray, but it also means parched locks. Because of all of this, skin on your feet sheds less frequently than on the rest of your body. Symptoms include skin that feels swollen, stiff, and dry, and becomes cracked and blistered with painful open sores. She has three small children, a husband, and an over eager dog at home. Enter foot peels, which can help with: One of the most important things to know about doing a foot peel is that it wont kick in immediately. For example, dry skin, athletes foot, and sunburn can all cause peeling without itching. A person may be able to treat some of these conditions with home or OTC remedies. However, if the condition persists or worsens, a person should consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. When you get home from the beach, apply a deep conditioner for five to 10 minutes. Treatment options for dry, peeling skin on your feet includes: frequently using a moisturizer, especially right after bathing, when your skin is damp; look for moisturizers that are free of fragrance and dyes applying an OTC hydrocortisone cream to the affected skin increasing the moisture in the air with a humidifier Why Are My Feet Peeling? | New Health Advisor Skin peeling on the bottom of the feet can most commonly be caused by a fungal infection called athlete's foot, sunburn, dermatitis, or dry skin. WebThe day of, I will soak my feet for 10-30 minutes in warm water with some tea tree bath salts (just epsom salt with some tea tree oil. You can sometimes prevent eczema flares by being aware of any allergies and reducing your exposure to them. This is why you should apply moisturizer right Some medical conditions and medications may cause dry skin that leads to feet peeling. The most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis are: Symptoms include red, itching, scaling, flaking skin that may be painful due to the irritation and inflammation. Contact dermatitis is not contagious. Athletes foot is curable with over-the-counter and prescriptions treatments. In the weeks to follow my hands peel and peel the red spots, turn to brown, and finally start to dissapear. There are many reasons why your feet can peel. Some of the most common causes include athletes foot, dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, and hyperhidrosis. In most cases, using OTC medications can help treat the peeling on your feet. However, if the peeling doesnt improve, or you have other concerning symptoms, be sure to see your doctor. Cracked Skin Between Toes | How People with diabetes and foot pain or dry skin that does not go away should contact a doctor. A healthcare professional will be able to assess the cause and help you feel better. Constant scratching may cause skin infections and the skin may turn thickened and leathery. 4 Causes of Pool Toe and How to Prevent It - Livestrong Eczema is a complex condition. Janelle Barowski, MSN RN, is a health and wellness writer for several outlets, including Healthgrades. This causes a slowing of the body's metabolism. She strives to break down complex medical concepts into an approachable format for her audience. It can be caused by external events, such as a burn, or internal causes, such as a reaction to medication or an autoimmune disease. If over-the-counter remedies do not work, you should seek medical advice. Getting regular pedicures also helps. You should also look for moisturizers that contain urea, lactic acid or cocoa butter. Jen Adkins is a beauty writer and licensed cosmetologist. To keep your feet free of bacteria, soak them in warm water mixed with a small amount of apple cider vinegar. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Dry skin symptoms cause the skin to become scaly, rough & flaky. Cool compresses and calamine lotion can help to ease the discomfort. Follow her on LinkedIn to learn more. Peeling Feet: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment - Verywell Health They may be able to provide you with an individualized treatment plan that addresses your medical concerns. Usually, a person can treat dry skin at home with moisturizers. You can gently buff off the dead skin yourself with a dry brush or with a cloth during a shower. This beauty routine and these products will be your saviors. Why Does My Skin Peel When I Get Sunburned, and What Should I Do About It? If you have a mild case, it may resolve within 2 weeks with the daily application of an over-the-counter cream. When moisturizing the rest of your body, dont forget to apply lotion or cream to your feet. The Skin Cancer Foundation. Symptoms that always occur with normal occurrence of dry skin: dry skin. 5 Women Tried Baby Foot, and the Results Were Both Disgusting and Satisfying. Baby Foot Your skin may have suffered damage due to an infection or sunburn. You might be thinking to yourself why and what to do about it. Really, once youve cleared away that dead skin, I would be surprised if people needed to do it more than every three or four months.. You might come home with itchy skin, which can be the result of several different issues. The disorder needs to be addressed by your doctor in order to prevent reoccurrence. Learn more about the symptoms and treatment, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Diagnosis is made through first avoiding contact with any suspected substance, to see if the dermatitis clears. And as a result, you may be more apt to notice when your feet are looking and feeling rather gnarly. She lives in New Hampshire and works part-time at her medical writing company: Willow Bark Health Writing. Oatmeal baths may be helpful as well.. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Her biggest passion is sun protection and sun safety, and she loves toeducate readers on how to best take care of their skin. Blisters are typically harmless, but they can be painful. If youve been sick or experienced an injury to your feet, Dr. Palm says you might start seeing some swelling in the skin on your feet. Nickel, a metal often used in belt buckles, the buttons on pants, and jewelry, including piercing jewelry. Excessive dryness is one of the top reasons. Hyperhidrosis, which causes excessive sweating, is a genetic condition brought on by overactivity in the sympathetic nerves responsible for your fight-or-flight response, explains Dr. Weiser. Corns and calluses are not dangerous, but they can be uncomfortable. Snails can release these microscopic parasites, which then burrow under your skin. Follow the directions and the infection should clear up in a couple of days. Foot.com. The most common causes of peeling feet are either dryness, inflammation, or an infection, namely from a fungus, says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of Why are my feet peeling? Acral peeling as the sole skin manifestation of COVID19 in children. You can help prevent your feet from peeling by keeping your feet clean and dry and wearing bandages over blisters. What causes skin on the fingertips to peel? This causes sweat and warm air to become trapped near your feet, which can lead to odor, itching and peeling of the skin. Fortunately, if this is the cause of your peeling, theres not much you need to do to make it go away. Here, Dr. Zeichner breaks down some of the most common causes of peeling feet and what you can do to remedy them. This will help lock in the moisture and prevent your skin from drying out. It moisturizes your feet, too. Sometimes it can cause small blisters on the soles of your feet. Even if you did, your lips might still feel dry after a day at the beach. A person with peeling skin on their feet should contact a doctor if they: Home treatments for peeling feet will depend on the cause. Similarly, underlying medical conditions may also cause foot peeling. Feet are often bare when you are at the pool or beach, so when you are putting sunscreen on your face, arm, legs and the rest of your body, dont forget your toes Foot masks are a thing; Baby Foot Moisturizing Foot Mask($15) might change your life. It keeps water in and helps limit the effects of the elements (wind, sun, rain, etc.) Those with AD often have allergies to milk, nuts, and shellfish. Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection of the feet and/or toes. Podiatrists provide a wide range of medical care for problems of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Treating run-of-the-mill dry skin issues can be more about avoiding the things that make those conditions worse, like hot showers or baths. Use a mild face washlike Saturday Skin Rise + Shine Gentle Cleanser ($26) to wash off all of your sunscreen. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, How to Keep Biting Flies Away at the Beach, Centers For Disease Control and Prevention: Swimmer's Itch. Older children will have the rash in the creases of elbows, knees, and buttocks. Your privacy is important to us. For instances where you find yourself already walking on the hot sand with It may cause peeling on your feet. The skin may peel, itch, or turn yellow over time. Long walks on the beach are more than relaxing and romanticthey're also exfoliating. The Difference Between a Heart Attack and a Stroke, Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Lotion, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. However, there are other causes for peeling and foot rashes. I recommend an over-the-counter athlete's foot cream that contains an antifungal ingredient like clotrimazole.. How to Get Rid of Peeling Skin Gently and Effectively - Verywell For those who have peeling skin due to an underlying health condition, getting a prompt diagnosis and treatment is vital to recovery. Find out how it works and see the before and after results. Which is why, she tells me, people with eczema, psoriasis, or even just sensitive skin, should be wary of the product since it can cause major irritation. Peeling Feet: Common Causes, Home Remedies, and Treatment How to identify and treat scaling skin: A picture guide, have diabetes and develop foot pain or numbness, experience symptoms that do not get better with home treatment, have severe foot pain that interferes with walking, develop any signs or symptoms of an infection, such as a, get an object, such as glass or wood, stuck in their foot, injure their foot by stepping on an object and have not recently had a, moisturizing the feet, possibly alternating between a thick moisturizer and a hydrocortisone cream for better psoriasis or eczema relief, applying over-the-counter antifungal cream to athletes foot, covering a blister and keeping it clean and dry, not walking barefoot on potentially contaminated surfaces, applying callus remover to calluses and using a pumice stone to rub them gently, though this can take several weeks to remove calluses completely, keeping a log of eczema and psoriasis symptoms, as well as possible triggers. Your Feet Are Irritated Often, "pool toe is a result of the chlorinated water causing irritation of the outer layer of plantar skin," Dr. Lobkova says. Almost any substance can cause it with prolonged exposure. Depending on the issues you're addressing with the procedure, you'll choose a chemical peel in one of three depths: Light chemical peel. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Corns cause dead skin to grow around inflamed skin, which may hurt. The health condition that is causing the skin to peel should be treated first before trying remedies that may do harm. Foot peels are a form of chemical exfoliation, a one-time application of a jelly-like mixture of exfoliating ingredients usually alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid and/or You shouldnt do a foot peel if youre currently experiencing or have a history of: You should also avoid foot peels while youre dealing with issues specific to the skin of your feet. There are various factors that can contribute to beat-up feet. Does dietary fluid intake affect skin hydration in healthy humans? How can I stop peeling and flaking from psoriasis? 2018 Aug;24(3):459-465. doi:10.1111/srt.12454, AndinaMartnez D, VillaiznPerez C, PavoGarca MR, et al. Most susceptible are those with a family history of AD, asthma, or hay fever. This also controls the sweat glands in your hands, feet, and other areas. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. the Beach This is a normal occurrence, which happens all over your body. Sharks and jellyfish are not the only dangerous things lurking in the water. You can also increase moisture in the air with a humidifier (which is great for your overall skin hydration during drier months), she says, adding that if your skin is especially rough or scaly due to dryness, you should apply a layer of hydrocortisone ointment or cream, with a doctors supervision of course. Sweat gets trapped and activates a fungal infection. .css-13y9o4w{display:block;font-family:GraphikBold,GraphikBold-fallback,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-13y9o4w:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.05rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.39461rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.5rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-13y9o4w{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.3;}}The Difference Between a Heart Attack and a Stroke, 9 Signs You May Develop Erectile Dysfunction, 6 Harmless Reasons You Can't Get An Erection, Signs You're Having an Existential Crisis, Covid Shots After the Public Health Emergency Ends, A Day in the Life of a (Clueless) Medical Intern, What the Covid Public Health Emergency End Means, What Is a Pulmonary Embolism From 'Succession', I Stopped Reading Political News for 30 Days. These blisters eventually dry out and the skin starts to peel away. (n.d.). We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Snails can release these microscopic parasites, which then burrow under your skin. Our feet specifically are often subjected to extreme heat, moisture, or even dryness. How to prevent and treat blisters. A trip to the beach can be both invigorating and relaxing, giving you an opportunity to swim or run on the beach or just enjoy the view. Skin Cancer Foundation. Eczema is a condition where the skin barrier is genetically weak, leading to loss of hydration and skin inflammation, Dr. Zeichner says. This is because harsh rubbing with a towel can make peeling skin worse. Do not put off seeing your doctor. Warm Water Soaking your feet in warm water might help get rid of the peeling skin, as it can help loosen the dead and damaged skin, making it easier to scrub away. These best practices just might make your beach time feel like a spa day. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack healthy tissue. Common symptoms include fatigue, constantly feeling cold, weight gain, slow heart rate, and depression. Lauren Wellbank is a freelance writer based in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. If your feet are peeling due to a fungal infection, it can typically be remedied by applying an over-the-counter anti-fungal medication. Skin Res Technol. Peeling is a natural part of the healing process after a sunburn. This is common on the feet, especially because of chronic friction from daily walking and rubbing of the shoes against the feet, he explains. Sharks and jellyfish are not the only dangerous things lurking in the water. Acral Peeling Skin Syndrome. This includes: In these circumstances, skip the peel and ask your doctor for guidance instead. Read our, How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated (and Why Its Important), The 6 Best Humidifiers for Dry Skin of 2023. Buoy does not endorse any of the information in these stories. Some people mistake this type of eczema for other kinds of blisters, as they look similar. This causes red, scalypatches on the skin, including the feet.. Genetic disease, including a rare skin disorder called acral peeling skin syndrome that causes painless peeling of the top layer of skin; Specific diseases and Your doctor may recommend the following creams and medications to address foot peeling: You should check with your doctor before starting a new medication, even one thats over the counter. Doctors sometimes call corns clavi or helomas.. Natural conditioners include almond and coconut oils. You dont want to be peeling in strappy sandals or while youre barefoot on the beach. How to slough off that dead skin for softer, smoother feet. Dry skin between the toes is usually caused by a fungal infection known as athlete's foot. What Causes Peeling Feet | Why is the Skin Peeling on my Feet | Buoy Akdeniz M, Tomova-Simitchieva T, Dobos G, Blume-Peytavi U, Kottner J. The salts aren't needed, I just like how they make my feet feel. Shower and Moisturize. This can lead to hard, scratchy growths on the feet that sometimes crack open or peel. In some cases, a gentle exfoliant can help remove the dead skin cells that are flaking off. Our skin is subjected to irritation day-in and day-out from a variety of sources and serves as protective barrier for the body. Janelle continues to work at the bedside as a pediatric nurse. Stay hydrated and use ibuprofen or aspirin to relieve pain. Calluses tend to appear on the bottom of the feet and feel hard. Hygiene-related diseases: Athlete's foot (. It For good measure, don't forget to drink some extra glasses of water to re-hydrate your body from the inside out. Beach Feet: 3 Things To Know - Foot and Ankle Group Fox Shares First Parkinsons Symptom, Tori Spelling Developed Eye Ulcer From Contacts, Hormonal Birth Control Raises Breast Cancer Risk, What You Need to Know About Candida Auris, Exactly How Long a UTI Lasts, Per Experst, Sam Neill on His Health Amid Cancer Diagnosis, Read Bindi Irwins Emotional Health Update. You apply the mixture to the soles of your feet, which leads healthy new skin to grow there. Some ways to prevent eczema flares include: Visit our hub to learn more about eczema. The skin may look or feel dry, but eczema is not just dry skin. Popping a blister may also increase the risk of infection. Foot pain can have many causes, including plantar fasciitis, infection, bunions, or hammer toes. You can also be suffering from a disease that is affecting your immune system. Wearing sunscreen when going back out in the sun is also key to reducing further damage. On our feet, the pressure of standing and the friction of wearing shoes and socks can lead to calluses and a thickening of the skin, Dr. Khetarpal explains. There are ways to minimize it or prevent it altogether. You may be able to treat mild cases with home remedies and over-the-counter products. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made. It can also dry the skin further, causing it to become even more flaky. Indian Dermatol Online J. Like with dry skin, Dr. Zeichner specifically recommends moisturizing with a cream such as Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Lotion, as it contains triple-purified petrolatum, its easy to spread, not greasy, and also carries the seal of the National Eczema Association. Get a detailed overview of toe pain, including common causes of toe pain when walking, middle toe pain symptoms, and treatment options for toe pain. 5 Does Keeping the skin clean and moisturized helps prevent flareups. Dyshidrotic eczema primarily affects the hands and feet, and it can cause tiny flushed blisters on the toes. Aloe Vera gels are effective if your dry skin is caused by a sunburn as they can also soothe your damaged skin. Why Are My Feet Peeling? - Peeling Feet Causes and Treatments Boehlke has more than 10 years of professional writing experience on topics such as health and wellness, green living, gardening, genealogy, finances, relationships, world travel, golf, outdoors and interior decorating. Allergic Reactions The shedding process can take one to two weeks, depending on how much dead skin you have. doi:10.1097/PEC.0000000000001310, Singhal AK, Yadav DK, Soni B, Arya S. A Case of Peeling Skin Syndrome. She has also worked in geriatrics and hospice care. Why Are Your Feet Peeling? 4 Reasons Why and How to Stop It Overexposure to the sun can also cause itching, according to KidsHealth.