Foot Care Tips: What Causes Your Feet to Peel?

Dr. Brian Nagy | April 10th, 2018

Posted In: General Foot Pain

Peeling skin on your feet is rarely a life-threatening condition. It can be an effective indicator of other health conditions, however, including a depressed immune system or auto-immune disorders. If you notice the skin of your feet starting to peel, there are several foot care tips you can follow to help remedy the situation. Making an appointment with Dr. Nagy to have a thorough foot evaluation to determine what is causing your skin to dry out and peel.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a condition that causes the feet to itch and the skin, especially between the toes to peel. It is caused by exposure to a fungus that affects the skin of the feet. The fungus continues to thrive as long as the feet are kept moist. The best way to treat athlete’s foot is to use an anti-fungal cream on the affected areas and put anti-fungal, medicated powder in the shoes to control moisture and prevent the fungus from spreading. Athlete’s foot is easily passed from one person to the next, so it’s important to keep your feet clean and dry at all times. It’s also one of the causes of foot odor. Check out these tips to treat smelly feet.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis and other skin conditions can cause the skin of the feet to dry out and start to peel. Contact dermatitis can be caused by the foot coming in contact with certain materials that are used to make the shoes you wear. Glues, dyes, and rubber are often common irritants. In addition to the skin peeling, areas of your feet may be red, inflamed, and irritated. This type of dermatitis usually disappears on its own, but if it doesn’t you should see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Cancer Treatments and Other Medications

Cancer and the treatment options associated with it can affect the skin as well as the circulation of blood through the body. If circulation is affected, the amount of nutrients transported through the body can be reduced, resulting in dry, damaged skin that often peels or becomes irritated. Many of these treatments can also suppress the immune system, making it harder for the tissues to heal properly.

Dry Skin

Dry skin can also cause the skin of the feet to start to peel. Eczema and psoriasis are conditions that tend to dry out the skin in other areas of the body as well as the soles of the feet. If you walk barefoot, the skin of your feet can start to dry out. Although this alone, may not be enough to cause the skin of your feet to start peeling, it can be a contributing factor, especially if you have other conditions that affect the feet.

Allergic Reactions/Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Allergic reactions, such as those associated with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can cause the skin of your feet to peel. This can be the result of an allergic reaction to a medication or other substance that causes the skin to become red, inflamed, and irritated. If the skin blisters and ruptures, there is an increased risk of infection. While peeling skin doesn’t always result in an open wound if one does occur it’s important to clean the area thoroughly and apply an antibacterial ointment to reduce the risk of infection and aid in the healing process.

If your feet have started to peel and you have unanswered questions, call Dr. Nagy’s office and schedule an appointment. He can provide you with foot care tips that will reduce the risk of infection and help to clear up any existing foot problems you may be having. It’s important to take proper care of your feet at all times to prevent athlete’s foot and other conditions that can cause both pain and discomfort.  At Nagy Footcare, our best day is when you wake up with no foot pain.