Skip to content
background-blue

Peeling Skin on The Feet

Causes, Remedies, and When to Seek Help

Dealing with peeling feet can feel frustrating and uncomfortable, but it’s a common issue that many people experience. The reasons behind peeling skin on the feet can vary, from simple dryness to specific skin conditions. The good news is that there are ways to manage it and steps you can take to prevent it in the future.

In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of skin peeling on feet, what symptoms to consider, potential treatments and remedies to prevent and treat peeling feet conditions, and when it might be time to seek help from a healthcare professional.

Read on to Discover

Why are my feet peeling?

Common causes of peeling skin on feet

Peeling skin can happen for many reasons, and some are more common than others:

  • Dry skin: Feet can become very dry, especially in cold weather or when exposed to rough surfaces like sandals or hard flooring. This dryness can lead to skin peeling off the bottom of feet.
  • Prolonged moisture exposure: Excessive sweating or wearing damp socks and shoes can soften the skin and lead to peeling over time.
  • Sunburn: Overexposure to the sun can cause the skin to peel as it heals, including on the feet.

Skin conditions that cause peeling feet

While some causes of peeling skin are harmless, certain skin conditions can contribute to peeling feet and may require additional care.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that can lead to skin peeling between toes and along the soles of the feet. Symptoms often include itching, redness, and dry cracking skin. Many do mistake skin peeling to be a cause to dry skin and prolong the condition of Athletes foot if not treated early on.

To understand whether peeling feet is a symptom of an Athletes foot condition, please read more about this topic in our guides: What is Athlete’s Foot? and Athlete’s Foot Treatment & Prevention. To address Athlete’s foot at home, you can use Lamisil Cream to treat Athletes foot, which is specially formulated to treat fungal infections and provide relief.

If in doubt about your symptoms and condition, it’s helpful to visit a healthcare professional for advice.

Eczema and psoriasis

Both eczema and psoriasis are skin conditions that can cause dryness, flaking, and peeling. When they affect the feet, the skin can become inflamed, cracked, and uncomfortable.

Peeling skin syndrome

This is a rare genetic condition that causes skin peeling off the bottom of feet and other parts of the body. It typically starts in childhood and can be ongoing. If you notice excessive peeling with no clear cause, it’s worth discussing with a healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions. (Source)

How to fix peeling skin on feet

When it comes to peeling feet, the right care depends on the cause. Different triggers like dry skin, excessive moisture, or specific skin conditions require different approaches to treatment. Below are some helpful ways to manage peeling skin based on its underlying cause.

Treating dry, peeling skin

If the peeling is caused by dryness, the focus should be on hydrating and protecting the skin:

  • Moisturize daily: Use a rich foot cream or lotion designed to restore moisture and soften dry skin. Look for products containing ingredients like urea or glycerin which help lock in hydration. (Source & Source)
  • Exfoliate gently: Removing dead skin with a pumice stone or gentle scrub can prevent excessive peeling. Be careful not to over-scrub, as this can make the skin more sensitive.
  • Wear socks after moisturizing: Cotton socks worn overnight after applying cream can help seal in moisture and improve peeling areas.

Managing moisture-related peeling

If the peeling is due to excessive sweating or moisture (like wearing damp socks or shoes), it’s important to keep your feet dry and fresh:

  • Choose moisture-wicking socks: Opt for socks made of breathable materials like cotton or moisture-wicking blends to keep your feet dry.
  • Let your feet breathe: Wear well-ventilated shoes and give your feet a break from footwear whenever possible.
  • Powder for moisture control: Foot powders can absorb excess moisture and reduce peeling caused by prolonged dampness.

These steps are especially helpful for people who exercise regularly or spend long periods in tight, closed shoes.

Addressing skin conditions that cause peeling feet

If a specific skin condition like Athlete’s foot, eczema, or psoriasis is causing peeling skin, treatment will need to target the root issue.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection, often causes skin peeling between the toes and on the soles of the feet. While home care like keeping feet clean and dry helps, antifungal treatments are often necessary.

You can use Lamisil Cream a proven solution for treating fungal infections and relieving symptoms. Find more information about treating athlete’s foot here.

Eczema and psoriasis

If conditions like eczema (source) or psoriasis (source) are contributing to peeling feet, it’s helpful to focus on soothing the skin:

  • Moisturize regularly: Using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer can help reduce flaking and irritation.
  • Avoid irritants: Stay away from harsh soaps or detergents that can worsen symptoms.
  • Seek professional advice: A healthcare provider can help you manage these conditions with tailored recommendations.

Home remedies for peeling skin on the feet

Home remedies are frequently mentioned across various sources as potential ways to manage peeling skin. Many of these remedies are associated with moisturizing or soothing properties, making them popular in discussions about skin care. However, it’s important to approach them with caution, as their effectiveness is not always backed by scientific research, and they may not be suitable for all causes of peeling skin.

Knowing when to seek additional help

If peeling skin persists despite moisturizing, OTC treatments, home remedies, and improved foot care, or if it’s accompanied by discomfort, itching, or cracking, it’s worth speaking with a healthcare professional. Persistent peeling can sometimes indicate an underlying skin condition that may require targeted treatment.

By identifying the cause of peeling skin on the feet and applying the right care, you can manage symptoms effectively and restore smooth, healthy skin.

Conclusion

Peeling skin on the feet is a common issue that can often be improved with simple care and attention. From moisturizing daily to using remedies, there are plenty of ways to address the problem at home. If the peeling persists or is accompanied by discomfort, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to explore possible causes.

For those dealing with Athlete’s foot, Lamisil Cream is an effective option that can help relieve symptoms and restore healthy skin.

FAQ: Peeling Skin on Feet

What causes peeling of the feet?

Peeling skin on the feet can have several causes. Common reasons include dry skin, excessive moisture (like sweaty feet or wearing damp socks), sunburn, or friction from tight shoes. Certain skin conditions, such as Athlete’s foot, eczema, or psoriasis, can also lead to peeling feet. In rare cases, peeling may result from a genetic condition like peeling skin syndrome.

Does peeling feet mean diabetes?

Peeling skin on the feet is not always linked to diabetes. While diabetes can cause skin changes, such as dryness, cracking, and infections, peeling feet are more often caused by other factors like dry skin, fungal infections, or environmental conditions. If you have concerns about diabetes or notice ongoing foot issues, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper advice.

What deficiency causes peeling feet?

Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamins and minerals, can contribute to skin problems, including peeling. Deficiencies in vitamins like B3 (niacin), B7 (biotin), or vitamin E and minerals like zinc can affect skin health. These deficiencies can make the skin dry, flaky, or more prone to peeling. Eating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can help keep the skin healthy. (source)

Is skin peeling on feet good?

Skin peeling on the feet is not necessarily “good,” but in some cases, it can be a natural process. For example, mild peeling after sunburn or exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells. However, excessive or persistent peeling could indicate dryness, a fungal infection, or a skin condition. Proper foot care, like moisturizing and gentle exfoliation, can help manage and improve peeling skin. If the issue continues, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Sources

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279549/
nationaleczema.org/eczema/
arediseases.org/rare-diseases/peeling-skin-syndrome/
www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/