Introduction:
The whole outer layer of skin sheds approximately every two to four weeks. However, sometimes particular regions of the skin peel more quickly than others. Individuals wear shoes, walk on various surfaces, and carry their weight everywhere on their feet. The feet are naturally prone to strain and damage, but occasionally, peeling and irritation may indicate a more serious issue. By reading, learn why feet may peel and what could worsen the issue.
What Are the Causes of Peeling Feet?
There are numerous causes for peeling feet. Some of them are discussed below.
1. Calluses and Corns:
Dead skin accumulates as a result of both corns and calluses. This may result in rough, painful structures on the feet that occasionally peel or split. There may be discomfort or bleeding if individuals peel them to the skin's surface.
Calluses typically feel rough and develop on the bottoms of the feet. Although they are often not painful, they can be sensitive to touch. Calluses and corns might be painful, but they are not harmful. People should not try to eliminate or cut them off because it could result in infections and unpleasant injuries.
2. Dry Skin:
The feet may get so dry that they peel, crack open, and bleed, especially in arid locations and during the winter. Other symptoms that a person may have on their feet include flushing, whitish or dry areas, itchiness, and discomfort. Dry skin is not harmful. Nonetheless, there can be a greater chance of infection if it gets bad enough to prompt the skin on the feet to split open.
3. Eczema:
An inflammatory skin disease called eczema results from the body overreacting to innocuous stimuli. In healthy skin, this may cause inflammation. Although the skin may feel or appear dry, eczema is more than just dry skin. In addition, blisters and painful flushed or white spots may result from it. The most prevalent type of eczema, atopic dermatitis, is brought on by immune system damage to the skin's moisture barrier, which makes the skin dry. This could result in peeling feet. Someone can have eczema spots on different body areas.
The hands and feet are the main areas affected by dyshidrotic eczema, and it can result in small blisters on the toes. These blisters may flake or crack open, and they might be itchy. Because of their similar appearance, some people confuse this particular kind of eczema with other types of blisters.
4. Psoriasis:
An autoimmune disease known as psoriasis is a persistent disorder in which the body attacks healthy tissue. Skin cells divide considerably more quickly as a result of this. Although it can happen anywhere on the body, elbows, knees, and the bottoms of the feet are the most common locations. Psoriasis patients may observe swollen, flushed areas on their feet that are silvery or gray. The skin can peel, become itchy, or turn yellow with time. Moisturizing the skin hastens psoriasis healing; dry skin does not cause the condition.
5. Athlete’s Foot:
A fungal infection that mainly affects the feet is called athlete's foot. It might affect one foot or both, commonly beginning in the space between the toes. The primary signs of an athlete's foot are a stinging, peeling, blistering rash that is red, scaly, and irritating.
The fungus that causes an athlete's foot can infect individuals if they come into touch with it. An athlete's foot can be contracted by coming into close contact with an infected person or contact with contaminated surfaces. The fungus is commonly seen on floors in shower rooms, locker rooms, and areas around swimming pools because it likes warm, humid environments. An athlete's foot can spread easily.
6. Hyperhidrosis:
Excessive sweating is a symptom of a disorder called hyperhidrosis. It could impact one portion of the body or the entirety of it. It usually affects the soles of the feet. Frequent perspiration on the feet can lead to skin irritation, redness, and peeling.
7. Acral Peeling:
The skin condition known as acral peeling is painless and results in peeling. The hands and feet show the most signs of peeling. The condition's symptoms are mainly restricted to redness and peeling, though heat, humidity, wetness, and friction can exacerbate the peeling. Usually, acral peeling has no connection to any other medical issues.
Are Tests Available to Determine the Reasons for Peeling Feet?
A physician might be able to determine the cause of the peeling skin with just a visual examination. Nonetheless, in certain situations, such as an athlete's foot or other infections, the doctor might obtain a skin sample or biopsy from the afflicted region to do additional tests.
What Are the Treatment Options for Peeling the Foot?
Depending on the cause of the peeling, there are many approaches to treating peeling feet. To preserve the health of the soles, individuals must practice general excellent foot hygiene. This may consist of:
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Steer clear of going barefoot, especially on uneven terrain.
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Putting on shoes or flip-flops when using public restrooms or pools.
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Maintaining moisture on the feet.
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Covering the feet with sunscreen.
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Keeping the skin moisturized by consuming adequate water.
Individuals might need to treat their athlete's foot infection with an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antifungal if the cause of the peeling skin is that. Immunotherapy and moisturizers can help alleviate chronic illnesses such as psoriasis and eczema.
Additional care may be necessary for some disorders that cause more severe peeling, such as toxic epidermal necrolysis, which may involve hospital stay, intravenous fluids, and antibiotics.
Discuss possible substitutes with the physician if a drug makes the skin peel. Avoid stopping any regular medicine without first consulting the doctor.
When to Visit a Physician?
The most frequent reasons for foot peeling are not life-threatening illnesses, and the peeling can be addressed. It may even clear up by itself. However, individuals ought to visit a physician if they have:
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A rash or peeling that is unresponsive to over-the-counter medications or other self-care techniques.
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Diabetes and foot peeling skin, particularly when one experiences itching or symptoms of infection.
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Edema in the feet.
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An unpleasant foot odor persists.
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Extreme peeling, particularly in the absence of a cause.
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Symptoms of dehydration include increased thirst, mouth dryness, lightheadedness, and confusion.
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Fever.
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A blister that was extremely red and seeping.
Conclusion:
Foot peeling can occur for a variety of causes. Athlete's foot, dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, and hyperhidrosis are a few prevalent reasons. Generally, peeling feet can be treated with over-the-counter drugs. Make sure to visit the physician if the peeling fails to get better or if experiencing any other unsettling symptoms. The physician can determine the cause and the best course of action for treating the foot.
