Peeling skin on the feet: what should I do?

There are several possible causes for peeling feet. Foot injuries, dry skin, and athlete’s foot, among other things, can cause peeling skin on the feet. Peeling feet can look dry and scaly. The skin may peel off completely or only in certain areas. Sometimes, flaking is the only symptom, but the feet can also itch or develop yellow spots.

Dry or scaly skin on the feet is usually not a symptom of a serious condition. However, if a person has other symptoms, develops foot ulcers, or experiences severe foot pain, a doctor may need to examine peeling feet to rule out a health problem. This article looks at the causes of peeling feet. It also discusses possible treatments and when a person should contact a doctor.

the reasons

There are several reasons for peeling feet, including:

Corns and calluses.

Both corns and calluses cause dead skin to build up. This can lead to hard, itchy growths on the feet that sometimes crack or peel. Their detachment from the surface of the skin can cause bleeding or pain. Corns tend to be visible on the soles of the feet and are hard to touch. They are usually painless but can be tender to the touch. Corns cause dead skin to grow around the inflamed skin, which can be painful. It has a waxy appearance and most often appears on the toes. Corns and calluses aren’t dangerous, but they can be uncomfortable. Do not attempt to cut or remove them, as this can cause painful infections and infections.

dry skin

Dry skin, especially in the winter months and in dry climates, can make feet so dry they peel or crack and bleed. A person may also experience other symptoms on their feet, such as:

feeling warm
White or dry patches
eager
pain
Dry skin is not dangerous. However, if it is severe enough to cause cracked skin on the feet, the risk of infection may be higher.

eczema

Eczema is a type of inflammatory skin condition that causes the body to overreact to harmless substances. This can lead to inflammation of the skin proper. Skin may look or feel dry, but eczema is not just dry skin. It can also cause painful white or red patches or even blisters. Atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, occurs when the immune system damages the skin’s moisture barrier, causing it to dry out. This can cause peeling of the feet. The person may also have patches of eczema on other parts of the body. Dyshidrotic eczema mainly affects the hands and feet, and it can cause small red blisters on the toes. These blisters can be itchy and crust over or break open. Some people confuse this type of eczema with other types of pimples because they look the same.

psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack healthy tissue. Then the skin cells renew themselves faster than normal. Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body, but it most commonly affects the elbows, knees, and soles of the feet. People with psoriasis may notice thick red patches that look gray or silver on their feet. The skin may peel, itch, or turn yellow over time. Although dry skin is not a cause of psoriasis, moisturizing the skin can help psoriasis heal faster.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is a highly contagious fungal infection that can cause yellow or white patches on the feet, toes, or areas under the nails. The feet may itch or feel dry, and the skin may sometimes peel. A person may be more likely to contract athlete’s foot when their feet come into contact with contaminated surfaces, such as gym floors or showers.

lamps

Blisters usually appear when something rubs against the foot, causing small, fluid-filled bumps to form. Blisters are usually harmless, but they can be painful. Wearing shoes that rub against the same areas of the feet can cause blisters to open and bleed. Do not pop the bubble, as it may become painful and bleed. Popping blisters can also increase your risk of infection.

Foot health problems related to diabetes

Diabetes can damage blood vessels, which can affect blood flow to the feet. Decreased blood flow increases the risk of various foot problems, including dry skin that cracks and bleeds. Diabetics who experience foot pain or dry skin that does not go away should see a doctor.

When to call the doctor

A person with peeling skin on their feet should contact a doctor if:

Have diabetes and have pain or numbness in the feet
Has symptoms that do not improve with home treatment
He suffers from severe foot pain that prevents him from walking
Has signs or symptoms of infection, such as a fever
Something, such as glass or wood, is stuck to the foot
Injury to your foot and not having recently received a tetanus shot
They think they have psoriasis.

Home care

Home remedies for peeling feet depend on the cause. Here are some treatments you can try:

Moisturizing the feet, possibly alternating between a thick moisturizer and hydrocortisone cream to better relieve psoriasis or eczema
Apply an over-the-counter antifungal cream to athlete’s foot
Cover the bubble and keep it clean and dry
Don’t wear shoes that rub blisters
Keep your feet clean and dry
Do not walk barefoot on potentially contaminated surfaces
Apply a lime remover to your calluses and use a pumice stone to gently rub them in, although it may take several weeks to completely remove calluses.
Keep a diary of your eczema and psoriasis symptoms and possible triggers.

summary

Peeling feet can be uncomfortable. There are many possible causes, and the best treatment or home care option will depend on the cause. Dry skin can rub against shoes and crack, causing severe pain and making walking difficult. In general, anyone can treat dry skin at home with moisturizers. However, if it becomes severe, she should consider seeing a doctor. A doctor can prescribe medications to manage chronic conditions, such as psoriasis, that can improve crusting feet.