Calluses tend to appear on the bottom of the feet and feel hard. Peeling skin can be unsightly and irritating to cope with, but it is often not a sign of a serious condition. If you notice that your skin is irritated, red and itching, and getting worse -- or you cannot get relief from simple over-the-counter anti-itch creams or anti-inflammatory medicines -- seek medical help. Dr. Rothschild has been a faculty member at Brigham and Womens Hospital where he is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. The condition can occur due to autoimmune disease; any surgery or radiation treatment to the thyroid gland; some medications; pregnancy; or consuming too much or too little iodine. Cool compresses and calamine lotion can help to ease the discomfort. Theres a chance your peeling feet are a result of a contagious fungal infection. Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen: Derms Explain the Difference, LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES, Rene Furterer Solaire Protective Summer Oil, Saturday Skin Rise + Shine Gentle Cleanser, Odacite Night Time Antioxidants Repair Serum, Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater Moisture Crme. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. At the end of the soak, I use my exfoliation glove for a good scrub and then rinse them really really well. Sweat gets trapped and activates a fungal infection. Regular skin turnover is one cause of peeling feet, but things like dryness or irritation can speed up this recurring event. She graduated cosmetology school in 1997, and holds a license to practice cosmetology in the state of Wisconsin. For good measure, don't forget to drink some extra glasses of water to re-hydrate your body from the inside out. 3 Is walking barefoot on the beach bad for your feet? And as a result, you may be more apt to notice when your feet are looking and feeling rather gnarly. Snails can release these microscopic parasites, which then burrow under your skin. Oatmeal baths may be helpful as well.. As a registered nurse, Janelle is passionate about client education and public health. While the symptoms eventually go away, the cells of the skin are permanently damaged, and over time, the risk of skin cancer is higher. By SELF. Whenever you have questions or concerns about a medical condition, you should always contact your doctor or a healthcare provider. It's important for the patient to be monitored by a doctor and have routine blood testing so that the medication can be kept at the correct levels. If it worsens, you may need to consult a physician. Diagnosis is made through patient history, physical examination, and sometimes skin biopsy and patch testing. For sun exposure and swimmer's xerosis, moisturizing treatments and avoiding hot showers help the skin heal. A foot peel isnt a regular addition to your beauty routine. Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause dry, itchy skin, infections, scaly patches, and blisters. In some cases, a mild irritation to the sand can cause dermatitis or severe itching. People can relieve dry skin using exfoliators, moisturizers, and foot soaks. Does dietary fluid intake affect skin hydration in healthy humans? If you notice any persistently dry, cracked skin, you should make an appointment with your dermatologist. NIH: Genetics Home Reference. After a winter spent in sturdy snow boots and cozy house slippers, who knows what your bare feet even look like these days?! All Rights Reserved. Some occupations require employees to wear foot gear with a rubber toe box. 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 Memory usage: 63676.0KB. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made. 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 As soon as you exit the bath or shower, the water on your skin begins to evaporate and your skin dries. A quick tip pre-swim: Apply a conditioning spray like Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer($19) beforehand (the travel size is perfect for bringing along with you). Older children will have the rash in the creases of elbows, knees, and buttocks. Diagnosis is made through patient history, to find out what substances the patient comes into contact with, and through physical examination of the damaged skin. Pediatr Dermatol. Peeling on your feet may simply look like skin shedding off them. Different treatments work for different people. Rubbing and scratching only make the itching worse. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. There are ways to minimize it or prevent it altogether. Moisturize the area with aloe vera or a soy-based skin moisturizer. Other irritants like Sometimes, this can cause your feet to peel about 10-14 days after the inciting incident. Read on for more information about causes and treatment options. In the weeks to follow my hands peel and peel the red spots, turn to brown, and finally start to dissapear. Yeah, its kind of like that. Akdeniz M, Tomova-Simitchieva T, Dobos G, Blume-Peytavi U, Kottner J. She uses a balance between empathy and authenticity to craft well-written, accurate medical content. The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. While the feet are used to wear and tear, peeling feet can signify an underlying condition that may require medical attention. A healthcare professional will be able to assess the cause and help you feel better. Oral antifungal medications or antibiotics may be necessary for more significant causes of foot peeling. Tired of Dealing with Psoriasis Skin Flakes? Whether youre an avid winter walker or simply notice flaking skinwondering why your feet are peeling is a valid question. For those who have peeling skin due to an underlying health condition, getting a prompt diagnosis and treatment is vital to recovery. 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. Here are some conditions in which a podiatrist can help you get back on your feet. Here, Dr. Zeichner breaks down some of the most common causes of peeling feet and what you can do to remedy them. Kwakman JJM, Elshot YS, Punt CJA, Koopman M. Management of cytotoxic chemotherapy-induced hand-foot syndrome. It takes a few days to start seeing the shedding, and then it just peels and peels until its soft and smooth again underneath.. In children, COVID-19 had been linked to cases where the skin on the hands and feet begins peeling. Why Does My Skin Peel When I Get Sunburned, and What Should I Do About It? Athletes foot is a highly contagious fungal infection that may cause yellow or white patches on the feet, toes, or areas under the nails. This causes red, scalypatches on the skin, including the feet.. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data. This may cause peeling feet. As soon as you exit the bath or shower, the water on your skin begins to evaporate and your skin dries. If left untreated, these and other symptoms can worsen until they lead to very low blood pressure and body temperature, and even coma. Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection of the feet and/or toes. People with psoriasis may notice flushed, thickened patches that look gray or silvery on their feet. In fact, after you first do a foot peel, you wont notice much of anything. Ahead, find the reason behind your pesky problem, and a treatment option to match. When you have a migraine, you'd try anything to feel better. Peeling feet are treatable and sometimes even preventable. If left untreated, dry skin on the feet can become rough, irritated, and itchy.. Any area of the skin that itches, bleeds and has a discharge could be a sign of a serious skin issue or infection such as cellulitis. Various types of perfumes, including those founds in soaps, fabric softeners, and detergents. If welts or large bumps occur along with the itching, this could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction to a parasite, animal bite or foreign body. The feet may itch or look dry, and the skin may sometimes peel. However, there are other causes for peeling and foot rashes. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. This can lead to hard, scratchy growths on the feet that sometimes crack open or peel. Infants will have a dry, scaly, itchy rash on the scalp, forehead, and cheeks. Staying hydrated can help keep your skin moisturized, which can reduce peeling overall. You might be thinking to yourself why and what to do about it. Dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, explains what foot peels do, what to expect and how to do them for the best results. He currently practices as a hospitalist at Newton Wellesley Hospital. Sometimes you will be unable to resolve your feet peeling issue yourself. Treatment involves avoiding the irritating substance if possible. Anyone who works with an irritating substance can contract the condition. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. You can use a wet pumice stone to gently scrub the dead skin. 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. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sometimes it can cause small blisters on the soles of your feet. 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. Allergic contact dermatitis means the skin has touched something that provoked an allergic reaction, causing inflammation and irritation. We avoid using tertiary references. Screw buying them. Get These Dermatologists Tips for Coping, Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. High fevers can cause water blisters to form in the thick skin of the soles of your feet. Mechanics, beauticians, housekeepers, restaurant workers, and health care providers are all susceptible. This cream combines soothing panthenol, glycerin, and niacinamide to calm and hydrate the skin, even extremely rough areas like the feet, he says. Get These Dermatologists Tips for Coping. Take a shower and shampoo your locks as soon as you can after a beach day. As soon as you exit the bath or shower, the water on your skin begins to evaporate and your skin dries. Peeling skin could also be a sign of an underlying health condition that requires treatment. Nonspecific dermatitis, or contact dermatitis, simply means inflammation of the skin from many different causes. 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. The cold water method works well when the cause of the peeling feet is sunburn as it can relieve some the associated symptoms as well. The shedding process can take one to two weeks, depending on how much dead skin you have. 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. Otherwise, the person can use petroleum jelly on the hands underneath cotton and then rubber gloves. Corns and calluses are not dangerous, but they can be uncomfortable. Julie Boehlke is a seasoned copywriter and content creator based in the Great Lakes state. They can come in the form of sprays, ointments, or even oral antifungals. Fungus on the feet Another cause of peeling is foot fungus such as exfoliate dermatitis (infection on the sole of the foot). Natural conditioners include almond and coconut oils. Top Symptoms: foot redness, foot/toe itch, foot skin changes, spontaneous foot pain, peeling between the toes, Symptoms that always occur with athlete's foot (tinea pedis): foot redness, Symptoms that never occur with athlete's foot (tinea pedis): toe injury. 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. 2017 May-Jun;8(3):208-210. doi:10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_118_16. Whatpsoriasis treatments are available without a prescription? 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. You can try to prevent your feet from peeling by: These recommendations can minimize the chafing, dryness, and excessive sweating that can cause peeling skin on your feet. Your privacy is important to us. Other causes for cracks between toes can arise from contact dermatitis or skin infections. She has been educated in both psychology and journalism, and her dual education has given her the research and writing skills needed to deliver sound and engaging content in the health space. It is caused by a genetic condition that affects the skin's ability to protect itself from bacteria and allergens. doi:10.1097/PEC.0000000000001310, Singhal AK, Yadav DK, Soni B, Arya S. A Case of Peeling Skin Syndrome. 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. If your feet are peeling due to a fungal infection, it can typically be remedied by applying an over-the-counter anti-fungal medication. You can treat this at home by using a moisturizer to reduce water loss and soothe the skin. If you have thick scales on your feet, a cream such as Amlactin lotion with lactic acid or salicylic acid can help, Dr. Zeichner says. 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 Almost any substance can cause it with prolonged exposure. Treating Plantar Fasciitis: Self-Care and Medical Treatments. When the skin isnt dry, it is less likely to peel further following skin damage. A kit comes with liquid-saturated booties (theyll remind you of a sheet mask) that you wear for up to a couple hours, depending on the brand you use. 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. Why Does My Skin Peel When I Get Sunburned and What Should I Do About It? Treatment involves using protective measures if the substances cannot be avoided; making nutritional improvements to strengthen the immune system; using corticosteroid or other creams; and phototherapy. The Difference Between a Heart Attack and a Stroke, Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Lotion, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. For example, if the cause is a condition like psoriasis or eczema, you will need to see a dermatologist. Dry skin develops when the skin can't maintain adequate hydration levels, Dr. Zeichner says. Whether you experience dry skin on its own or have eczema, Dr. Zeichner recommends using a foot cream with petrolatum, such as Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, which will protect your skin by forming a seal to improve hydration and prevent water loss from the skins outer layers. Peeling feet have several potential causes. It moisturizes your feet, too. 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. You soak your feet in a blend of exfoliating chemicals, and five to seven days later, your dead skin basically dissolves and sheds, Dr. Khetarpal says. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. The oceanside is full of all kinds of intense elementsheat, wind, salt, dry air, humidity, and scratchy particlesall of which can lead to peeling skin. If you notice your You dont want to be peeling in strappy sandals or while youre barefoot on the beach. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Diabetes can damage blood vessels, which may affect blood flow to the feet. Foot peeling is an unsightly ailment that may also be problematic from a health perspective. Environmental causes such as extreme heat or cold, excessive sun exposure, humidity, excessive exposure to dry winds, indoor heating, and frequent and prolonged baths may also cause your feet to peel, according to Dr. Weiser. For athlete's foot, the scaly skin will only go away if the underlying fungus is treated, Dr. Zeichner says. Your skin may have suffered damage due to an infection or sunburn. Youre most likely to see this type of Ibuprofen or other similar NSAIDs are effective in reducing inflammation and pain. It is often found among older women with a family history of the disease. 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. 3. Most susceptible are those with a family history of AD, asthma, or hay fever. The damage can be a result of external or internal factors. You should apply twice a day, with one of the best times being after a warm shower. Calluses be gone! Dry skin can be caused by overheating during the winter or air conditioning in the summer, the loss of sweat and oil glands as you get older, and overuse of things like soap, antiperspirant, perfumes, and hot baths. All Rights Reserved. Take a quiz to find out what's causing your peeling. Updated September 2, 2018. Needles, pet waste and worms are just a few of the nasty things potentially hiding under your feet. Updated October 29, 2018. Find out more about foot pain causes and when symptoms mean it's time to see a podiatrist. It can come with various accompanying symptoms, like dryness, itching, and patchy dead skin build-up. Every part of the body can be affected by dry skin including the penis, eyes & face. However, this should not be done to sunburned skin since it can make the burn worse and prolong the healing period. Buoy does not endorse any of the information in these stories. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Skin Res Technol. The first exposure to the substance sensitizes the immune system, and then the second exposure actually causes the symptoms. Top Symptoms: red rash, itchy rash, painful rash, Symptoms that always occur with non-specific dermatitis (skin inflammation): red rash. Symptoms include itchy, raised bumps or blisters of different shapes and sizes. (n.d.). Those with AD often have allergies to milk, nuts, and shellfish. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. An error occurred, please try again later. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Leah Ansell, MD, is board-certified in cosmetic and medical dermatology. If over-the-counter remedies do not work, you should seek medical advice. Why are my feet peeling? Peeling skin is unintended damage to and loss of the upper layer of your skin (epidermis). Dermatologists top tips for relieving dry skin. Athletes foot is curable with over-the-counter and prescriptions treatments. 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. 2018 Aug;24(3):459-465. doi:10.1111/srt.12454, AndinaMartnez D, VillaiznPerez C, PavoGarca MR, et al. Unexplained itching all over the body can also be caused by kidney disease or scabies. (Informed by current CDC guidelines.). Once youre done applying the peel, your feet are going to feel normal at first, Dr. Khetarpal says. If that doesn't work, see your doctor for a prescription medication.. Other reasons that your feet may be peeling include: You should contact your doctor if you experience any signs of eczema, athletes foot, or hyperhidrosis. This is because harsh rubbing with a towel can make peeling skin worse. Sure, soaking up some rays is great for healthy vitamin D production in your body, but too much sun exposure may also lead to dryness, skin damage, and premature aging. If you have a mild case, it may resolve within 2 weeks with the daily application of an over-the-counter cream. Conditions include athlete's foot, There are many reasons why skin might peel on the fingertips, including hand-washing, exposure to chemicals, and changes in the weather. 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. You just need to know how to replenish your skin and hair afterward. We spoke with two doctors to find out how to fix the most common things that might be causing your feet to peel. In these cases, you want to address the medical issue first before pursuing a foot peel, Dr. Khetarpal advises. Your doctor may recommend different creams and medications to help treat the skin peeling on your feet. (n.d.). Why are my feet peeling? Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor. Dry skin, especially in the winter months and in dry climates, may cause the feet to become so dry that they peel or crack open and bleed. Use a mild face washlike Saturday Skin Rise + Shine Gentle Cleanser ($26) to wash off all of your sunscreen. 7 reasons for skin peeling on feet. Swipe on a thick, rich lip balm like Tarte Quench Lip Rescue Balm ($19)for instant relief. 8 Reasons Why Your Feet Are Peeling, According to Experts, Small Changes That Can Help Your Heart Health. It is intended for informational purposes only. Hyperhidrosis: Diagnosis and treatment. Some people mistake this type of eczema for other kinds of blisters, as they look similar. Read our, How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated (and Why Its Important), The 6 Best Humidifiers for Dry Skin of 2023. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a condition called swimmers itch can be the result of an allergic reaction to parasites in and around the water 1. This helps keep your hair tangle free and gives a little protection from the elements. 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. This fungus likes to inhabit warm and wet locations and live on objects for extended periods of time. Do not put off seeing your doctor. A person may also have other symptoms on their feet, such as: Dry skin is not dangerous. This list does not constitute medical advice and may not accurately represent what you have. Some remedies to try include: Peeling feet may be uncomfortable.