Your feet are the foundation of your body and everything you do. They carry you through workouts, long days on the go, and every kind of weather. When the skin peels and flakes, your feet may feel more sensitive and uncomfortable.
And even if your feet don’t feel different, persistent or excessive peeling on your feet and toes could be your body’s way of saying something’s wrong.
From sweaty shoes and hot weather to infections and chronic skin conditions, there are plenty of possible reasons why the skin on your feet is shedding. Here at Premier Foot & Ankle Center, we want to help people understand the importance of good foot health.
Our foot specialists discuss five common causes of peeling feet and toes and what you can do to treat and prevent them.
Dry skin is one of the most common causes of peeling feet. Heat, dry air, friction from shoes, and long hot showers can all steal moisture from your skin. This is especially true in summer, when sandals and bare feet are the norm.
Dry skin may be to blame if you have:
Treat dry skin by using a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer daily, right after bathing if possible. Also, apply a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week. Limit hot water exposure and wear socks or closed shoes when walking on dry surfaces to protect your skin.
If you have peeling between your toes, you could be dealing with athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that thrives in damp, sweaty environments like gyms, pools, and tight shoes.
Typical symptoms include:
Over-the-counter antifungal sprays, powders, or creams are usually effective in treating fungal infections. Be sure to keep your feet clean and dry, change your socks often, and wear shoes in communal spaces like locker rooms and showers.
If you have a history of eczema, don’t be surprised to see symptoms appear on your feet. This inflammatory skin condition can cause dry, itchy patches that peel or crack, especially in warm weather or under stress.
Signs of eczema on the feet include:
To treat eczema, stick with fragrance-free moisturizers and gentle detergents, avoid heat and allergens when possible, and talk to us about prescription creams or testing if flare-ups persist.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that speeds up skin cell turnover, sometimes in thick sheets, leading to scaling and shedding. A type called palmoplantar psoriasis specifically affects the soles of the feet and can be painful.
Symptoms include:
Psoriasis often requires medical management beyond moisturizers. We may recommend prescription topicals, light therapy, or systemic medications.
Yes, even your feet can get sunburned, especially if you wear sandals or go barefoot. Sun damage can lead to peeling days after the initial burn.
Sunburn shows up as:
When your feet are sunburned, cool the area with compresses, apply aloe vera, and avoid sun exposure while healing. Next time you head outdoors, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your feet.
Occasional peeling is common, but any persistent or painful symptoms can be evaluated at our office. Make an appointment if peeling doesn’t improve with basic at-home care or if your skin is cracked, bleeding, or showing signs of infection.
Don’t ignore peeling feet if you have diabetes or another condition that affects foot health. At Premier Foot & Ankle, we provide excellent diabetic foot care.
With the right diagnosis, you can find relief faster and protect your feet from more serious complications.
Peeling feet might seem like a small issue, but they can signal bigger concerns ranging from infection to chronic skin conditions. By paying attention to what your skin is telling you, and getting help when needed, you’ll keep your feet healthy, strong, and ready to carry you wherever you go.
Contact Premier Foot & Ankle today. Call or use the online tool to schedule your consultation.
