Skin peeling between the toes is common, and often appears alongside blisters, itching or other symptoms. In some cases peeling skin is just caused by new skin growth, but there are other causes that could lead to more severe peeling to appear on your feet.
Causes of Skin Peeling Between Toes
While skin peeling between the toes is often caused by seasonal fluctuations or dry skin, there are some additional factors that could lead to this symptom appearing. Understanding the reasons why skin peeling might occur could help you improve your symptoms over time.
1. Environmental Factor
Exposing your feet to dry conditions such as those during the winter or during hot days in the summer robs them of their natural moisture. This can lead to peeling of the skin on your fingers and toes along with itchiness and dry skin.
2. Dehydration Effect
If you are dehydrated your skin will lose moisture which can cause skin to peel on the hands and feet. Those that wash their hands frequently or regularly take hot baths may see this problem in particular because constant exposure to water will wash away the skin’s natural oils and moisture, leading to peeling skin.
3. Allergic Responses
If your skin is experiencing an allergic reaction it can start to peel. Those that tend to walk barefoot or visit sensitive areas like public pools may begin to experience peeling skin, dryness and itching as their skin becomes irritated by allergens.
4. Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a condition that is caused by the fungus trichophyton growing between the toes. As this fungus grows it can rob the feet of their natural moisture on the skin, causing discomfort, peeling skin, cracking or redness. Those that ted to wear moist footwear are at risk for developing this condition, as fungus grows better in a moist environment. Taking a probiotic every day can help reduce your risk of developing a fungal infection by increasing the amount of helpful bacteria in your system. Blotting the affected area with apple cider vinegar or garlic is also helpful as this can kill off the spores.
5. Toe Box Dermatitis
Wearing shoes that have a rubber toe box causes the sweat from the feet to become trapped, which can cause toe box dermatitis. The trapped air in these shoes will also raise the temperature, which can damage sensitive skin on the feet. This may cause peeling, inflammation or redness of the skin on the toes.
6. Cellulitis
If bacteria on the skin overgrow it can cause an infection which can cause the skin to become red and irritated. As the bacteria continue to invade the body it can cause the skin to crack and peel.
7. Trench Foot
If the feet are kept in cold, damp conditions it can cause the skin to become red and experience erythema, blisters or peeling. Exposure to very warm, moist areas can also experience these symptoms, such as those that need to wear insulated or rubber boots for their job.
8. Psoriasis
Psoriasis can cause a variety of symptoms, including peeling skin. This is a form of eczema, though doctors do not know how factors on the immune system might cause these symptoms to appear. It is believed that items like stress, exposure to other diseases like strep throat or taking medications might cause psoriasis outbreaks to occur.
Home Remedies for Skin Peeling between Toes
- Exfoliate. Exfoliating the feet can help to remove dry, hard skin that may start peel off in the future. Combine sea salt, honey and olive oil to help remove dry skin while moisturizing the rest of the foot.
- Hygiene. Wearing socks that are made from natural materials such as wool or cotton, or wearing synthetic fibers specifically designed to keep your feet dry can help to prevent peeling. Wearing shoes that are well-ventilated and not made from materials like rubber or vinyl can help to keep your feet dry as well. Alternate your shoes and do not wear the same shoes every day to help keep your feet dry each day.
- Massage. Massage the area of your foot that is peeling with coconut oil or olive oil. If the peeling is caused by cold weather exposure, applying honey to the skin may improve your symptoms. If you are suffering from dermatitis, mint juice can be applied to lessen symptoms. Soaking your feet in a solution of apple cider vinegar and water is also known to assist with this remedy.
If you need to know more remedies to rid yourself of peeling skin on the feet, you can lean more here: