This post was written by Ashley M. Bojrab, DPM, FACFAS, ABPM, CWS, PPG – Podiatry.
Skin is our largest organ, covering the entire body, including the feet. Sometimes forgotten, the peeling skin can be a symptom of neglect. Below, you’ll find guidance for addressing this unpleasant condition and ways to give your feet a little TLC.
Causes for peeling
Our skin can peel for a few reasons.
It’s dry – Dryness could be due the environment, such as temperature and dryness in the air. Different soaps and lotions can also cause the skin to dry. It’s also worth noting, that when we are dehydrated, it can affect the moisture in our skin. If you aren’t hydrating your body properly, this can be reflected in dry, peeling skin.
You have athlete’s foot – Athlete’s foot is a fungus that stays on the skin and causes dry skin and a rash to occur. In addition, skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis and sunburns can cause skin to become damaged and peel.
Surprisingly, any of these causes can contribute to serious problems, such as cracking in the skin, which can lead to wounds and/or infection. Specifically in diabetics, this can be limb-threatening if not treated properly.
How to treat dry, peeling skin
The biggest thing to remember is not to pick or pull at the skin! Clip the skin to prevent snagging or running of the skin into the flesh.
Moisturize your feet. The best time to apply moisturizer is one to two minutes after you’ve gotten out of the shower. Use a product such as a petroleum, urea or lactic acid-based lotion. If you have sensitive skin, be careful with new products or those containing dyes or scents, which sometimes contain alcohol that dries out the skin. Do a patch test on your skin first, before applying all over.
What if the peeling doesn’t stop?
If the peeling persists, you might have a fungal infection. In this case, over-the-counter anti-fungal medications might be helpful. But if it does not go away, or if the skin becomes so dry it causes cracking leading to open sores, or if the condition is spreading or increasing in pain, you should discuss with your medical professional or podiatrist.
