Skin Peeling Between Toes

The skin peeling between toes can either be acute or chronic. The longer the condition lasts, the more discomfort and embarrassment it causes. Often times, there is an underlying condition that leads to such modifications and this needs to be treated for the symptoms to be improved. In many people, the amount of skin that is peeling increases during certain seasons. Apart from the seasonal changes, it is seems that dry skin poses an increased risk for skin peeling between toes. The recommendation is that one visits a specialized doctor; based on the physical examination and additional tests, a dermatologist can correctly identify the cause of skin peeling and recommend an effective treatment.

If you believe that you are the only person in the world to have suffered from such a problem, think again. There are thousands of people who experience skin peeling between toes, along with other symptoms such as itchiness, blisters or foul smell. There are many causes that lead to such modifications and it is important not delay the visit to the doctor. Apart from the recommended treatment, the doctor will present a series of natural remedies that you can use and precautions that must be taken in order to avoid future problems.

Causes of Skin Peeling Between Toes

These are the most common causes that lead to the skin peeling between toes:

Extreme temperatures

During winter, the skin becomes dry, as we use socks and protective shoes against the cold. When the weather becomes warmer, we come out with the dry skin in warm and hot temperatures. This can cause the skin peeling between toes.

Dehydration

It is common knowledge that, if a person does not drink enough water, de-hydration will occur and this will have a direct effect on the skin. This means that the skin will become drier and it will peel more often, especially between the toes.

Frequent wash

If you wash your feet too often and you use aggressive soaps, then you eliminate all the protective oil from the skin. This will make the skin become dry and it will cause the skin between the toes to peel.

Allergy

• If you are allergic to the chlorine commonly used in the swimming pool, then you have a very good chance to suffer from this condition.
• Other chemical substances contained in cleaning products can cause the skin between the toes to peel, just like laundry detergents or certain fabrics (socks).

Fungal infections

• Athlete’s foot – if you are infected with a fungal organism, then the fungus will grow and multiply, feeding on the skin. This will cause skin peeling between toes, along with severe itchiness and a foul smell. The area between the toes can turn a red color and it can even crack, as the fungi enjoy the moist environment and develop.

Dermatitis

• This occurs in people who wear the same pairs of shoes for a long period of time. The condition is favored by excessive moisture and by increased temperatures in the area, causing the peel between the toes to peel. Other modifications include redness of the area and inflammation.

Bacterial infections

• Cellulitis – rare cause. The skin peeling between the toes is associated by a wide range of other conditions, such as: warmth, redness and irritation. The person suffering from this condition will also experience systemic symptoms, including state of general discomfort and high-running fever.

Repeated exposure to humidity

• This is often encountered as an occupational hazard, in people who work in water environments and they keep their feet in water/humid conditions on a regular basis.
• The constant humidity, doubled by the lack of hygiene, can lead to skin peeling between the toes.

Treatment

These are the most common courses of treatment and measures recommended for skin peeling between toes:

Application of sunscreen block

• Recommended when making the change from the cold to the warm season

Hydrating creams

Recommended for people who suffer from dry skin. These should be used on a yearly basis, not just during the winter season, when there is an increased risk for dehydration. Keeping the skin hydrated will prevent skin peeling between toes.

Moisturizing lotion after baths

Prevent de-hydration and keep the skin protected against the risk of peeling.

Anti-histamines

• Recommended for the symptoms of allergy
• They can be administered orally or topically, depending on how strong the skin peeling is and the presence of other symptoms
• Avoidance of triggering factors is recommended in the future

Anti-fungal medication

• Recommended in case of fungal infection
• The medication can be administered topically, as a cream or orally
• The combination between topical and oral medication is recommended when the fungal infection is severe or chronic
• Excellent hygiene measures are recommended to be taken during the administration of the anti-fungal medication

Moisture-eliminating agents

• Recommended in case of dermatitis
• These are also known as drying agents, being presented in the form of spray or powder
• Help eliminate the excessive moisture, one of the main causes of skin peeling between toes
• Frequent change of socks/footwear is required during the treatment

Antibiotics

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics are recommended for cases of cellulitis
• The antibiotics should be taken for as long as they are prescribed, otherwise the patient might experience a worsening of the condition
• Probiotics are recommended during the treatment, in order to protect the intestinal flora.

In conclusion, the identification of the exact cause that has led to the skin peeling between toes will allow for the best treatment to be recommended. Maintaining an excellent hygiene during the treatment period will guarantee a faster healing of the affected areas. Also, after the condition has healed, it is important to maintain the same hygiene measures, avoiding excessive humidity. When it comes to allergies, it is important to avoid factors that might trigger an allergic reaction. As for athlete’s foot, it is essential to frequently change the socks and footwear; also, it is recommended to avoid sharing objects of personal hygiene with other people, as the infection might return.

Pictures of Skin Peeling Between the Toes

Collection of images, pictures of skin peeling between the toes…