Bottom of Feet Peeling: Causes and Treatments

Maybe you notice that the bottom and sides of your feet are peeling. This is usually something normal and there is nothing to worry about. In most cases, this condition is related to activities or habits that are simple and easy to modify, such as wearing shoes for too long. However, in some cases, it can be due to certain skin conditions and diseases for which you will need to consult your dermatologist.

Bottom of Feet Peeling: Causes

1. Skin Buildup

The skin is always in a constant renovation state, and every day many skin cells will die. During bath, you can get rid of most of this accumulated dirt and death skin cells, but if you forget to scrub your feet, then those dead skin cells will remain stuck there, eventually giving your feet a flaky appearance.

2. Sunburn

If you recently paid a visit to a sunny place and forgot to put sunscreen on your feet, then this can be the reason why they started to peel. The skin on your feet is as sensible as the skin on the rest part of your body and it can also get a sunburn.

3. Lack of Moisture

If your feet are exposed to extreme temperatures – whether cold or hot – or constant air dryness, then it is not an uncommon thing that your skin starts to peel off. In order to avoid this, you need to use a moisturizer every day.

4. Wearing Footwear for a Long Time

When wearing footwear for prolonged periods, the sweat will make your skin damp, which will stop your skin from properly eliminating all the accumulated dead cells. All these elements can make your feet skin become cracked and peeled.

5. Fungal Infection

A fungal infection is likely to develop when there is excess damp on your feet. It can also be transmitted through direct contact from person to person, or from a contaminated area. The symptoms of fungal infection may include itchiness and skin peeling which are usually located in the area around your toes; however, if the infection becomes chronic, then it can appear in any part of your feet, including the bottom. 

6. Fever

When you have any condition that causes fever, the skin can become dehydrated because of the liquid loss trough sweating. Besides, the sweat in your feet can accumulate underneath your skin and cause little blisters that will burst afterwards, causing bottom of feet peeling.

7. Reactive Arthritis

There is a condition called reactive arthritis or reiter’s syndrome caused by immune system responding to an infection. It causes your joints, skin, eyes, and urinary tract to inflame. As a result of this condition, the skin of the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet can start to peel.

8. Allergies

Allergies are a very common cause for skin peeling in hands and feet. Perfumes, some foods, and even certain cloth fibers can trigger allergic reaction, leading to peeling skin on the bottom of your feet. 

9. Dermatitis

Dermatitis is usually related to the lack of certain skin proteins, which makes the skin hypersensitive to the environment or certain substances. Dermatitis is typically a chronic condition characterized by skin redness, swelling, itchiness and peeling of the skin. If dermatitis develops on your feet, you can get peeling on the bottom.

Bottom of Feet Peeling: Treatments

1. Treat Underlying Causes

Consult a doctor for clear diagnosis. He or she will give you proper treatments:

2. Try Home Remedies

Note: If bottom of feet peeling happens to you, under no circumstances should you try to cut excess of skin with a sharp object without specialized supervision. This can lead to a wound that can easily get infected.

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