Why does the skin peel off between the toes and how to treat it?

Many people often encounter unpleasant cases when the skin peels off between their toes and feet. This problem is often accompanied by unpleasant symptoms in the form of itching and burning.

This type of problem can be provoked by a large number of reasons, the identification of which often requires a special examination. The occurrence of cases where there is a violation of the skin between the toes and feet requires a special type of treatment.

Otherwise, ulcers may form and further spread of the disease to healthy areas of the body. Also, great attention should be paid to the quality and condition of shoes and the rules of daily hygiene.

Why does the skin peel between my toes?

Skin can peel off for various reasons, which may be individual for each organism.

However, the most common reasons should be highlighted:

Poor-quality shoes - the use of low-quality shoes can lead to increased sweating, which often causes problems with the skin between the toes;
Uncomfortable shoes - improperly selected shoes, as well as high heels, can lead to compression of the skin and disruption of its integrity;
Lack of vitamins is most often observed in spring and winter. A lack of vitamins A and E can lead to peeling skin between the toes;
Being in too hot or cold conditions - exposure to low or high temperatures can lead to problems;
Staying in water for a long time - this especially applies to frequent trips to swimming pools. Chlorinated water can be hard on the delicate skin between your toes;
Lack of timely hygiene - it is worth devoting time to this point every day;
Disease with pathogenic fungi of the feet can disrupt the integrity of the skin between the toes;
Disease of the digestive organs tends to manifest itself in the form of skin disorders on the legs; enduring prolonged stressful situations - prolonged stress can negatively affect the condition of the skin, including the toes.

In addition to the main causes of the problem, there may be individual ones related to nutrition and lifestyle.

It is very rare to find out the reasons on your own, so it is recommended to visit a medical facility if you have unpleasant symptoms.

Why does the skin on my feet peel off?

The skin on the feet can peel off for the following reasons:

Increased level of dry air - which negatively affects the condition of the skin;
Allergy to low-quality shoes - which reduces the supply of sufficient air;
Incorrectly selected preparations for the care of the skin of the legs, and the skin may itch;
Hormonal changes in the body can lead to a decrease in moisture levels in the layers of the epidermis;
Increased sweating of the feet is associated with complex processes occurring in the human body due to the presence of a large number of receptors on the feet;
Insufficient amount of vitamins and foot diseases;
Increased body weight , which leads to poor circulation in the extremities and the skin begins to crack.

The appearance of peeling skin on the feet can occur as a result of long-term use of antibiotics as a side effect, for the elimination of which you should consult with your doctor.

Causes

Doctors say that acral peeling syndrome is a genetic disease that occurs due to a mutation in the TGM5 gene.

The TGM5 gene produces an enzyme called transglutaminase-5

, which is a component of the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin.

Transglutaminase-5 plays an important role in the formation of a structure called the keratinized cell membrane that envelops epidermal cells.

Mutation of the TGM5 gene reduces the production of transglutaminase-5. This makes the sheath of dead skin cells weak and allows the top layer of skin to separate from the underlying layers very easily.

The condition can develop if both parents have a copy of the mutated gene. However, the biological parents themselves usually do not show any symptoms of acral peeling skin syndrome.

If a person has one copy of the gene mutation, they are a carrier. Carriers typically do not show any symptoms of this condition.

Why does the skin on my toes peel off?

There are the following reasons why the skin on the toes peels off:

Foot fungus – promotes the destruction of epidermal cells;
Bad habits and excess weight can impair blood circulation in the extremities;
Insufficient intake of vitamins or hypervitaminosis;
Footwear and hosiery made of artificial fabrics;
Age-related changes in the body, leading to hormonal imbalances, which tend to manifest themselves as a violation of the integrity of the skin on the toes.

Another common reason that leads to peeling skin on the fingers is prolonged exposure to hypothermia of the extremities.

Problem

Itchy skin can appear on any part of the body, but most often we experience it on the skin of the arms and legs.
It can begin at any time of the day, but it is especially unpleasant to experience itching at night, when it is most difficult for us to resist the urge to scratch the itchy area.

In addition, when we rest, the body produces less adrenaline and cortisone, but there is an increase in the production of the hormone histamine, which makes us feel itching even more. It can become a symptom of the development of an infection, in particular, foot fungus .

Peeling skin on children's legs

The occurrence of a violation of the integrity of the skin in the leg area in childhood can cause a large number of unpleasant symptoms.

This type of problem can appear at absolutely any age, starting from the first days of life. Most often, to identify the causes of unpleasant symptoms, a consultation with a pediatrician is required.

Why does the skin peel off between the toes of children?

In childhood, the skin has increased sensitivity and reacts to external stimuli more acutely than adults.

Most often, the skin between the toes in children is damaged for the following reasons:

Infectious lesions of the skin of the feet - most often it is foot fungus;
Allergic reactions – it is possible that the skin may react to the artificial materials from which the shoes are made;
Diseases of the endocrine system - as a result, there is a sharp decrease in immunity to various external stimuli;
Dry indoor air disrupts water metabolism in the body and leads to damage to the integrity of the skin between the fingers;
Maintaining improper foot hygiene - incorrectly selected daily care products can provoke a violation of the integrity of the skin between the toes;

Very often, the problem can manifest itself as a result of using shoes that are too warm for the season.

Why does the skin peel off on children's feet?

The following reasons can cause problems associated with peeling skin on the feet in childhood:

Dysbacteriosis , which negatively affects the condition of the skin;
The presence of helminths can be manifested by symptoms of a violation of the integrity of the skin on the feet;
Lack of the required amount of vitamins A, E;
Fungal infections of various origins;
Damage to the skin by staphylococcal bacteria is most often observed in the first days of life;
Allergic reactions to household chemicals used to wash the child’s clothes;
Using chlorinated water for foot hygiene.

Almost every parent has encountered problems with peeling skin on their feet. After eliminating the cause that caused this type of disorder, as a rule, the symptoms disappear.

Why does the skin on my child's toes peel off?

The reasons that cause a violation of the integrity of the integument on the toes of a child are as follows:

Tight shoes interfere with blood circulation in the limbs;
Poor nutrition and sedentary lifestyle;
Too dry air that disrupts water metabolism;
Use of hosiery out of season.

Much more often, simultaneous skin lesions on the fingers and feet are observed. The disease can occur without any symptoms and is not treated by the child’s parents for a long time.

Household chemicals

Many housewives complain that after using new detergents, the skin on their palms often peels off. The chemical composition of such gels and mousses can adversely affect human health and cause allergic reactions. If your detergent causes any irritation, you should replace it after carefully studying the composition.

In the future, it is recommended to wash dishes and do household chores only with rubber gloves. After work, you should wash your hands thoroughly and apply moisturizer to them.

Peeling skin on legs during pregnancy

During the period of bearing a child, a woman can often face various problems. One of these problems is peeling skin on the legs.

The disease can manifest itself for the following reasons:

Hormonal imbalance – during pregnancy, hormonal changes in the body occur, which affects the condition of the skin;
Swelling of the legs - reduces blood circulation in the extremities and leads to peeling;
Improper daily care and unbalanced diet;
Tight and uncomfortable shoes very often cause increased sweating and compression of the lower extremities;
Infectious diseases of the skin of the legs.

Absolutely any external influence on a woman’s body during pregnancy can cause peeling of the legs.

Dry skin on feet

Shoes are important!

A common cause of dry skin on the feet is improper care and wearing uncomfortable shoes. Dry feet may be accompanied by the appearance of dry, painful calluses.

Dry skin and cracks are most common on the feet and fingers. The skin in these areas is thicker and requires careful and deep hydration.

Diagnostics

The appearance of peeling on the feet and toes requires the use of special treatment. To identify the cause that provoked this type of unpleasant symptoms, you should undergo appropriate diagnostics.

It consists of the following:

Identification of symptoms during communication with the patient and external examination by a doctor;
Collection of damaged skin particles for analysis;
Blood test, including for hormonal disorders;
Urine and stool analysis.

Based on the results of the analysis, treatment is prescribed; in cases where the test results do not indicate the cause of the disease, additional types of examination may be prescribed.

How to stop itching

The difficulty is to break the vicious circle of itching/scratching, and this is not at all as easy as it seems.

Cold showers, baths, and ice packs can help numb the itching.

Moisturizing should be the first step to getting rid of eczema, as moisture can help block the spaces between skin cells where allergens multiply. You can also use one of the over-the-counter medications to treat your symptoms.

If the itching continues to haunt you, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

What should care be like?

Proper skin care around the feet will help prevent a large number of unpleasant symptoms.

It is recommended to follow the following care rules:

Choose comfortable shoes to prevent corns and calluses;
Wash your feet daily using soapy water and a special stiff brush for feet;
After washing your feet, apply a nourishing or antibacterial cream to your feet;
Monitor the condition of your nails and avoid overly long or ingrown nails. What can trigger the inflammatory process;
Once every few weeks, special foot baths will help reduce the likelihood of the formation of stratum corneum;
If there are minor damages , treat with an antibacterial agent to prevent infectious diseases;
For elevated feet, use special medications recommended for the prevention of foot and nail fungi.

After visiting public places with high levels of humidity, such as a bathhouse or sauna, you should treat your feet with antibacterial soap and dry them with a towel.

Facial skin is peeling: what to do at home?

At home, it is quite possible to prepare products that will moisturize dry skin no worse than expensive ready-made preparations. The advantages of folk recipes include the availability of the necessary ingredients, natural origin and confidence in the naturalness of the product.

The most popular homemade skin care products are masks. After the first use, the result will be visible if you take oatmeal (1 tablespoon) steamed with milk and add a spoonful of homemade cream to it. There are also options with honey, butter, and full-fat cottage cheese (with added milk).

A mask with tocopherol (vitamin E) is suitable for dry skin. The price of the solution in the pharmacy is 35-45 rubles. (for 20 ml). Melt cocoa butter (1 tbsp) in a water bath, add 1 tbsp. l. liquid vitamin E and the same amount of sea buckthorn fruit oil. Tocopherol also combines well with lanolin (1:2). The masks are kept on the face for no more than half an hour, after which they are washed off with warm water or using a damp sponge.

Drug treatment

If peeling occurs on the legs, it is recommended to carry out appropriate treatment to prevent further development of the disease. The type of treatment and course are prescribed by the attending physician depending on the type of disease.

To eliminate excessive dry skin, it is necessary to saturate the body with beneficial vitamins and use the following types of medications:

Salicylic acid – has an antimicrobial and softening effect. Apply a thin layer to the skin of the feet after washing. The duration of treatment is determined individually. Not recommended for use by people under 12 years of age. Average cost 70 rubles ;
Calendula ointment - used for moisturizing and antibacterial effect. It is prescribed twice a day with a thin layer on previously cleansed skin of the feet. Allowed for use from the age of 5 years. Average cost 60 rubles ;
Bepanten – helps eliminate unpleasant symptoms and accelerates the process of skin regeneration. Apply twice daily. Duration of treatment until the complete disappearance of unpleasant symptoms. In childhood, it is used from the age of 1 month, for a course of no more than 5 days. The average cost is 440 rubles .

Salicylic acid Calendula ointment Bepanten
To eliminate pathogenic fungi, the following types of drugs are prescribed:

Fluconazole is used to eliminate fungal infections and other types of infections. Use one tablet twice a day for a course of treatment of up to 5 days. Not prescribed during pregnancy and for children under 14 years of age. Average cost 90 rubles ;
Lamisil spray - used to eliminate peeling on the feet and between the toes caused by fungal infections. Prescribed twice a day after cleansing the skin. The course of treatment is prescribed until the unpleasant symptoms disappear. Can be used from the age of 7 years. Average cost 400 rubles ;
Terbizil cream - has the property of penetrating deeply into the layers of the epidermis and destroying fungal cells. Apply once a day in a thin layer to cleansed skin, treatment duration is up to 14 days. Prescribed for children over 12 years of age. The average cost is 250 rubles .

Fluconazole Lamisil Terbizil
For diseases associated with vitamin deficiency, the following drugs are prescribed:

Use of vitamins A and E - can be purchased at the pharmacy in the form of gelatin capsules for daily use. Prescribed for ages over 7 years, one capsule for 14 days. Average cost 120 rubles ;
Foot balm "Doctor Biokon" - used to nourish and restore the skin of the feet and fingers. Apply once a day after washing your feet. Duration of treatment until symptoms disappear. Allowed for use from the age of 12 years. Cost 80 rubles ;
Radevit – contains vitamin complexes and has a wound-healing effect. Apply once a day, course of treatment is up to 15 days. Cost 350 rubles .

Aevit Doctor Biokon Radevit
Peeling of the feet caused by dry air and improper care requires the use of the following medications:

Zorka is a drug that contains petroleum jelly and nutritional components, applied twice a day to cleansed skin of the legs for the duration of treatment until the unpleasant symptoms disappear. Can be used from the age of 12 years. Cost 60 rubles ;
Foot cream “Five days” with sea buckthorn oil is prescribed to nourish and moisturize the skin. Apply twice a day for 5 days. Appointed from the age of 6 years. Cost 60 rubles .

Zorka Five days
It is recommended to use medications only after consulting a doctor to prevent the formation of allergic reactions and aggravation of the disease.

Pain due to cholelithiasis

If stones have formed in the gall bladder, then painful colic may periodically occur. Intense acute pain lasts about 2 hours. If the attack lasts longer, this indicates cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or cholangitis (disease of the bile ducts). Cholelithiasis can often be accompanied by cholecystitis. Biliary (liver) colic is manifested by sharp pain in the upper abdomen and occurs occasionally. Depending on the severity of the condition, they may appear frequently or rarely. Fatty foods provoke painful attacks in diseases of the gallbladder and pancreas.

Traditional methods of treatment

To reduce peeling of the skin in the area of the feet and toes, it is recommended to use the following traditional medicine methods:

Apple with milk - grate one green apple on a coarse grater and add two tablespoons of milk. It is recommended to apply the resulting mixture to the damaged areas and secure with a bandage. Duration of treatment is 5 days. Allowed for use from 3 years;
Olive oil – heat a small amount of oil and apply to the damaged area using a cotton pad. Put on socks and leave the oil on your feet overnight. Use until the unpleasant symptoms of peeling completely disappear;
Foot baths with soda are recommended for fungal infections. Add a tablespoon of soda to a liter of hot water. Leave the bath for 20 minutes, then apply antiseptic cream to your feet. Duration of treatment is up to 10 days;
Bath with salt and tea tree oil - add a liter of warm water to a tablespoon of salt and two drops of tea tree oil. Leave the bath for 15 minutes, then lubricate the skin with baby cream. Used from the age of 6 months. Duration of treatment up to 8 days;
Iodine baths are used for fungal infections and reduce the further development of the microorganism in the epidermis. Add 5 drops of iodine to a liter of hot water and lower your feet. Leave the bath for 5 minutes, then apply an antibacterial drug. Prohibited during pregnancy. The course of treatment is 10 days of daily procedure.

The use of traditional medicine methods helps eliminate mild degrees of skin damage; for more complex ones, the use of special drugs is required.

Recommendations for treatment

For successful treatment, it is recommended to follow the following types of recommendations:

Saturate your diet with healthy vitamins and minerals that will enhance the natural processes of skin cell regeneration;
Use special antibacterial sprays to treat shoes;
During the treatment period, do not visit public places such as the beach, sauna;
Use individual personal hygiene items and clothing;
When applying the drug, use special socks to achieve quick results.

Proper treatment will quickly eliminate peeling and unpleasant symptoms of itching.

Use of cosmetics

It is preferable to purchase ointments with creams and serums for flaking and dry skin on the hands at a pharmacy instead of ordinary stores. Products sold in pharmacy chains are intended for various skin types. Problematic skin types that begin to flake should be treated for flaking and peeling with healing creams that also perform bactericidal and moisturizing functions.

What to do if the skin on your face is peeling

Peeling skin should be treated with herbal creams to make it soft and smooth.

Helpful advice. You can make a hand bath from dried herbal infusions sold in pharmacies.

Prevention

Proper care has a special place in maintaining the health of the skin on your legs.

It is recommended to follow the following prevention rules:

After washing your feet, it is recommended to dry the skin with a towel, not ignoring the area between the toes;
When washing your feet, use laundry soap or a weak solution of manganese;
When choosing shoes, use products made of genuine leather and the right size;
In case of excessive sweating, use special medications to reduce the functioning of the sweat glands;
Treat fungal skin lesions in a timely manner, and if calluses and corns appear, be sure to eliminate the problem;
Avoid prolonged exposure to places with high humidity and direct sunlight;
Trim nails in a timely manner and ensure the cleanliness of socks and hosiery;
After visiting public areas, treat your feet with antibacterial agents.

Proper care will help not only eliminate the problem of peeling feet and toes, but also prevent the formation of various infectious diseases.

Preventive measures

With good nutrition and regular moisturizing of the skin, troubles can be avoided.
Eating a diet low in fat and without excess carbohydrates not only eliminates dryness, but also prolongs the youth of the skin. Washing with water is carried out after preliminary boiling and cooling. When working with chemicals, it is important to remember to protect your skin and mucous membranes. During the cold season, the skin is wrapped as much as possible. Control of psychological state and physical training are considered factors in maintaining health. If the methods are ineffective, a visit to the doctor will help solve the skin problem.

Be sure to read:

How to properly shave a man with a razor without irritation

You can also watch a video on how to care for the skin of your hands: