Your feet take a beating every day — and so does the skin on your feet. From sweaty shoes and hot weather to infections and chronic skin conditions, there are plenty of possible reasons why your skin is shedding more than usual there.
Peeling skin might not seem like a big deal, but persistent or excessive peeling on your feet and toes could be your body’s way of saying something’s wrong.
Our board-certified podiatrists at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers know how frustrating this type of foot issue can be, especially now that the warmest months of the year are arriving. Here, we cover what you need to know about peeling skin on your feet or toes and what you can do about it.
Let’s start with the basics. Dry skin, or xerosis, is one of the most common culprits behind peeling feet and toes. It often shows up as:
Dry air, hot showers, and friction from shoes can all contribute. If you skip moisturizing — or live in sandals all summer — you might notice your feet shedding more than usual.
Moisturize daily (especially after bathing), avoid super-hot water, and try using a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week to remove dead skin.
If the peeling is between your toes, don’t be so quick to blame run-of-the-mill dry skin. It could be athlete’s foot, a common fungal infection you can pick up in warm, damp environments like sweaty socks and locker rooms.
Symptoms typically include:
Antifungal creams, sprays, or powders can usually clear things up. We also recommend keeping your feet dry, changing socks regularly, and avoiding walking barefoot in public areas like pools or gyms.
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, can also appear on your feet, especially if you’re prone to the condition elsewhere. This inflammatory skin condition leads to:
Flare-ups can also stem from stress, heat, allergens, or even certain fabrics and detergents.
Use fragrance-free moisturizers, wear breathable socks, and talk to one of our experts about topical treatments or allergy testing if your eczema doesn’t calm down.
While you might associate psoriasis with elbows or knees, it can also affect your feet. In fact, palmoplantar psoriasis specifically targets the palms and soles. Telltale signs include:
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, not just a skin issue, so it often requires more than just lotion. Prescription creams, phototherapy, or oral medications may be the best path forward. If you suspect psoriasis, have our team evaluate you regularly to keep your feet functional and comfortable.
It might not be the most common spot on your body that burns, but you can get a sunburn on your feet — and peeling could be a side effect. The tops of your feet are especially vulnerable and often overlooked.
You know you’re dealing with sunburn if you have:
We recommend cool compresses, aloe vera, and staying out of the sun while your skin heals. And next time, don’t skip the SPF on your feet.
Occasional dryness or peeling is normal, but if your symptoms are persistent, painful, or spreading, it’s time to call on our experts. You should see one of our podiatrists if:
Proper diagnosis is key, especially because different conditions can look similar. Our team has years of experience dealing with all types of foot issues; we can pinpoint the cause and create a treatment plan that works.
Peeling feet and toes might seem minor, but they can signal bigger problems if left untreated. Whether it’s dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn, or a fungal infection, knowing what you’re dealing with is the best first step.
If you’re concerned about your foot health, call or click to request an appointment at the Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers location nearest you.
