What causes peeling skin on the soles of the feet without pain or itching?
Dec 29, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Lingjuan
Introduction
Painless peeling on the soles of the feet is most likely caused by dry skin: dryness leads to insufficient oxygen or moisture supply to epidermal cells, resulting in cell death. This condition commonly occurs during autumn and winter. Frequent use of strongly alkaline cleaning agents such as soap or dishwashing detergent may also contribute to dry foot skin, leading to peeling. Additionally, peeling may be due to vitamin deficiency.
In real life, some people who engage in physical labor may develop peeling skin on the soles of their feet due to prolonged walking. What causes peeling on the soles without pain or itching?
What causes peeling on the soles without pain or itching?
Painless peeling of the soles is most likely caused by dry skin: dryness can lead to insufficient oxygen or moisture supply to epidermal cells, resulting in cell death and subsequent peeling. This condition commonly occurs during autumn and winter. Frequent use of strongly alkaline cleaning agents such as soap or dishwashing detergent may also contribute to dryness and peeling of the skin on the feet.
It could also be due to vitamin deficiency: lack of certain vitamins may also cause localized skin peeling. It is recommended to visit a hospital for trace element testing to identify the underlying cause, followed by targeted supplementation. Keratotic tinea pedis (a type of athlete's foot): keratotic fungal infection of the feet may also result in peeling. A local fungal examination at a hospital is necessary. If test results are positive, antifungal treatment should be administered under medical guidance, such as oral terbinafine, topical miconazole clobetasol cream, or sertaconazole nitrate ointment. It is important to change socks and shoes frequently and keep the feet clean and dry.
Additionally, it might be due to exfoliative keratolysis: this condition causes the skin to split and form thin scales, which usually heal on their own after a period without treatment. Be sure to get adequate rest. We hope this answer has been helpful to you. Wishing you good health and happiness!
