What causes peeling feet?

Sep 07, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, peeling feet may be caused by factors such as aging, seasonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, athlete's foot (tinea pedis), or psoriasis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a healthcare professional. In daily life, it's important to keep the skin on your feet moisturized and drink plenty of water to maintain body hydration. Moisturizing creams or hand lotions can also be used to help retain moisture.

Generally, peeling feet may be caused by factors such as aging, seasonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, athlete's foot (tinea pedis), psoriasis, and other conditions. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Aging

As people age, skin metabolism slows down and the stratum corneum thickens, which may lead to peeling of the feet. It is important to maintain clean and moisturized skin and perform regular exfoliation.

2. Seasonal Changes

Fluctuations in humidity and temperature in the air can affect the skin's moisture balance, causing dryness or excessive moisture, leading to peeling feet. Skin care should be adjusted according to seasonal changes—nourishing the skin during dry seasons or keeping feet dry when humidity is high.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

Long-term dietary imbalances, especially deficiencies in vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin C, may result in rough, dry skin and flaking on the feet. Adjusting the diet to include foods rich in vitamin A and vitamin C can help promote skin recovery.

4. Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)

Athlete's foot is primarily caused by fungal infection. Fungi grow and multiply on the feet, potentially causing thickening and shedding of the skin's outer layer. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as itching and erosion. Treatment may include antifungal medications such as bifonazole cream, ketoconazole solution, or clotrimazole cream, as prescribed by a doctor.

5. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is commonly associated with genetic factors, high levels of stress, and abnormal immune responses, which may damage the skin on the feet and lead to the aforementioned symptoms. It may also present with itching and red patches. Treatments may include halometasone cream, tretinoin cream, or Xiaoyin granules, used according to a physician’s recommendations.

In daily life, it is important to keep the skin on the feet well-moisturized and drink plenty of water to maintain adequate hydration in the body.

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