What Are the Causes of Peeling and Itchy Skin on the Soles of the Feet?

Mar 09, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I’ve been feeling itchy on the soles of my feet for the past few days, and today I noticed some peeling as well. Could you please tell me what might cause peeling and itching on the soles of the feet?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Li Ruizhi
There are numerous causes of peeling and itching on the soles of the feet, as detailed below: 1. **Foot Eczema**: Foot eczema is primarily triggered by multiple internal and external allergens, leading to a hypersensitivity inflammatory reaction in the sole skin. Inflammatory mediators accelerate epidermal turnover, resulting in scaling; when they stimulate local nerve endings, pronounced pruritus (itching) occurs. 2. **Tinea Pedis (Athlete’s Foot)**: This is a fungal infection of the sole skin. Dermatophytes produce inflammatory substances that can irritate the skin, causing both itching and desquamation (peeling).