What should I do if the skin between my toes is peeling,烂脱皮, and itchy?
Nov 29, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Peeling, itching, and烂 (possibly referring to "rawness" or "skin breakdown") between the toes may be caused by factors such as foot moisture and excessive sweating, prolonged wearing of tight shoes, eczema, contact dermatitis, or fungal infections. This condition can usually be treated by keeping the feet dry, choosing breathable shoes and socks, and using medication. It is recommended to keep the feet clean and dry, wear breathable footwear, and avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes or high heels for extended periods.
Peeling, itching, and breakdown between the toes may be caused by factors such as foot moisture and sweating, prolonged wearing of tight shoes, eczema, contact dermatitis, or fungal infections. Usually, this can be managed by keeping the feet dry, choosing breathable shoes and socks, and medical treatments. If symptoms persist, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Foot Moisture and Sweating: When the feet remain moist and sweaty for prolonged periods, the skin's barrier function can be compromised, creating favorable conditions for bacterial or fungal growth, which can lead to symptoms such as peeling, itching, and breakdown between the toes. It is recommended to keep the feet dry, avoid prolonged soaking in water, and avoid wearing non-breathable shoes and socks to reduce foot moisture and sweating.
2. Prolonged Wearing of Tight Shoes: Long-term use of tight-fitting shoes, especially high heels or athletic shoes, may keep the toes compressed for extended periods, affecting blood circulation and skin respiration, which can lead to peeling, itching, and breakdown between the toes. It is recommended to choose properly fitting shoes, avoid wearing tight shoes for long periods, and regularly change into breathable shoes and socks to promote foot health.
3. Eczema: The pathogenesis of eczema may be related to multiple factors, including genetics, immunity, and environment. In the toe web spaces, eczema can damage the skin's barrier function, causing symptoms such as erosion, peeling, and itching. Topical treatments such as prednisone acetate cream, desonide cream, or ketoconazole cream may be used according to medical advice.
4. Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction caused by the skin's exposure to irritants or allergens. In the toe web spaces, contact dermatitis may cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, erosion, peeling, and itching. Avoid contact with irritants or allergens, and follow medical advice to use topical treatments such as betamethasone valerate cream, triamcinolone acetonide ointment, or loratadine tablets to manage inflammation.
5. Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis): A fungal infection of the feet can cause athlete's foot. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, where they can grow and damage skin tissue, causing inflammation and itching. Associated symptoms may include blisters, redness, and erosion. Antifungal treatments such as terbinafine hydrochloride spray, itraconazole dispersible tablets, or clotrimazole ointment may be used according to medical instructions to eliminate the fungus and promote skin recovery.
In daily life, it is important to maintain clean and dry feet, choose breathable shoes and socks, and avoid wearing tight or high-heeled shoes for extended periods. Additionally, maintain personal hygiene and avoid sharing slippers, towels, or other personal items to reduce the risk of infection.
