Peeling feet can be caused by environmental stressors or skin infections, and may be a sign of a more serious problem for diabetics. Regular exfoliation and moisturizing can help, but persistent dry patches should be examined by a doctor. Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that can be treated with over-the-counter creams, but severe cases may require medical attention. It is important to speak to a doctor if unsure about the cause of peeling feet.
Peeling feet can be caused by a number of things, some of them serious. In many cases, peeling feet are primarily the result of exposure to environmental stressors such as dry air and the sun. Dry, cracked, flaky skin can also be caused by a skin infection, such as athlete’s foot, or it can be a symptom of a more serious problem. Individuals with diabetes should be especially aware of the condition of their feet, as dry, flaky skin can be a sign of a more serious circulatory problem. Patches of dry skin on the feet that don’t go away should also be examined by a doctor, as they could be signs of skin cancer.
For many people, this is largely a cosmetic issue that can be easily addressed by regularly exfoliating and moisturizing your feet along with regular application of sunscreen. Many people have significant problems with peeling and cracked heels during the summer months, as this is when people walk around barefoot or in sandals. Exposure of skin to air can result in a buildup of dry, dead skin. Also, sun exposure can cause burns on your feet, which can lead to peeling skin. There are a number of over-the-counter treatments for peeling feet available, although diabetics should be wary of using any treatment until they have received approval from their doctor.
If an individual experiences peeling feet along with itching and burning, they may have developed athlete’s foot, a relatively common fungal infection. In such cases, the individual may experience more flaking between the toes and on the soles of the feet. You can treat athlete’s foot with over-the-counter creams and sprays. If the condition is severe, however, the sufferer may need medical attention and may need to use prescribed force treatments or even oral medications. Because athlete’s foot is contagious, it can be especially important for people who share living or bathing space with other people that their condition is diagnosed and treated.
Many skin conditions present as dry, flaky skin. When in doubt, sufferers should speak to their doctor about their concerns. While the condition may not be serious, a doctor may run tests to ensure that a patient’s peeling feet aren’t the result of uncontrolled diabetes, squamous cell skin cancer, or other skin infections or irritations that could get worse if left untreated.
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