Typical wear and tear can lead to the skin between the toes peeling occasionally. However, skin peeling between the toes can sometimes be a sign of an infection or skin condition.
The skin between the toes can peel for a variety of reasons, including allergic reactions, bacterial and fungal infections, or nerve damage.
Continue reading to find out potential causes of skin peeling between the toes and how to treat it.
Conditions that can cause skin peeling between the toes include:
Shoe contact dermatitis
Most people spend a lot of time wearing shoes, which contain a variety of materials, including adhesives, rubber, and dyes.
Shoe contact dermatitis occurs when the materials in a shoe irritate the feet. It may be due to an allergic reaction to the materials or irritation caused by the materials.
Contact dermatitis is not contagious, but a rash can spread from one area of the body to another.
The symptoms of shoe contact dermatitis include:
- swelling
- burning
- blisters
- itching
- flaking, cracked, peeling skin
- skin color changes that may be:
- darker or purplish on darker skin tones
- pink or red on lighter skin tones
Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is caused by a fungus called Trichophyton, which is often present on the skin and usually harmless. However, it is particularly prevalent in moist areas, such as locker rooms, showers, and public pools.
These warm, damp environments provide the perfect conditions for the fungus to thrive and grow. Warm, moist shoes can also allow the fungus to grow.
Athlete’s foot can affect one or both feet and anyone can get it. Peeling between the toes
Athlete’s foot can be spread from person to person through direct contact or from contaminated surfaces.
Additional symptoms of athlete’s foot include:
- thickened, cracked, flaky skin
- itchiness
- dryness
- skin color changes that may be:
- darker or purplish on darker skin tones
- pink or red on lighter skin tones
- white
Trench foot
Trench foot or immersion foot occurs when the feet remain wet and cold for an extended time, causing tissue damage.
Damage to the nerves, blood vessels, and the skin can occur, which may lead to skin peeling. Trench foot is not contagious.
Trench foot symptoms include:
- itching
- tingling
- pain
- blisters
Dyshidrotic eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema can cause itchy blisters on the fingers, toes, and soles of the feet.
According to the National Eczema Association, it is most common in adults aged 20 to 40 years.
This type of eczema is associated with seasonal allergies, high stress levels, and hot, humid weather. Having sweaty feet can make dyshidrotic eczema more likely. It is not contagious.
Dyshidrotic eczema may begin with deep blisters called vesicles or may begin with itching and burning sensations. The skin may discolor, become dry, and peel as the blisters heal. Cracks in the skin may lead to an infection.
Read about the difference between athlete’s foot and eczema.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the tissues under the skin. Healthy skin hosts many types of harmless bacteria. However, some bacteria can enter the skin through scrapes and cuts and lead to an infection in the deeper layers.
Cellulitis can develop anywhere on the skin but is most common in the lower legs and can spread to the feet. Cellulitis is not contagious.
Symptoms include:
- swelling
- pain
- skin that is warm to the touch
- blisters may develop and peel as they heal
- skin color changes
Treatment for skin peeling between the toes will depend on the underlying cause. For example, if an infection has caused the skin to peel, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
Other treatment recommendations include:
Using topical medication
Applying medicated creams and ointments to the skin between the toes and the feet may help. Medications containing hydrocortisone may decrease inflammation and itching.
If a fungus caused the infection, as in the case of athlete’s foot, a person should use antifungal creams to treat their skin. Antifungal creams are available over-the-counter, but stronger creams are available by prescription if necessary.
Avoiding allergens
If contact dermatitis is causing the skin between the toes to peel, identifying and avoiding the allergen responsible can help prevent symptoms from developing.
Applying a barrier cream to the skin between the toes may help reduce friction from the shoes.
Applying cool compresses
To reduce itching and burning, people may want to apply a cool compress to the skin. After removing it, they should moisturize the skin using a fragrance-free cream or ointment.
Everyone’s feet may occasionally rub against their shoes and cause a little irritation. The following measures may help prevent peeling, irritated skin.
- Prepare for the cold by wearing thick socks and appropriate shoes.
- Wear sandals when walking around a locker room or public pool areas.
- Wear socks made of wicking fabric that diverts moisture away from the skin.
- Keep the toes as dry as possible.
- Avoid shoes that are too tight.
- Do not share shoes or socks with other people.
- Go barefoot when possible to allow the feet to dry out.
- Allow shoes time to dry out before putting them back on.
Most people can treat skin peeling between the toes at home. However, sometimes it may be necessary to see a doctor.
A person should speak with a doctor if initial treatment does not work or if the following symptoms develop:
- the skin between the toes turns black
- red streaks appear on the feet
- feet are warm to the touch
- fever or chills occur
- a rash between the toes starts to leak fluid
Mild irritation and skin peeling between the toes is not usually due to a serious medical problem. However, peeling can also develop due to an infection, which may spread and become severe if left untreated.
Even when not caused by an infection, peeling skin can still be irritating and uncomfortable. Fortunately, most cases can be easily treated at home or with prescription medication.
Preventive steps may also go a long way to decrease the chances of irritation and skin peeling between the toes.
