Peeling of skin between the toes is a problem that many individual face. The peeling may occur as a single entity or may occur along with itching of the skin and redness with blisters. In some cases, the skin just turns white and peels off paving way for new skin. Skin peeling between the toes is usually noticed in individuals who wear shoes for prolonged periods of time as the toes rub against each other. Certain dermatological conditions also may cause skin peeling between the toes.
Why Is My Skin Peeling Between The Toes?
Some of the common causes of skin peeling between the toes are:
Toe Box Dermatitis: This is a dermatological condition seen in individuals who wear shoes with a narrow toe box. Due to the narrowness of the toe box, the toes cannot get enough space within the shoe to be comfortably placed. This leads to constant rubbing of the toes causing skin peeling between the toes. A narrow toes box causes the environment within the toe box area to become damp and also traps in heat. This results in skin peeling between the toes.
Athlete’s Foot: This is one of the most common fungal infections that cause peeling of the skin between the toes. Wearing tight socks and shoes with a narrow toe box causes the area of the toes to become damp. This provides an ideal atmosphere for fungus to thrive in. The fungus feeds on the dead skin cells around the toes and starts to spread. If left untreated the infection can spread to the toenails and other areas of the body.
Athletes Foot can also cause cracks in the skin between the toes which may lead to bacteria infiltrating the body causing secondary bacterial infection which may require aggressive treatment. Blisters or bumps in the skin along with flaking of the skin are some of the other symptoms that are usually seen in individuals with Athletes Foot along with Peeling of the skin between the toes.
Cellulitis: This is a bacterial infection of the skin. Bacteria tend to infiltrate the body through dry cracked skin which can be caused due to various fungal infections around the toe area like ringworms and Athletes Foot. This leads to a bacterial infection causing the skin to become inflamed, red, and painful along with peeling of the skin between the toes.
Trench Foot: This is a medical condition that is caused when the foot is exposed to extremely cold conditions for a prolonged period of time repetitively. This condition causes the blisters, redness, and pain in the toe along with peeling of the skin between the toes. Repetitive exposure of the foot in damp conditions like a lake or any other water body can also cause a Trench Foot. This is usually seen in fishermen or workers who clear the snow on highways wearing rubber work boots as the damp environment causes skin peeling between the toes.
Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a common skin condition which may cause peeling of the skin between the toes. This condition is also known by the name of eczema. Although the exact cause of this condition is unknown but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder and can be triggered by stress, infections, or medications with the primary symptoms being rash and blistering of the skin along with peeling of the skin between the toes.
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