What Causes Itchy and Peeling Skin on the Feet?

Update Date: 2024-05-22 Source: Network

Athlete's foot is an infectious disease caused by fungal infection. Therefore, families with patients suffering from athlete's foot must pay attention to personal hygiene habits and avoid sharing slippers, towels, and other items with family members. Some people may experience itchy feet when wearing shoes with poor breathability during the spring and autumn seasons. What causes peeling and itching of the feet? Let's delve into the reasons below.

I. What Causes Peeling and Itching of the Feet?

1. Firstly, most cases of peeling and itching of the feet are caused by eczema, especially chronic eczema that persists for a long time. This may lead to itching in the feet, sometimes accompanied by itching symptoms around the soles and heels. A certain degree of keratin hyperplasia may also occur, which may lead to peeling when it reaches a certain extent. Therefore, eczema is a possible cause.

2. Secondly, peeling and itching of the feet may also be caused by tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete's foot or Hong Kong foot. This condition is characterized by peeling of the soles, erosion of the foot seams, and accompanying itching. It is caused by fungal infection and requires antifungal treatment.

3. If peeling and itching of the feet are caused by athlete's foot, it is important to keep the feet dry and clean. Clean the feet multiple times a day, change socks and shoes frequently. Wear shoes with good breathability and avoid wearing non-breathable shoes such as sneakers to prevent excessive sweat and worsen foot odor. It is crucial to address peeling or itching of the feet as early as possible.

II. How to Deal with Peeling and Itching of the Feet?

1. Attend to Personal Hygiene: Peeling and itching of the feet are often caused by athlete's foot. Use a cotton ball dipped in medical alcohol or iodine to regularly wipe the affected areas. Regularly wash the feet and wrap the toes with cotton cloth at night to isolate them and prevent cross-infection. Maintain dry skin on the feet to facilitate the treatment of athlete's foot and alleviate discomfort.

2. Strengthen Preventive Measures: Athlete's foot is prone to recurrence, so it is necessary to strengthen prevention after treatment. Choose loose and breathable shoes and socks and change them frequently. Opt for breathable fabric shoes and avoid synthetic leather shoes. Expose shoes to sunlight and boil socks in hot water for disinfection.

3. Adjust Dietary Habits: Apart from attending to the cleanliness and hygiene of shoes and foot skin, it is also important to pay attention to diet. Avoid consuming spicy foods such as onions, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers as they may stimulate sweat production in the feet and exacerbate the symptoms of athlete's foot. Consume bland foods to timely replenish nutrients and alleviate discomfort from peeling and itching of the feet.