{"id":626709,"date":"2024-02-09T14:18:08","date_gmt":"2024-02-09T19:18:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626709"},"modified":"2025-04-18T13:53:53","modified_gmt":"2025-04-18T17:53:53","slug":"thick-peeling-skin-on-feet-causes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/thick-peeling-skin-on-feet-causes\/","title":{"rendered":"Thick peeling skin on feet: Causes and treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thick, peeling skin on the feet may be a nuisance for many. Most complain that no matter what they do, their skin feels tight, dry, and flaky. They may also notice that the skin will slough off, but the process never stops. Peeling skin on the feet is quite common and can be caused by various health conditions, including poor blood flow, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, and thyroid problems. Certain skin infections, skin conditions or disorders, or environmental factors may also be responsible for thick, peeling skin on the feet. The good news is that there are ways to prevent it, and many treatments can be found over the counter.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What causes thick, peeling skin on feet?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are many conditions associated with the cause of thick, peeling skin on the feet. We will review some causes and ways to treat the skin properly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Athlete\u2019s foot<\/span><\/h3>\n

The most common cause of peeling feet is <\/span>athlete’s foot<\/span><\/a>, also known as tinea pedis. Athlete\u2019s foot is caused by various fungi found in moist environments. Fungus can infect anywhere on the foot, but the soles and in between the toes are the most common. It can also infect the toenails.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms of athlete’s foot are a dry, flaky, scaly skin rash on the bottom of the feet. This condition is contagious and can spread from direct contact with surfaces touched by the infected skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Skin peeling from an athlete\u2019s foot infection improves within two to four weeks after appropriate antifungal treatments. <\/span>Treatment<\/span><\/a> options include over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as antifungal foot sprays and powders. If symptoms do not improve or get worse within four weeks, a primary healthcare provider or podiatrist can treat an athlete’s foot infection. They may recommend prescription <\/span>antifungal<\/span><\/a> creams, such as <\/span>terbinafine<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>tolnaftate<\/span><\/a>, or <\/span>Lotrimin<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>clotrimazole<\/span><\/a>), for severe cases.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can prevent the spread of athlete\u2019s foot by avoiding walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms, public showers, or pools. You can also prevent it by wearing clean socks and shoes and wearing flip-flops versus closed shoes, which can cause your feet to sweat more and trap moisture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dry skin\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Dry skin, also known as xeroderma, is another cause of peeling feet. It is more common on the bottoms of the feet, but it can occur anywhere on the body. Dry skin looks flaky and can be thick with small cracks. When skin is severely dry, it will also peel and cause pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dry skin can improve in a few days with appropriate <\/span>treatment<\/span><\/a>, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n