We know how annoying it is to suffer from big toe peeling. Although it doesn’t imply any life-threatening issue in most cases, the condition is both unappealing and irritating.
Thus, read on if you want to figure out the 5 most common causes of skin on bottom of toes shredding and how to treat accordingly.
5 Reasons Why Skin On Bottom Of Toes Shredding
Athlete’s Foot
The athlete’s foot condition is caused by a fungus that mainly attacks the feet. It commonly begins around your toes and might infect both or just a single foot.
The following are the most common indications of the athlete’s foot:
- A red, crusty, unpleasant rash.
- Burning.
- Irritating.
- The skin on bottom of toes shredding.
- Blistering.
- Dehydration and splotchy skin.
You could develop this condition by directly contacting the fungus that generates disease.
Besides, you could contract it by physical contact with somebody who suffers from the athlete’s foot or by going barefoot on the surfaces that have the fungus. Since this fungus grows in damp, humid environments, it is frequently seen on the floors of restrooms, saunas, and hot tubs.
Also, as athletes’ feet are infectious, you might acquire the disease via sharing footwear or towels.
It could also appear on your toes if they get very moist or sticky. However, this is more prevalent if your footwear has poor ventilation or your socks do not absorb sweat properly.
If you develop an athlete’s foot, you could use an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medicine to treat it. If it doesn’t help, consult with a doctor. They could recommend a more potent antifungal medicine.
You can avoid possible athlete’s foot by adopting the following notes:
- Don’t leave your feet sweaty for an extended period.
- Change your socks and shoes frequently.
- Don’t go barefoot in public places like gym’s bathrooms, or saunas.
- Choose well-ventilated shoes.
- Don’t use others’ shoes, socks, or towels.
- Apply talcum powder on your feet if they tend to be sweaty.
Dry Skin
Textured, flaky, and skin itchiness is typical of dehydrated skin, which triggers skin on bottom of toes shredding. It’s also prone to irritation, which might result in flaking.
Dry skin might involve an accompanying medicinal reason in certain circumstances, while a few people simply possess naturally dry skin. Whether you possess an existing problem or not, dry skin on your foot could be induced or worsened by:
- Relatively low humidity.
- Steamy saunas or baths.
- Dehydration.
- Excessive sun exposure.
- Stress.
- Addictive materials’ usage.
The following treatments are available for parched, flaky skin on your feet:
- Use a body lotion daily, notably after showering when your skin is wet; opt for fragrance-free and dye-free cosmetics.
- Apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to the concerned areas.
- Use a humidifier to increase the moisture in the environment.
- Utilize gentle cleansers that will not aggravate your skin.
- Shower using tepid, not hot, water.
See how to best moisturize your feet here: HOW TO TREAT DRY, CRACKED HEELS
Eczema
Eczema, a kind of skin disease, is also a cause of big toe peeling. There are various eczema varieties, but the most prevalent is atopic dermatitis. This condition may develop anywhere in the body. While it is more frequent on the forearms, elbows, back of the knees, and head, it could also occur on the feet.
The following are the most common eczema signs:
- A burning, tickly dermatitis, which is the most prevalent sign.
- Scratchy, flaky skin.
- Peeling.
Eczema sometimes develops flare-ups, in which conditions worsen for an extended period but afterward get better via intervals. It is not infectious, and in some instances, it might develop less severely over time.
Eczema has no recognized causes. It’s most often a combination of genes and environmental variables. Eczema is more common in those who suffer from allergies or asthma.
Eczema treatments involve:
- Antihistamine pills.
- Topical prescriptions, which might include steroid lotions.
- Moisturizers.
- Phototherapy.
- Immune-related medications.
- Oral steroids, but only in extreme circumstances.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a recurring skin condition associated with red skin areas and scaly skin. These regions might be stinging or scratchy, but predominantly no accompanying physical symptoms. They could occur on any section of your skin. Yet, the bottoms of your feet are frequently impacted.
Most of the time, an increase of epidermis cells triggers psoriasis spots. The etiology of psoriasis is undetermined; however, it is most commonly an immunological disorder. Genes are also likely to have an impact.
Psoriasis is a chronic illness that causes blotches to appear out of thin air. Flare-ups are becoming increasingly pervasive:
- During the wintertime.
- Following an infection, like rheumatic fever.
- When you’re suffering from stress.
- After consuming alcohol.
- When you have skin conditions.
Psoriasis care often involves:
- Topical corticosteroids to handle the flaky blotches.
- Moisturizing lotions.
- Salicylic acid.
- Phototherapy.
- Immunosuppressive medications or biologics, in severe cases or if other methods don’t help.
Hyperhidrosis
Another common cause of skin peeling on bottom of big toe involves hyperhidrosis.
Overly sweating is a symptom of hyperhidrosis. It might impact your whole body or just some parts of it. One of the most frequently impacted areas on your body is your feet.
If your foot sweats a lot, it can lead to inflammation, burning, and flaking.
You can relieve your hyperhidrosis condition on the feet using:
- A prescription-strength aluminum chloride medication that works as a powerful antiperspirant and may be used on sweating regions
- Microfiber towels containing glycopyrronium, which aid in sweat reduction.
- Oral anticholinergic medications that inhibit specific neurotransmitters and could significantly decrease sweating
When Do You Need To See A Doctor?
Most of the frequent triggers of shredded skin on big toe aren’t life-threatening illnesses, and the flaking may be handled. It could even go away by itself. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical advice:
- a redness or flaking that does not go away with over-the-counter medications or similar self-care practices.
- Diabetes and flaky skin on your toes, particularly if you experience stinging or other indications of infection.
- Swelling of your feet.
- A strong and persistent stench in the feet.
- When peeling is extreme, notably when there is no recognized reason.
- When noticing dehydration symptoms, including excessive drinking, parched lips, drowsiness, and dizziness.
- Fever.
- A blister with a lot of redness and leaking fluids.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, our post has helped you understand the 5 most common causes of skin on bottom of toes shredding and how to best treat this annoying condition.
As mentioned above, although the situation isn’t severe in most scenarios, if you notice the peeling escalating or suspect any disease, consult your doctor for better advice. Good luck!
